Nienke & Joris(27)
Eindhoven → Antwerpen
Joris and I started our fintech startup in Eindhoven. It was going well, but we sought scale. When we researched the Flemish startup landscape, we discovered Belgium has attractive schemes: the VLAIO subsidy for innovation, the tax shelter for startups (investors get 45% tax reduction) and Antwerp's startup ecosystem around StartupVillage.
Setting up a Belgian BV went through a notary — mandatory in Belgium. Costs were €2,000 for the articles of incorporation plus the financial plan. We received a KBO number and BTW number, and joined the social insurance fund Acerta. As directors we pay quarterly contributions as self-employed. The first years these are lower due to the starting self-employed status.
Our office is at Blue Gate Antwerp, an innovative campus in the south of the city. Rent is €12 per square meter — comparable to High Tech Campus Eindhoven, but with better connection to international clients. Antwerp has Europe's second-largest port, which attracts logistics and fintech clients.
The VLAIO subsidy was crucial. We received €150,000 in innovation subsidy for our AI module — something much harder to get in the Netherlands through RVO. Additionally, the Flemish government offers free guidance through Flanders Innovation & Entrepreneurship. The difference with the Netherlands is striking: the Belgian government invests more actively in startups.
Living in Antwerp is ideal for a young couple. We rent a loft in the Schipperskwartier for €1,100 per month — more spacious and cheaper than Eindhoven center. The city has energy: the fashion academy, the diamond district, the multicultural cuisine. And nightlife on the Waalsekaai is better than anything Eindhoven offers.
Our tip for Dutch startup founders: research Belgian subsidy schemes before deciding where to establish. The VLAIO subsidy, tax shelter and startup visa (for non-EU founders on your team) make Belgium attractive. Engage an accountant who knows startups — Belgian fiscal rules are complex, but opportunities are greater than in the Netherlands.
Highlights
- VLAIO innovation subsidy: €150,000 — easier than Dutch RVO
- Tax shelter: investors get 45% tax reduction
- Setting up BV via notary: €2,000 + mandatory financial plan
- Antwerp: Europe's second port, ideal for fintech and logistics
Other stories
Peter & Anouk
Maastricht → Hasselt
We lived in Maastricht and already worked in Belgium. Moving to Hasselt saves us thousands per year — but the Belgian tax return is a story in itself.
Fleur
Rotterdam → Antwerpen
As a marketer I found in Antwerp a vibrant city with lower rents and more character than Rotterdam. The Belgian bureaucracy took some getting used to.
Bas & Linda
Eindhoven → Gent
With two children aged 4 and 7 we moved to Gent. Flemish education is excellent, the Groeipakket generous, and the city perfect for families.