Does a Belgian SRL need minimum share capital?

## Minimum capital for a Belgian company

The SRL (société à responsabilité limitée / besloten vennootschap) is the default form for SMEs. Since the 2019 Companies and Associations Code it has no minimum share capital.

## The financial plan

Founders must make sure the SRL has enough equity at incorporation for its planned activity for at least the first two years. Other funding, such as shareholder loans or bank finance, can be taken into account. A financial plan has to be prepared. If the initial assets were insufficient, the founders remain liable.

## Other company forms

• **SA (société anonyme / naamloze vennootschap):** for larger companies. Minimum capital is €61,500, fully paid up. Shares are freely transferable unless the articles say otherwise.
• **SC (société coopérative / coöperatieve vennootschap):** needs a minimum of three founding members and has no minimum capital.
• **SNC and SComm:** partnerships that are tax-transparent, so partners are taxed personally.
• **Sole trader:** no separate legal entity. Registered with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises.

## Incorporation

An SRL is incorporated by notarial deed and can have a single founder. Once registered, the company gets a 10-digit enterprise number, and the VAT number is BE plus that number.

## How AccountsOS helps

Finn explains the differences between forms and flags the financial plan requirement for a new SRL. AccountsOS does not incorporate companies. A notary handles the deed, and you should take advice on the structure.