Obtain Business Permits and Licenses in Belgium

Businesses set up in Belgium, regardless if they are established by local or foreign investors, need to receive certain business permits and licenses, issued in accordance with the business field in which the company is carrying its operations. Our team of Belgium company formation specialists can assist foreign entrepreneurs in obtaining the documents needed for their company. 

Permits for foodstuffs companies in Belgium

All companies which carry out activities in the field of foodstuffs are required to receive a permit from the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain. The document is necessary for businesses set up in the following fields:

• hotel industry;

• restaurants and cafes;

• cafeterias and canteens;

• bookstores (if applicable). 

The agency will issue a permit after the company will be analyzed by the Foodstuffs Inspection Department of the institution. In order to receive the permit, the company must meet the hygiene standards imposed by the local legislation; once the document is issued, it will be available for a period of three years. Our team of Belgian company incorporation representatives can provide more details on the hygiene standards. They can also help you start a company in Belgium.

Other licenses required in the hospitality industry

Companies in the hospitality industry require other types of licenses in Belgium, apart from food safety registration. For example, restaurants, cafes, and bars require a certificate of conformity, also known as an Horeca operating license, which has to be obtained from local authorities before opening their business.

This business license in Belgium allows a business to operate in Belgium as it certifies that a company meets zoning, safety, and hygiene regulations. Some food businesses that sell alcoholic drinks also require a separate permit from local authorities.

Our specialists in Belgian company formation can offer relevant support in the matter of business licensing in Belgium and what are the most suitable options for each business model.  

Construction permits in Belgium

Investors who are interested in opening a construction site in Belgium must know that, in this field, businesses have to obtain a set of special permits and licenses, as prescribed by the Belgian law.

When a company is involved in a construction site, the investor will need a building permit, issued by the Municipality. According to the type of building, the investor may also need an environment impact report. Prior to starting the operations for the construction, the businessman is required to expose the business permit on the site.

After the construction is finished, the site will be inspected by the Fire Department. 

Companies should also take into consideration the environmental regulations. Waste can’t be incinerated in the Brussels region without possessing a permit. Such permits are issued by various institutions, as the waste management established here is organized by regions. 

Special permits and licences in Belgium

Businesses in Belgium may need additional requirements beyond the usual process, as some businesses need special permits and licenses in Belgium. For instance, businesses that operate in the environmental, construction, and hospitality industries may need special business permits in Belgium, such as:

• environmental authorisations;
• integrated permits for land use;
• tourist accommodation and travel services.

However, in order for a business to obtain a license for operating in Belgium, they need to satisfy certain conditions, which may include requirements for professional competence, safety regulations, environmental regulations, and regional authorisations in regions such as Flanders, Wallonia, or Brussels.

Data on companies in Belgium

Belgium is still an attractive country for entrepreneurs, with worthy business growth in 2025. New businesses also had to acquire business permits in Belgium to operate successfully, as statistics mention:

• 132,199 new businesses were registered in Belgium;
• Brussels registered plus 8% in new business registrations;
• Flanders registered growth of 4% in new registrations, area where the number of new businesses is the highest;
• In the fourth quarter of 2025, 37,170 new businesses were created.

Persons who are interested in receiving more information on the business permits and licenses necessary for a certain domain in Belgium can address to our team of Belgian company formation agents.