First things first. And a good place to start is a little expert advice on everything from location and infrastructure to business costs and the lifestyle in Flanders. You’ll find this in a handbook called Setting up your Business(opens in new window) in Flanders. It’s published by Flanders Investment and Trade (in Dutch)(opens in new window). If anyone is going to know about the subject, it’s them. The handbook is free to download. Make sure you take a look at it whether you’re planning to be self-employed or an employer.

Being the boss is a big responsibility. It’s only understandable that you have to fulfil a few obligations before you’re allowed to employ people through your company or organisation. And to help you run through these obligations as quickly and easily as possible, we have clearly described the seven steps(opens in new window). you’ll need to take to set your company up and make it ready for business. We have outlined a few of the more important steps below.

Any company wishing to employ staff in Belgium must register as an employer with the National Social Security Office. This is abbreviated as NSSO in English. However, it’s also worth remembering that it’s known as the RSZ in Dutch and the ONSS in French. You’ll come across these names quite a bit on websites and forms that aren’t translated into English.

You’re able to register as an employer with the NSSO online through a service known as WIDE. Please note this service is only available in Dutch (in Dutch)(opens in new window), French (in Dutch)(opens in new window) and German (in Dutch)(opens in new window). Once your registration is complete, you’ll be given an identification number: your NSSO number.

If your business activities require you to employ people(opens in new window), you’ll need to fulfill various obligations in relation to your future employees. They include registering as an employer. This is done vie the WIDE platform you used to register for your NSSO number. The good news? WIDE has a manual in English (in Dutch)(PDF file opens in new window) to make the process easier.

Where is your company going to have its offices or headquarters? If you decide to construct a new building or renovate an existing one, you may need an integrated environmental permit(opens in new window). The permit combines urban-planning permission and an environmental permit. You receive them both by filling out just one set of paperwork. Convenient!

Flanders offers all kinds of subsidies(opens in new window) to encourage businesses to invest in everything from training and advice to research and development. Dive into them to find out how the Government of Flanders supports your business.