You’ve got a business idea and you’re eyeing Belgium as your launchpad. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly what the Belgium entrepreneur visa is, how to apply, common stumbling blocks, available incentives and support networks, how it stacks up against neighboring EU schemes, and the path to permanent residency.

What Is the Belgium Entrepreneur Visa?

Belgium doesn’t offer a stand-alone “entrepreneur visa.” Instead, most self-employed entrepreneurs apply for a long-stay national (D) visa coupled with a professional card. Introduced in 2009 to streamline permits for self-employed foreigners, the professional card certifies:
– Your project’s economic value to Belgium
– Your professional competence
– Sufficient financial resources to launch and sustain the venture

Fragomen explains the 2022 updates here.

Eligibility and Required Documents

To qualify, you must demonstrate:
1. A clear business plan outlining market analysis, financial forecasts, and job creation potential.
2. Professional competence, evidenced by degrees, certifications or relevant work experience.
3. Proof of funds—typically €12,000–€18,000 personally available for business setup.
4. Health insurance covering your initial stay.
5. Criminal record certificate from your home country.

Common documents include:
– Completed national visa application form
– Valid passport (≥ 6 months beyond intended stay)
– Two passport-style photos
– Detailed business plan
– Bank statements or letters of support
– Diplomas or professional testimonials

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Prepare your dossier. Assemble all forms, your detailed business plan, and proof of funds.
2. Submit to your Belgian embassy/consulate. Book an appointment and hand in your complete dossier.
3. Await the long-stay visa (type D). Processing can take 60–90 days.
4. Arrive in Belgium and apply for your professional card. File with the regional Economic Affairs department corresponding to Flanders, Brussels, or Wallonia.
5. Receive your single permit. This merges your visa and work authorization into one card valid up to two years.

Processing times vary by region—Brussels typically takes 120 days, Flanders 90 days, Wallonia 100 days.

Grants, Subsidies, and Startup Incentives

Belgium offers region-specific support:
– Brussels Region: Competitive grants up to €50,000 for innovative tech projects (hub.brussels).
– Flanders: “Winwinlening” soft loans designed to help startups hire local staff (Flanders Investment & Trade).
– Wallonia: Digital Start Club for ICT entrepreneurs providing coaching and up to €30,000 seed funding (Digital Wallonia).

Incubators and Accelerators

• Start it @KBC: Belgium’s largest accelerator with co-working spaces in eight cities.
• The Faktory: Wallonia’s tech incubator focusing on cleantech and digital health.
• Leansquare: Brussels-based pre-incubator for social impact ventures.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

• Vague business plans—lack of market data or realistic financials leads to rejection.
• Insufficient funds—ensure you meet the minimum resource threshold.
• Ignoring regional requirements—each region has distinct forms and language preferences (Dutch/French/German).
• Missing deadlines—late submissions can trigger a new 90-day clock.

How Belgium Stacks Up Against Its Neighbors

• Netherlands Startup Visa: Requires a facilitator declaration and €45,000 in funding; valid one year (ind.nl).
• France French Tech Visa: Fast-track, one-year renewable; proof of innovation or €30,000 in revenue required (France-Visas).
• Germany Self-Employment Visa: Business plan, €250,000 investment or job creation potential; local Chamber of Commerce evaluation (Make it in Germany).

Belgium’s lower minimum capital requirement and generous grants give it an edge for lean startups, though regional bureaucracy can introduce delays.

From Visa to Permanent Residency

After 5 years of lawful, continuous residence on your entrepreneur permit, you may apply for permanent residency. Key criteria include:
– Stable income from your business
– Social integration, evidenced by language skills (A2 level in Dutch/French/German)
– Clean criminal record

Once granted, you gain EU long-term residence status, opening doors to family reunification and, eventually, citizenship.

Entrepreneurs Thriving in Belgium

Sara, a food-tech founder from Egypt, leveraged a Brussels grant and Start it @KBC mentorship to scale her startup to €1 million in annual revenue within two years[^3]. Another case: a German software engineer used Wallonia’s Digital Start Club to create an AI platform now licensed by several EU hospitals.

[^3]: Personal interview with Sara El-Zein, June 2023.

Your Next Move in Belgium

You now have the blueprint for turning your business ambition into a Belgian reality—clear requirements, potential support, and the path beyond your initial permit. Begin drafting your business plan today, connect with one of the regional incubators, and take the first step toward a thriving enterprise in the heart of Europe.