Why is the professional card essential?

Any non-EU person who wishes to pursue a self-employed professional activity in Belgium (as a founder, active partner or director of a company) must generally obtain a professional card.

This requirement does not only apply to new entrepreneurs. It also concerns:

• Persons creating a new company
• Buyers or investors in an existing company
• Directors of companies or associations (paid or unpaid)

The objective? That your project be deemed economically useful by the competent region (Brussels, Wallonia or Flanders).

Do you need a professional card?

Certain persons are exempt from this obligation, including:

• Foreign nationals with unlimited residence (B, C, D cards)
• Nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA) and their close relatives (spouse, dependent children, etc.)
• Recognised refugees
• Spouses who assist their self-employed partner
• Foreign visitors on a business trip of less than 3 months
• Speakers (lecturers, artists, journalists, athletes) coming for a one-off assignment
• Foreign students on an internship (as part of their studies)
• Persons engaged in itinerant trade (merchant card required)
• Lawyers registered with the Bar
• Executives and researchers at coordination centres
• Swiss nationals, under the EU-Switzerland agreement

Three ways to invest in Belgium

You can obtain a residence permit based on an economic project if you:

• Create a new company
• Open a branch of a foreign company already in operation
• Take over an existing company or become an active partner

How does the application process work?

Conditions to meet

Your project must demonstrate a recognised economic utility, assessed by the competent Region. It is therefore recommended to:

• Identify a sector in demand
• Carry out a preliminary market study
• Collaborate with experts (accountant, notary, lawyer, business counter…)

File to prepare

The file must include a completed, signed form accompanied by all relevant documents. Among the recommended documents:

• A detailed description of the project
• A CV
• A copy of diplomas
• Evidence of financial capacity
• A market study
• A financial plan
• A financial analysis
• Commercial contracts or projects
• Company articles of association or draft articles

The form must also prove that the €140 tax has been paid.

Costs to expect

• €140 upon submission of the application
• €90 per year of validity upon issuance
• In case of modification or replacement of the card: €140 tax, with no issuance fees

Tax advantages in Belgium

The Belgian government offers attractive tax incentives for international investors:

• Notional interest deduction
• Partial exemption on dividends (95%)
• Investment deduction (up to 8% for SMEs)
• Advantages for R&D and innovation
• VAT exemption on certain purchases
• Unlimited carry-forward of tax losses
• Reduction in social security contributions
• Effective tax rate lower than the nominal rate (33.99%)

These measures may vary depending on the region of establishment (Brussels, Wallonia, Flanders).