15 May 2026
Holding Company in Belgium
What a holding company in Belgium does and how to set one up to own and manage shares in other companies. Our registration experts can help you.
A holding company in Belgium is a type of company that is focused not on producing goods, but on acquiring and managing the shares in otter companies and controlling the companies. Holdings have the role of structuring and controlling the organization and financing of a group of companies. Below, you can find essential information about Belgian holdings offered by our specialized company formation agents in Belgium.
| QuickFacts | |
|---|---|
| Belgium holding company – definition | A type of company that manages and controls the assets and investments of its subsidiaries from Belgium or abroad |
Minimum number of shareholders | At least 1 |
Minimum number of directors | At least 1 |
| Accounting and Audits | Belgian holding companies are required to file their annual accounts, management report, and auditor's report with the National Bank of Belgium within 30 days of their approval by the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and no later than seven months after the end of the financial year. |
| Taxes | Corporate tax rate of 25% (20% on the first EUR 100,000 for qualifying SMEs); the notional interest deduction was abolished from assessment year 2024 |
| Advantages for Belgium holding companies | Foreign ownership; |
| VAT | Typically does not engage in business activities that require VAT Registration in Belgium, but might exist some exceptions depending on Case C-85/11 specifics |
| Liability | Group liability can arise when a company controls or manages another company and performs acts or omissions that violate the law or the controlled company's by-laws; |
| Company formation | Documents will be submitted by the law firm in Belgium to the Belgian Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (KBO/BCE) and obtain a company registration number (RPM/TVA). |
| Time frame for the incorporation (approx.) | 1-3 weeks |
| Number of double taxation treaties (approx) | 95 (in force) |
| Annual meeting required (Yes/No) | Yes |
| Local director required in Belgium (Yes/No) | No |
| Dividend tax rate | 100% dividends-received deduction (minimum 10% stake or EUR 2.5 million acquisition value) (if the minimum shareholding for one uninterrupted year in full ownership); Exemption of withholding tax on dividends paid to companies within the EU or to companies located in a country that has signed a double tax treaty with Belgium (if the minimum shareholding for one uninterrupted year in full ownership); Dividends paid to related European companies are exempt from withholding tax (if the minimum shareholding for one uninterrupted year in full ownership) |
| Legal entities used | Private and public limited liability companies; Cooperative companies; Limited partnerships |
| Legal system for holding companies | Belgium does not have a dedicated legal framework solely for holding companies. |
Corporate income tax | 25% |
Control | A holding company can still control its subsidiaries without owning every single share or membership interest in those subsidiaries. |
| Restrictions on currencies (YES/NO) | NO |
| Structure of a holding company | – holding company (central unity), – operating company |
| Participation exemption regime | Can help companies avoid paying taxes twice on the same profits when they receive dividends from other companies. |
| Liquidation of a holding company | We can help you in opening a company in Belgium, but also assist in the liquidation of a holding company. |
| Minimum capital | None for private limited company |
| Local director required in Belgium (YES/NO) | NO |
| Company name requirements | No legal requirement to include “holding” in the name; the name must not be confusingly similar to an existing one |
| Address requirements | Must be located in Belgium |
| Local bank account | Recommended |
| Hiring employees | It is possible, but it can impact the tax and legal structure of the holding company. |
| VAT Registration in Belgium | Depends on the specific business activities |
| Assistance | Our team can help you with company formation in Belgium and assist in every step. |
Activities and requirements for Belgian holdings
Holding companies can also perform other activities than managing shares, such as commercial transactions or property purchases and transactions. Foreign ownership for holdings in Belgium is permitted and foreign investors who want to open a Belgian company can request the services of our company incorporation specialists.
The most commonly used types of Belgian holding companies are the public limited company (Société Anonyme, SA, naamloze vennootschap NV) and the private limited company (société à responsabilité limitée, SRL / besloten vennootschap, BV – formerly SPRL/BVBA). It is also possible to change the company type of a holding company in Belgium.
In order to register a public limited company (SA), a minimum share capital of 61,500 EUR is required and this minimum capital must be fully paid up upon incorporation. On the other hand, for a private limited company (SPRL), no minimum share capital has been required since 2019 (SRL/BV), but founders must provide adequate initial equity backed by a financial plan. If you require further information on these types of Belgian holding companies, our team of experts in company registration in Belgium can provide you with assistance.
Holding company incorporation in Belgium
Holding companies in Belgium can be incorporated as a company limited by shares – SA or a private limited company SPRL. The minimum share capital depends on the chosen business form. These companies are subject to the normal corporate tax rate of 25%. The Belgian holding company is subject to the ordinary corporate tax rules (there is no special holding tax regime) and does not need special approvals and particular controls.
Belgian holding companies benefit from the double tax treaties signed between Belgium and other counties.
In addition to SA (public limited) and BV (private limited), another option for holding company structures in Belgium could be the cooperative company. Though less common, cooperative companies are used for specific business activities, particularly for larger groupings or when involving certain types of partnerships or joint ventures.
Dividends sent by a Belgian holding company to a parent company in another country are subject to a 30% withholding tax, which can be reduced or eliminated under the EU Parent-Subsidiary Directive or a tax treaty.
