Mon, 21 May 2012
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How to set up as a freelancer in the complex Belgian system.I'm an experienced copywriter from the UK and would like to set up a freelance business in Belgium. Is that allowed without a work permit? What should I do and where should I go?
According to the Law of 15 December 1980 — concerning access to the territory, the holding of residency in Belgium, the taking up of residence and the expulsion of foreign nationals —- a foreign national should, in principle, be allowed entry into Belgium provided that, he/she meets the following basic requirements:
As a UK resident, you may enter Belgium freely with a valid identity card or passport. Within eight working days of your arrival in Belgium, you and your family must go in person to the town hall of the commune in which you reside and submit the following documents:
Within five months you will have to provide the Belgian state with evidence of the undertaking of an economic activity which, in your case, being one of a copywriter, does not require state recognition.
Before starting your activity however, you should obtain a VAT number, register your company in the Commercial Register, obtain an entrepreneurial attest, subscribe to a health insurance fund for the reimbursement of health expenses, and open a Belgian bank account.
While operating in Belgium, you will also need to regularly comply with mandatory obligations (e.g. filing of VAT and income tax returns, accountancy, insurance). This will require careful attention and professional advice.
16 April 2003
This column is for informative purposes only, is general in nature, and is not intended to be a substitute for competent legal and professional advice. Belgian rules and regulations regarding foreigners, citizenship and naturalization are continuously subject to change.
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