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Step-by-step guide for starting as a freelancer in Belgium

Step-by-step guide for starting as a freelancer in Belgium

By Jenny BjorklofDecember 17, 2024February 11th, 2025Starting as a freelancer

Embarking on Your Freelance Journey in Belgium: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you considering freelancing in Belgium but unsure where to start? Look no further! In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step of the process, from understanding the freelancing landscape to setting up your financial systems. Let’s dive in!

1. Learn about freelancing Before diving headfirst into freelancing, it’s essential to assess your skills and strengths.

2. Choose an administrative direction Define your idea of financial success and explore legal frameworks in Belgium.

3. Protect yourself financially Understanding tax obligations and signing up for a social security provider are crucial steps. Learn about VAT exemptions and explore insurance options to safeguard your business.

4. Set up financial systems Separate personal and business expenses by opening a dedicated bank account. Ensure compliance with legal requirements on invoices and VAT status.

5. Create your offer Research your ideal clients, define your services, and establish pricing strategies.

6. Find and sign your first client Identify where your potential clients are and focus your efforts accordingly.

7. Deliver your first project Deliver exceptional results, communicate effectively, and ensure client satisfaction.

By following these steps and utilizing the recommended resources, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the world of freelancing in Belgium successfully. Stay tuned for more insights and tips to accelerate your freelance career!

1. Learn about freelancing

Do this:
Identify your skills and strengths for freelancing. Do you have the right mindset?
Explore freelancing in Belgium, especially legal requirements.
Connect with resources and peers for support.

Be aware of support options when transitioning from unemployment into freelancing.

Determine if your skill is in demand as a freelancer in Belgium by attending networking events, checking job platforms, talking with potential clients and industry reports from employer organisations like VDAB, Agoria, Securex.

Watch out for:
! Beyond the thing you are great at, you’ll also need to market yourself, do sales, negotiate and manage your finances and much more.
! Watch out for visa statuses: if you are from outside the EU, you’ll need a “professional card.”
! In Belgium, you have to register your activity from the start.
! Some industries have a lot of regulations.
! Talk with freelancers already doing what you are seeking to do. This will help you make the most informed decision, and people are surprisingly friendly.

Resources:

2. Choose an administrative direction

Do this:
Define your idea of (financial) success and any limitations (e.g. time and money).
Choose a legal framework, will you set up as a sole trader or register a company? Or will you do payrolling?
Complete registration and startup formalities.

Watch out for:
! Not having a tangible goal to measure success by. What do you need to survive, live, and thrive?
! Be cautious about free work.
! Putting your health or finances at risk by not having clear boundaries.
! Be prepared to add your activities under “NACE codes.”
! Timeframes will vary depending on which format you choose—e.g., in Flanders, it takes about 1 month to register a limited company.

Resources:

3. Protect yourself financially

Do this:
Understand your tax obligations and/or hire an accountant.
Sign up for a social security provider.
Obtain insurance to protect your business.

Watch out for:
! VAT exemptions apply.
! Belgium is complicated; be sure to get information for your region (Brussels, Flanders, Wallonia).
! Register the right month to avoid paying social security for “unused” months: January, April, July, & October.
! Startup costs can retrospectively be deducted as professional costs 3 months before starting.
! Professional liability insurance protects you in case something goes wrong.
! Extra pension savings are deductible and come with a tax benefit.

Resources:

4. Set up financial systems

Do this:
Open a dedicated business bank account.
Define how you’ll invoice and receive payments.
Set up a system to manage your finances and paperwork.

Watch out for:
! Muddling personal and business expenses. The tax authorities can look into your account if mixed.
! Make sure to understand your VAT status.
! Don’t miss tax benefits for copyright invoicing if you are a creative freelancer.
! Ensure your invoice template includes legal requirements.

Resources:

5. Create your offer

Do this:
Research your ideal clients and the problems you can solve.
Define how you will work as a freelancer.
Decide on pricing strategies.

Watch out for:
! Clearly define Who, What, How, Why, and Why you?
! Most freelancers start with an hourly/day rate—consider alternatives over time.

Resources:

6. Find and sign your first client

Do this:
Decide where and how you will attract clients and start doing this.
Find an agreement on terms and conditions.
Sell it! Close the deal!

Watch out for:
! Don’t try to be everywhere at the same time.
! Not creating clear expectations with legal definitions.
! Talking about money can be unexpectedly uncomfortable—be prepared.

Resources:

7. Deliver your first project

Do this:
Let your expertise shine and aim for a happy client.
Send your first invoice to get paid.
Reflect on your progress and refine your approach.

Watch out for:
! It’s impossible to be fast, cheap, and good simultaneously.
! Underpromise and overdeliver.
! Agree in advance when you’ll invoice and watch out for excuses for late payments.

Resources:

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