Setting Up a Company

Types of Companies and Capital (Max/Min)	Number of Partners/Shareholders and Liability
Besloten vennootschap met beperkte aansprakelijkheid (BVBA) is a Private Limited Company. EUR 18,550 entirely subscribed and released up to minimum EUR 6,200. EUR 12,400 in case of one shareholder.	At least one shareholder Partners' liability is limited to the amount contributed.
Naamloze vennootschap (NV) is a Public Limited Company. 61,500 € totally subscribed and released.	Minimum 2 shareholders. Partners' liability is limited to the amount contributed.
Vennootschap Onder Firma (VO) is a general partnership. No minimum capital.	Minimum 2 partners. Partners' liability is joint and several.
Commanditaire Vernootschap (CV) is a limited partnership. No minimum capital.	Two types of partners: active partners and sleeping partners. Active partners' liability is joint and several, while the sleeping partners are liable for debts until the amount of the sum contributed.
The co-operative company (SC) with unlimited and joint liability (SCRIS) or gathers a group of companies. No minimum capital.	Maximum 3 partners. Partners' liability is joint and unlimited on their whole personal assets.
The co-operative company with limited liability (SCRL) is similar to the BVBA / SPRL. EUR 18,550 released up to EUR 6,200.	Maximum 3 partners. Partners' liability is limited to the amount contributed.

The Competent Organization: The bank, the notary and the business one-stop shop.
Search a Company or a Financial Report: BCC

Source: Doing Business.

Business Setup Procedures: Consult Doing Business Website, to know about procedures to start a Business in Belgium.
COFACE, Belgian companies register.

Working Conditions

Legal Weekly Duration: 35, 38 or 39 hours
Retirement Age: 65
Working Contracts: There are several types of employment contract commonly used in Belgium. There are different contracts for manual workers and white-collar workers. In addition, separate contracts exist for domestic workers, student workers, professional sports people and home workers. More info on Angloinfo.

Minimum Wage: 1 163 euros
Average Wage: Average monthly gross earnings in Belgium is EUR 2,703.
Social contributions: Social Security Contributions Paid By Employers: The social security system is financed by contributions from employees and employers and subsidies from the state. The amounts are calculated based on the gross salary (basic salary plus bonuses, benefits in kind an so forth) and are paid to the National Office of Social Security (ONSS/RSZ). Employees contributions finance approximately 13% of the social security system. Employers' contributions account for over 34%.
Social Security Contributions Paid By Employees: Employees' contributions finance approximately 13% of the social security system.

Unions: Syndicat Liberal
Algemeen Christelijk Vakverbond / Confédération des Syndicats Chrétiens -
Nationale Bondsstaat van de Kaders / Confédération Nationale des Cadres -
Algemeen Belgisch Vakverbond / Fédération Générale du Travail de Belgique
Unionization Rate: 60%
Labor Regulation Bodies: Federal Public Service Employment, Labor and Social Dialogue
Federation of Belgian companies

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