Starting a business in Belgium is an exciting adventure, but it’s filled with pitfalls if you’re not well prepared. The Belgian legal and administrative framework is complex, and a single mistake can have costly—sometimes fatal—consequences for your project.
In 2025, as the economic landscape continues to evolve, it’s more crucial than ever to know what traps to avoid. At Topos, we support many entrepreneurs on a daily basis and have identified the most common legal and administrative mistakes. Discover how to anticipate them and launch your business on solid ground.
Mistake #1: Choosing the wrong legal structure
This is one of the most fundamental—and often underestimated—decisions. Choosing between a sole proprietorship, an SRL (Private Limited Company), an SA (Public Limited Company), or other legal forms will have a major impact on:
- Your personal liability: Unlimited in a sole proprietorship, limited to invested capital in an SRL/SA.
- Your company’s and your personal taxation.
- Creation and management costs.
- Financing and growth possibilities.
Consequences: A poor choice may lead to excessive taxation, unexpected personal liability, or difficulties attracting investors. Changing the legal structure later is a long, expensive, and complex process.
How to avoid it: Don’t take this decision lightly. Consult an accountant or legal advisor. They’ll analyze your project, your ambitions (solo or with partners, capital needs, etc.) and guide you toward the structure best suited to your needs and long-term vision.
Mistake #2: Underestimating the importance of business domiciliation
Many entrepreneurs, especially those working from home, think any address will do for their registered office. That’s a mistake! Your business’s domiciliation is not just a mailing address—it’s a strategic decision with implications:
- Legal and tax-related: The address determines the competent VAT office and can influence certain regional regulations.
- Commercial: A professional and prestigious address in Brussels enhances your credibility with clients, partners, and banks.
- Practical: Receiving mail and packages, having easy access for business meetings.
Consequences: A non-professional address can harm your image. Registering your company at your personal residence can blur the line between personal and professional life and cause issues when moving or during inspections.
How to avoid it: Opt for a professional domiciliation solution. Business centers like Topos.be offer prestigious addresses in Brussels, ensuring a flawless image and strict mail management, while giving you the necessary flexibility.
Mistake #3: Neglecting initial accounting and tax obligations
Once the business is created, administrative and tax obligations begin! Some entrepreneurs, focused on their product or service, tend to postpone these crucial tasks.
- VAT number: Activating your VAT number is mandatory for most commercial activities.
- Tax declarations: Corporate tax or personal income tax (depending on your legal form), VAT returns, etc.
- Accounting: Keeping regular and compliant accounting books, filing annual accounts.
- Withholding taxes: If you employ staff.
Consequences: Heavy fines, tax penalties, issues during audits, and even business survival risks. Poor accounting can also mask financial difficulties.
How to avoid it: Surround yourself with a good accountant from day one. It’s an investment that will save you time and money in the long run. They’ll guide you through the initial steps and ensure your business is compliant.
Mistake #4: Ignoring sector-specific permits and licenses
Depending on your activity, you’ll likely need permits, licenses, or specific authorizations before you can legally operate. This may concern:
- Regulated professions (architect, lawyer, doctor, etc.).
- Food-related activities (AFSCA permit).
- Shops with specific opening hours.
- Activities requiring environmental permits.
Consequences: Steep fines, administrative closure of your business, and damage to your reputation.
How to avoid it: Research your sector’s requirements thoroughly. Business counters or professional federations are good sources of information. Make sure to obtain all necessary authorizations before starting.
Mistake #5: Lack of legal protection (contracts, intellectual property)
Many entrepreneurs start out with the best intentions but forget to formalize their relationships or protect their innovations.
- Contracts: Agreements with partners, suppliers, clients, employees… clear contracts are essential.
- Terms and Conditions (T&Cs): Crucial for setting the rules of your commercial transactions.
- Intellectual property: Protecting your brand, logo, inventions, and creations (trademark registration, copyright).
Consequences: Costly disputes, stolen ideas, unfair competition, and lost revenue.
How to avoid it: Have your contracts and T&Cs written by a lawyer. Register your brand with the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property (BOIP) if necessary. Better safe than sorry!
In conclusion: Guidance is the key to success
Starting a business in Belgium is a demanding journey, but with the right information and guidance, you can avoid most pitfalls. Anticipating these legal and administrative mistakes is essential to laying a strong foundation and ensuring your project’s long-term success.
At Topos.be, we understand the challenges entrepreneurs face. In addition to our domiciliation services and flexible workspaces, we offer an ideal environment and a network of trusted partners (lawyers, accountants) to support you every step of the way.
Ready to launch your business with peace of mind?
Contact Topos.be today to discover how we can help you succeed in Brussels.
