This economic profile presents the Doing Business indicators for Belgium. To allow useful comparison, it also provides data for other selected economies (comparator economies) for each indicator. The data in this report are current as of June
1, 2014 (except for the paying taxes indicators, which cover the period January–December 2013).

This modern, open, and private-enterprise-based economy has capitalized on its central geographic location, highly developed transport network, and diversified industrial and commercial base. Industry is concentrated mainly in the more heavily-populated region of Flanders in the north.

Among the economic statistics published on the website of the Directorate-General for Statistics and Economic Information (ADSEI), the first two sub-topics are consumer prices and economic indicators. 

Every two years, Peter De Bley, Partner and Global HRM Consulting Leader, undertakes a study of global human capital trends. In the context of this study, PwC’s Belgian HRM consulting team takes a close look at the Belgian labour market, comparing it with the global findings. 

Registering your business and obtaining your company number.

Belgian Chamber of Commerce website for starting and registering a business in Belgium.

Are you looking to start a business, open a shop or found a charity? If so, in most cases you will need to set up a company (société/vennootschap). There are various types of company, each with its own distinguishing features. You will therefore need to consider

The main forms of companies in Belgium are: limited liability company, unlimited liability company, and sole proprietorship.

Overview of Belgian Economy – This page summarizes Doing Business 2015 data for Belgium. The first section presents the Ease of Doing Business rank (out of 189 economies) and the distance to frontier (DTF)** measure, overall and by topic. The second section summarizes the key indicators for each topic benchmarked against regional averages.

Setting up a business in Belgium from the Belgium Government’s official website.

Current and historical corporate tax rates in Belgium

Belgian has an intelligent tax regime for companies. For example the notional interest deduction, calculated on every company’s equity reduces substantially the effective tax rate (see below).

If you’re living and working in Belgium, you will likely be subject to pay certain Belgian taxes and will need to file a Belgian tax return, although some exceptions exist for certain expats.

Belgium Government Tax Portal.

The Value Added Tax  (VAT) is named in Belgium Taxes sure la Valeur Ajoutée (TVA) or Belasting over de Toegevoegde Waarde (BTW) and has been introduced in Belgium since January 1st, 1971. The standard rate is 21%

Visa information for tourists, students and business

Foreign workers who wish to work in Belgium as employees (i.e. working under an employment contract) must hold a work permit.

Belgian Institute for Postal services and Telecommunications

Communications in Belgium are extensive and advanced.

Transport in Belgium is facilitated with well-developed road, air, rail and water networks. The rail network has 2,950 km (1,830 mi) of electrified tracks

Comprehensive website on travelling to and in Belgium.

Employers with employees working on Belgian territory must observe the working, pay and employment conditions provided for by law. All labour legislation applicable in Belgium (FR/NL) is published on the Federal Public Service Employment, Labour and Social Dialogue’s website (in French and Dutch).

Belgian employment policy is based on consultation between the social partners. This kind of collaboration between employers and workers has resulted in a dynamic, flexible and protected workforce (Belgian workers enjoy excellent protection from unemployment and illness). 

Unemployment insurance is mandatory for all employees in Belgium, contributions are shared between employers and employees.

Information on the obligations of the employer hiring workers in Belgium…The obligations when engaging staff are numerous.

It covers family benefits, unemployment insurance, work accident insurance, health care, old age and invalidity pensions, and long-term care insurance.

Belgium performs well in many measures of well-being relative to most other countries in the Better Life Index. Belgium ranks above the average in work-life balance, income and wealth, housing, civic engagement, education and skills, subjective well-being, health status, jobs and earnings, and social connections, but below average in personal security.

Etiquette & Protocol Guidelines for Belgium

How important is the work-life balance for Belgians? How important is punctuality and timekeeping? How do Belgians value fairness in business? Although seemingly unimportant, the understanding of these issues may prove to be priceless when doing business. 

Belgium has a temperate maritime climate influenced by the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean, with cool summers and moderate winters. Since the country is small there is little variation in climate from region to region, although the marine influences are less inland. Rainfall is distributed throughout the year with a dryer period from April to September. 

Cost of living information includes price indices for rent, food, utilities, transportation, restaurants, clothing and more

The state school system in Belgium can seem complex but there is a wide array of childcare and education facilities for expat families to consider.

National holidays and observances

Demographic information includes population, quality of life, health, sports, technology, energy and the environment

Whilst Belgium is a small country and the climate is considered to be generally temperate, the weather can change from day to day. It is heavily influenced by the Atlantic Ocean which brings the volume of air masses that cause the variability in the temperature and the weather.

US Department of State – Go to Safety and Security for updates from the Belgian government

Belgium is generally safe — even the big cities are low-crime areas. However, Belgium has experienced a creeping spread of drug-related crime, and crimes committed by some poorly integrated members of immigrant communities. In Brussels, the Métro has been plagued by muggers, and though increased police presence and video surveillance have brought this under control….

Belgium’s wide array of childcare and education facilities eases working parents and international families. In keeping with the myriad levels of national and local bureaucracy in Belgium, the state school system can seem a minefield to newcomers trying to enroll their children. However, as Belgium is the capital of the EU, the education system is well developed to serve international and working families. 

If you are looking for statistics about the Belgian population, this is where you will find the answers to your questions

Being centrally located in the European continent, Belgium’s trade is the hallmark of all its activities. Belgium’s trade is further helped by its well developed transportation network, diversified commercial and industrial base. 

Trade policy is the exclusive responsibility of the European Union. The European Commission, under the supervision of the Member States, plays a key role in trade negotiations. The Commission is the European Union’s sole representative and negotiator.

Both rents and property prices are relatively low in Belgium, being closer to those in Poland than the UK. Around 28 percent of Belgium homes are rented, with 19 percent through private landlords. On average, Belgians spend 25 percent of their annual income on accommodation. 

Real estate for sale & for rent in Belgium (Brussels): Immoweb has more than 229067 real estate classifieds for an apartment, house, office, land, housing

Belgium’s Official Travel Website: Why Belgium? Young and Hip