A business license in Belgium is issued to companies that activate in selected industries in which the regulatory regime asks for a special review and approval, along with the observance of key laws or regulations.
This means that businesses in Belgium can only function if they are granted a special permit or license. This applies to a number of activities and occupations and entrepreneurs should always check if their business requires such special approvals. Special authorizations for doing business in Belgium can be obtained from the relevant authorities, after submitting a request.
The consultants at our law firm in Belgium can tell you if your Belgian company needs a license, permit or certificate in order to function and conduct specific business activities. We can also give you complete details if you wish to engage in export or import activities and need to obtain what can be commonly referred to as the trade license in Belgium.
The following video summarizes the process of obtaining permits and licenses for doing business in Belgium:
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Regulated activities in Belgium
Taxi operators and travel agencies in Belgium are among the occupations that require special authorizations. Entrepreneurs who want to open any kind of establishment that deals with foodstuffs need to apply for a license from the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain. This applies for:
- restaurants, cafes, and hotels;
- school cafeterias;
- company canteens;
- other establishments that commercialize foodstuffs, like bookstores and service stations (if applicable).
Examples of other regulated sectors or business areas are listed below by our lawyers in Belgium:
- Private employment agencies, as well as any business operating in the social economy sector, need to obtain a license and/or an accreditation.
- Businesses operating in fields like urban planning and environment also need permits. Any construction work, demolition, renovation, conversion, or change of use of a building or house in Belgium requires planning permission.
- A new company in Belgium will have to comply with special environmental regulations and will have to obtain an environmental permit. Any export or import activities for arms and dual-use goods and technologies need special approval. In fact, a trade license in Belgium is commonly required for many other import and export activities, not only the export of some types of goods.
The team at our Belgian law firm can give you a complete list of the regulated activities in Belgium and can help you obtain special permits and licenses in Belgium.
Other examples of special authorizations in Belgium
Belgian companies that are involved in the sale of certain types of goods and services need to obtain a business license in Belgium that allows them to engage in these types of activities.
Our attorneys in Belgium have mentioned the need to have a proper license for the sale of weapons, however, this licensing requirement applies to more common products such as:
- Alcohol: companies that sell alcohol (retailers and wholesalers) require an authorization from the Customs and Excise department; alcohol taxes are also in place;
- Tabacco: all types of products containing tobacco are included in this category (cigarettes, cigars, etc,) and the authorization is also granted by the Customs and Excise department;
- Cosmetics: the competent authority for regulating the production or import of cosmetics is the Public Health Department;
- Cleaning products: The health department also oversees the manufacturing and distribution of most types of detergents and cleaning products;
- Pet food: the sale of these types of products is regulated by the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain.
The manufacturing, distribution and/or sale of other products is also subject to regulation and control, meaning entrepreneurs have to obtain business permits in Belgium. Commercializing cannabis and CBD, the sale of precious metals or diamonds, as well as others is subject to control.
Generally, a business license in Belgium is required for activities that involve many products and services that are subject to special safety standards. Talking about the industry-specific regulations with the experts at our law firm in Belgium is important before first engaging in these regulated activities.
How to obtain a license or permit in Belgium
Entrepreneurs who want to obtain the necessary special permits and licenses for doing business in Belgium need to contact the relevant authorities. Here are some examples of how this process takes place:
- When dealing with foodstuffs, entrepreneurs must obtain a license from the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain by submitting an application. They must also comply with the existing hygiene standards and pay a fee for the license.
- The Federal Agency for Medicines oversees the distribution sale and manufacturing of medicines, medical devices and health products. This business field is subject to clear control and regulations and medicines are subject to obtaining a marketing authorization. Companies that apply for a business license in Belgium that concerns medicinal products will pay a yearly fee per authorization or per marketed packaging.
The licensing process, as well as the fees and the specific document requirements, are dependent on the authority that issues the approval, license, or business permit in Belgium.
Below, our lawyers in Belgium briefly list the fees applicable to companies that apply for a license for human medicinal products:
- 45.748 EUR for a full/hybrid/bibliographic/biosimilar/fixed combination drug;
- 8.121 EUR for the renewal of a national license for human medicinal products;
- 5.368 EUR for the renewal of a license issued for herbal medicinal products.
Trading requirements also apply in Belgium, especially for economic operators that trade within the EU. The EORI number is required in this case. One of our lawyers can provide more details.
We can help you obtain any and necessary licenses, certificates and permits for your business in Belgium. Our law firm in Belgium specializes in a wide range of legal issues and can offer you various legal services. Contact us for more information. Our team can also help you start a company in Belgium.