Complete your formalities
In Belgium, certain economic activities require proof of professional skills or a specific permit, licence or certification before they can be carried out. Check which requirements apply to your business before you start operating.
What factors affect your requests?
The permits or licences you need to conduct your business in Belgium depend on several factors:
- your activities: the NACE-BEL codes describe the activities you carry out. Certain activities entail specific obligations
- your business locations: some of the rules that apply to your business depend on the region or municipality where you will be conducting your activities
- the exercise of your activities: certain permits may be required, depending on how you exercise your activities. For example, if you play music in your establishments or invest in the stock market
Which licences, permits or certifications do you need?
The following questions may help you determine which obligations may apply to your situation. Please note that these are only the most common permits. Other permits may apply.
- Do you work with food or feed intended for human or animal consumption? A food marketing permit is required for anyone who produces, processes or sells food.
- Do you play music in your business? To play music in public, you must obtain a UNISONO licence.
- Are you planning to build or renovate, or start a business that will have an impact on the environment? In the Brussels-Capital, Walloon and Flemish regions, an environmental permit is required for construction projects and activities that impact the environment.
- Do you want to bid on public contracts as a contractor? An official contractor’s licence certifies that you meet the legal requirements for public contracts.
- Will you be importing or exporting goods to/from the EU? For international trade, you need an EORI number. Customs use this number for registration and security procedures.
- Do you sell, manufacture or transport alcohol or tobacco? The sale of alcohol and tobacco is regulated in Belgium and requires an Alcohol and Tobacco Retailer License.
- Are you opening a butcher's shop? In Wallonia and Brussels, you must be able to present a butcher licence to work as a butcher.
- Do you use phytopharmaceuticals? If you use, sell or recommend professional-use phytopharmaceuticals, you must have a plant protection licence.
- Is your company planning to invest in the stock market? You will not be able to conduct transactions on the stock market without a unique LEI code for your company.
How to apply for permits?
You can apply for your own permits and licences from the appropriate authority (see overview). You can also ask an accredited business counter to handle all the necessary procedures for you, for a fee.
Find more information about region-specific permits:
Frequently asked questions
What permits do I need to start a business in Belgium?
It varies from company to company. Your activities (NACE codes), industry and region determine which permits or licences are required. Consider, for example, a food permit, an environmental permit or a permit to play music at your establishment.
Do I always need a licence, permit or certification to carry out an activity?
No. For many activities, no permit is required. A permit is required only for regulated sectors or certain specific activities (such as food processing or construction).
How do I know if I need a permit for my business?
Contact the relevant authority in your municipality or region, or seek advice from an accredited business counter. You can also use this tool for an overview of the permits and licences that may apply to your business.
Where can I find help to apply for a permit for my business?
You can contact an accredited business counter or the relevant authority. They will assist you with your application and ensure that you comply with all the legal requirements.