Social insurance fund
In Belgium, you are obliged to join a social insurance fund before starting your business. The fund manages your social security system: You pay social security contributions to obtain social rights.
What is a social insurance fund?
Your social insurance fund is the organisation you pay your quarterly social security contributions to as a business. Contributions are calculated on the basis of your net professional income. In return, you receive social rights, such as family allowances, pension, sickness or disability benefits, as well as the "droit passerelle" (income replacement and continuation of certain social rights) in the event you are forced to terminate your activities.
Who is obliged to become a member?
In practical terms, this obligation concerns the following categories:
- professionals who are self-employed as their primary occupation
- professionals who are self-employed as their secondary occupation
- company managers and directors (except in the case of non-remunerated mandates)
- active partners
- self-employed students
And companies, too
Have you set up a company? The company itself must then join a social insurance fund, separate from your personal membership. This fund must be joined within three months of the creation of the company. The company pays a fixed annual fee by 31 December of the year in question.
How do you join a social insurance fund?
You can join an accredited social insurance fund of your choice. Registration takes place in three stages:
- Choose an accredited social insurance fund.
- Complete the membership form (online or on paper).
- Receive your confirmation and your first contribution statement.
Alternatively, you can complete your registration with an accredited business counter. This is a paid service: The business counter pays for the membership when registering you with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (CBE).
Don't forget your mutual insurance fund
When you join a social insurance fund, you must also join a mutual insurance fund. You can also contact the Agency for health and disability insurance (CAAMI). The mutual insurance fund manages your reimbursements for medical expenses and sickness or disability benefits.
Getting insurance as a business
In addition to compulsory membership of a social insurance fund and a mutual insurance fund, there are other types of insurance that you need to consider as an entrepreneur. Some are mandatory, others are recommended.
Mandatory insurance
- Workers' compensation insurance: mandatory if you employ staff
- Professional liability insurance: mandatory for certain professions, such as architects, chartered accountants and the medical profession
Recommended insurance
- Income protection insurance (protects you against loss of income in the event of illness or inability to work)
- Fire insurance
- Accident insurance
- Cyber insurance
The type of insurance you need depends on your profession and your situation. Contact an insurer or insurance intermediary for advice.
Frequently asked questions
When do I need to join a social insurance fund?
You must have joined before you can start your activity as a self-employed professional. If you join late, your social insurance fund may increase your provisional contributions. If you are in breach of the law, you risk being fined.
How much do I pay in social security contributions as a self-employed professional?
Your social security contributions are calculated on the basis of your net professional income. During the contribution year, you pay provisional contributions based on the professional income you earned three years earlier. If you are newly self-employed and have no income history, your provisional contributions will be calculated on the basis of your declared income or a statutory minimum. As soon as your definitive income has been established (usually after two years), your social insurance fund will draw up a final statement. Find out more about calculating social security contributions
What's the difference between a social insurance fund and a business counter?
A social insurance fund manages your social security as a self-employed professional. You pay them your social security contributions and build up rights, such as a pension and sick pay. A business counter is an accredited service that helps you with administrative procedures such as registering your business with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (CBE). You can also register for membership with a social insurance fund via a business counter, but there is a charge for this service.
What's the difference between a social insurance fund and a mutual insurance fund?
A social insurance fund collects your social security contributions and manages your social security rights as a self-employed professional (pension, "droit passerelle", child benefits). A mutual insurance fund manages the reimbursements of your medical expenses and sickness or disability benefits. You are obliged to join both.