However, if a Belgian holding company receives dividends from a foreign country and the EU Directive Parent-Subsidiary applies, reduced tax rates will be imposed. For EU subsidiaries, the Belgian company will be exempted from corporate tax if it holds at least 10% of the foreign company’s shares for one year or more. For non-EU subsidiaries, the received dividends are also 100% deductible (dividends-received deduction) if certain conditions are met, such as holding at least 10% of the company’s shares or having profits that are taxed at a minimum rate of 15%, and the subsidiary is not incorporated in a country where corporate taxes are lower.
In Belgium, capital gains are not taxed if the dividends qualify for a participation exemption and the interest withholding tax is fixed at a rate of 30%.
Our team of experts in company formation in Belgium can provide you with more detailed information regarding taxes for Belgian holding companies.
Liability for Belgian holding companies
A Belgian holding company can be held responsible for the debts of its subsidiary if it ignores the concept of keeping the companies separate and commits faults that contribute to the subsidiary’s insolvency.
The subsidiary’s directors can also be held liable for management faults or violations. The holding company must act in the best interest of the subsidiary, but it’s allowed to consider group interests if it benefits the subsidiary too. Note that also depending on the activities of the holding company, special licenses and permits may be required in Belgium.
It’s important to seek professional advice when forming a Belgian holding company to avoid potential liabilities. We can help you with all details regarding the Belgian company formation.
Legal and accounting requirements for holding companies in Belgium
Belgian holding companies are required to comply with accounting and legal regulations to ensure transparency, proper tax treatment, and alignment with the country’s corporate governance rules. Below are the key points regarding these obligations:
- Accounting obligations: holding companies in Belgium must follow the Belgian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) when preparing their financial statements. This includes accounting for annual accounts, assets, liabilities, equity, income, and expenses, as well as maintaining proper records of the company’s operations, such as balance sheets.
- Submission to the National Bank of Belgium (NBB): the annual accounts must be filed with the National Bank of Belgium (NBB) within seven months following the end of the company’s financial year. The NBB serves as the official registry for company filings in Belgium.
- Audit requirement: if a Belgian holding company meets specific thresholds for size (e.g., having a certain level of total assets, revenue, or employees), it may be required to appoint an external auditor to review and audit the financial statements. Smaller companies can opt out of this requirement.
Find assistance from our specialized company formation agents in Belgium in order to have a better understanding of the requirements imposed for opening a Belgian company.
Filing and documentation for Belgian holdings
Filing and documentation requirements for Belgian holdings are generally part of two main structures:
- Corporate governance and legal structure: holding companies in Belgium must maintain documentation to demonstrate compliance with Belgian corporate governance rules, including maintaining detailed shareholder registers, board meeting minutes, and company resolutions;
- Legal records: it is also necessary to ensure that the company maintains up-to-date legal records, including all contracts, agreements, and corporate resolutions. These documents must be readily available for inspection by auditors or the tax authorities.
Advantages of a holding company in Belgium
Dividends received by a holding company can be subject to a reduced corporate income tax (100% deductible) if certain criteria ate satisfied. There is also a capital gains exemption if the dividends qualify for the participation exemption. Our company registration experts in Belgium can give you details about the dividends exemption for EU and non-EU subsidiaries. The holding company can enjoy an exemption on company liquidation and an exemption from the withholding tax on payment of interest.
A benefit offered by owning a holding company is lesser risks and reduced exposure. The holding can use its relationship with the subsidiary to secure loans and to create collateralized loans. The holding company can use its power derived from owning shares in subsidiaries to set corporate policies, but not necessarily to interfere with the management of these companies.
Our company registration experts in Belgium can help you with more information about Belgian holdings. You can contact usif you want to open a Belgian company and are interested in additional matters, like taxation in Belgium.
Belgium also has a highly developed legal and financial infrastructure, making it a favorable location for businesses looking to establish a holding company. The country’s strategic location in the heart of Europe also makes it an attractive location for businesses looking to expand their operations across the continent. Government laws also offer several legal structures for holding companies in Belgium, such as the public limited company, private limited company, and the cooperative company. This allows businesses to choose the legal structure that best suits their needs.
While a holding company is not subject to VAT registration in Belgium for its activities (as it does not engage in commercial ones), investors who are interested in opening other types of companies that are subject to this tax can reach out to our team. We provide information on the rates and the registration which is mandatory before the commencement of the activities.
Data on Belgian companies
In 2025, Belgium continues to be an important hub for business activity within the European Union, with key data to mention:
- Belgium is home to a total of 1,140,982 registered businesses, which represent 2.51% of all companies listed;
- These Belgium-based companies collectively account for 1.6% of all sales generated by businesses in the European Union;
- The largest sector by number of businesses is services, with 464,315 companies, making up 40.7% of the total businesses in Belgium;
- The second-largest sector is finance, insurance, and real estate, which consists of 174,400 companies or 15.3% of all Belgian businesses.
CompanyFormationBelgium is a part of Bridgewest company, a European Company Formation agent with offices all over the world. For our clients who need legal services in other countries, we recommend our reliable teams from all around the world, such as consultants from Germany, Albania, Austria, Switzerland or Montenegro.
Do not hesitate to contact our team of specialized company formation agents in Belgium for more information and guidance on Belgian holdings.