DirectEmigreren
Chapter 11 of 15

Working & entrepreneurship

Labor law, self-employed as side/main occupation, KBO registration

Summary

Belgium as an EU country offers full freedom to work or start a business. Belgian labor law is employee-friendly with strong dismissal protection, guaranteed wages, and extensive social security. As a self-employed person, you can choose between side occupation (bijberoep) and main occupation (hoofdberoep) — each with its own social contributions and rights. KBO registration is mandatory for any self-employed activity.

What you need to know

Working as an employee

Belgian labor law is strongly regulated and employee-friendly:

🔒

Read the full chapter

This is a preview. Buy the complete guide to receive all 15 chapters as PDF.

Buy — €29.95
Previous chapter

10. Language & integration

Next chapter

12. Social security

Buy the full guide

Complete Emigration Guide Belgium

Buy — €29.95

Knowledge Base

Glossary
  • eID (Electronic Identity Card)

    The Belgian electronic identity card. As an EU citizen you receive an E-card or E+-card. Use it to identify yourself with the government, bank and for online services via Itsme or eID software.

  • Rijksregister (National Register)

    The Belgian national population register. You receive a national register number when registering in your municipality. This number is required for work, taxes, health insurance and all official matters.

  • Mutualiteit (Health Insurance Fund)

    The Belgian health insurance fund. You are required to join a mutualiteit for your health insurance. Choose from: CM, Solidaris, Liberal Mutuality, Independent Fund, or the Auxiliary Fund (CAAMI).

  • Crossroads Bank for Social Security

    The central database connecting all Belgian social security institutions. Your national register number is the key to this system.

  • Kinderbijslag (Child Benefit)

    Belgian child benefit, called "Groeipakket" in Flanders. Automatic entitlement when living and working in Belgium. Amounts vary by region (Flanders, Wallonia, Brussels).

  • FOD Financiën (Federal Finance Department)

    The Belgian federal tax department. Here you file your annual tax return (Tax-on-Web), register as a taxpayer and handle all fiscal matters.

  • Personenbelasting (Personal Income Tax)

    The Belgian personal income tax. Progressive rates from 25% to 50%. Belgium has one of the highest tax burdens in Europe, but also many deductions and benefits.

  • Gemeente (Town Hall)

    The Belgian town hall. Here you register, request documents, and handle administrative matters. In Brussels and Wallonia this is called "commune" or "maison communale".

  • Zorgkas (Care Fund)

    The Flemish care insurance for non-medical care (home care, care homes). Mandatory for all residents of Flanders and Brussels. Annual contribution of ~€54.

  • Itsme (Digital Identity App)

    The Belgian digital identity app. Essential for online government services, banking and signing contracts. Comparable to DigiD but on your smartphone.

Privacy PolicyTerms & ConditionsLogin