Types of Belgian Companies

Belgium admits various forms of business on its territory, and is well-known in Europe for the reduced period of time for the incorporation of a fully functional company. Although entrepreneurs may choose from a variety of legal structures, the most common forms are the public and private limited company.

Incorporation of Belgian Public Limited Company (Naamloze Vennootschap/Société Anonyme, NV/SA)
This is a company formed by at least two people, individuals or companies, residents or non-residents, Belgian citizens or not, who contribute to the company's capital in exchange for shares. The shareholders bear a liability limited to the amount of contribution paid. This type of company is designed for larger enterprises, as the minimum required capital must be at least EUR 61.500.

Incorporation of Belgian Private Limited Company (Besloten Vennootschap met Beperkte Aansprakelijkheid/ Société Privée à Responsabilité Limitée, BVBA/SPRL)
The Belgian private limited company is designated for smaller business having a minimum required capital of EUR 18.550 paid by shareholders. Each share must be paid upon incorporation in the amount of 20%. The company may be established by one ore more founders who may be individuals or companies, Belgian citizens or foreigners. The shareholders are liable to the company's debts and obligations only to the extent of their contributions.

Incorporation of Belgian one-person Private Limited Company (Eenpersoons Beslotenvennootschap met Beperkte Aansprakelijkheid/Société d'Une Personne à Responsabilité Limitée, EBVBA/SPRLU)
This type of company is set by one person who is also a single shareholder in the company, and it is used for smaller business. The minimum required capital is the same as for the private limited company, EUR 18.550, but the minimum amount of paid upon registration capital is EUR 12.400. The main characteristic of this type of business entity is that only a natural person, individual not legal entity, can found this company.

Incorporation of Belgian Cooperative Company with Limited Liability (Cooperatieve Vennootschap met Beperkte Aansprakelijkheid /Société Coopérative à Responsabilité Limitée, CVBA/SCRL)
This form of company is founded by at least three people who pay a fixed amount of money and obtain shares. They become shareholders and bear a limited liability to the extent of their contributions. The minimum required capital is EUR 18.500, from which at least EUR 6.200 must be paid upon registration. At least one quarter of the final share must be paid prior, and the rest must be fully paid in a five year term, from the date of the company's incorporation. Private and legal persons may be shareholders, and they can choose the procedures of their appointment and dismissal, and are free to interfere in the management of the company.