{"type":"document","data":{"contentType":"onecms:productPage","flexPageMetadata":{"afmBanner":false,"description":"Running a business between classes? Why wait until graduation to start doing your thing \r\nWhether you're freelancing, launching a side hustle or starting your own business, we're here to help. Open your business account online and enjoy one year of free banking, plus up to €1,200 in benefits.","robotInstruction":{"noFollow":false,"noIndex":false}},"flexZone":{"flexComponents":[{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Get started on the right path"},{"comparisonCardList":[{"cta":{"componentType":"cta","textLink":{"text":"Find the account that suits you","url":"/en/business/payments/first-step-open-account"}},"highlight":"Life is easier with a business account","image":{"extension":"jpg","original":"https://assets.ing.com/asset/0cbd96d6-fef6-4d07-9f4d-ebe844d9ee9b/ING_01381_StartersBoost_260116_ZitaPattyn_Gistel_8187.jpg","transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/0cbd96d6-fef6-4d07-9f4d-ebe844d9ee9b/ING_01381_StartersBoost_260116_ZitaPattyn_Gistel_8187","type":"image","width":2500},"secondaryCta":{"textLink":{"text":"Find out which account fits you","url":"/en/business/payments/account-finder"}},"subtitle":"A business account helps you keep your personal and business finances separate, so you always know where you stand. For a company, a business account is mandatory. For a sole proprietorship, it is not legally required, but highly recommended.","title":"You've got enough on your plate between classes, exams and growing your business.","usps":[{"body":"Get started in just a few minutes","iconType":"check-mark"},{"body":"Open your account entirely online","iconType":"check-mark"},{"body":"Manage your business finances wherever you are","iconType":"check-mark"}]},{"cta":{"componentType":"cta","textLink":{"text":"Discover the complete offering**","url":"/en/business/starters/start-your-business"}},"highlight":"Offer: first professional account: 1y for free*","image":{"extension":"jpg","original":"https://assets.ing.com/asset/01f30030-ebee-4dfa-94a6-0ac3be51de04/20251217_Denis-Steckelmacher_Locomotion_0493524863-14.jpg","transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/01f30030-ebee-4dfa-94a6-0ac3be51de04/20251217_Denis-Steckelmacher_Locomotion_0493524863-14","type":"image","width":2000},"subtitle":"Starting a business is exciting. It can also come with a few extra costs. That's why student entrepreneurs can benefit from a range of starter advantages designed to help you get off to a strong start.","title":"Your first steps as an entrepreneur with an instant boost","usps":[{"body":"Up to €1,200 in starter benefits**","iconType":"check-mark"},{"body":"Free VAT activation***","iconType":"check-mark"},{"body":"One year of free credit card membership**","iconType":"check-mark"},{"body":"A Peppol-compliant e-invoicing solution","iconType":"check-mark"}]}],"componentType":"comparisonCards","title":"You've got enough on your plate between classes, exams and growing your business.,Your first steps as an entrepreneur with an instant boost"},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"You're not on your own"},{"alignedImage":{"position":"right","extension":"jpg","original":"https://assets.ing.com/asset/bfdc5744-137e-45ac-96a9-9d7d9e1cac19/ING_01381_StartersBoost_251218_HostServices_Oostende_4914.jpg","transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/bfdc5744-137e-45ac-96a9-9d7d9e1cac19/ING_01381_StartersBoost_251218_HostServices_Oostende_4914"},"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"

✅ Choosing between a sole proprietorship and a company 

✅ VAT, social contributions and administration 

✅ Practical advice to help you start smart; talk to our Start-Up Expert team

"},"title":"Starting a business for the first time can be exciting and a little intimidating. Fortunately, you don't have to do it alone. Our starter experts support you every step of the way, from your first idea to your first customers."},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"You’re in good company"},{"componentType":"testimonial","testimonialList":[{"authorInfo":{"authorName":"The podcast ‘It Starts Here’","image":{"extension":"jpg","original":"https://assets.ing.com/asset/0489a697-8649-46af-920a-664e58cba809/Thumbnail-EP6-Podcast-het-start-hier-290426.jpg","transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/0489a697-8649-46af-920a-664e58cba809/Thumbnail-EP6-Podcast-het-start-hier-290426","type":"image","width":2480},"jobTitle":"Will you be next? Listen to real startup stories in the podcast 'It Starts Here' and get inspired by entrepreneurs such as Dennis Van Peel (Bakkerij Funk and Have A Roll) and Elise Engelen (Oystr Studio) (NL version) and Candice Lees and Vidal Alexe (FR version)."},"testimonialText":{"body":"In 2025, 44,000 Belgians under the age of 30 started their own business, representing 36% of all new businesses.","textLink":{"text":"Get inspired (NL)","url":"/nl/professioneel/starters/podcast-business-starters"}}}]},{"componentType":"highlight","richBody":{"value":"

You can qualify as a student entrepreneur if you are between 18 and 25 years old, enrolled at a recognised educational institution, registered for at least 27 study credits and regularly attend classes.

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You can test your business idea with limited risk while gaining valuable experience.

You can combine your self-employed activity with your studies or a student job. Depending on your income, you may pay little or no social contributions and can remain financially dependent on your parents. They may continue to receive child benefits.

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Why choose student entrepreneur status?

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In most cases, yes. However, if your turnover remains below certain thresholds, you may qualify for a VAT exemption scheme.

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Do I need a VAT number?

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As a student entrepreneur, you can benefit from the Starter Package, which includes advantages worth up to €1,200. This package includes an e-invoicing solution that allows you to easily create, send and receive electronic invoices through Peppol.

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Where can I find a digital invoicing tool?

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***Regulations of the ‘Business CBE Cashback Offer Q3Q4 2026’ campaign - organised by ING Belgium SA/NV. The campaign starts on 1 July 2026 at 12:01 am and ends on 31 December 2026 at 11:59 pm. Participants are deemed to have taken note of the content of the regulations.

"},"textLinks":[{"text":"*Terms and Conditions 1year for free","url":"https://assets.ing.com/m/51f244d78b23b948/original/REGULATIONS-of-the-Free-business-current-account-2026.pdf"},{"text":"**Terms and Conditions Starters Package","url":"https://assets.ing.com/m/192db9489ab8d6d1/original/General-Terms-Condition-ING-Starters-Package.pdf"},{"text":"Terms and Conditions ING Professional Current Account","url":"https://assets.ing.com/m/6a745e7b85191fe4/GeneralRegulationsNewEN.pdf"},{"text":"Terms and Conditions ING Corporate Account Plus","url":"https://assets.ing.com/m/6a745e7b85191fe4/GeneralRegulationsNewEN.pdf"}],"title":"Important Information"}]},"localeString":"en-GB","mainHeaderZone":{"backLink":{"textLink":{"text":"Payments","url":"/en/business/my-sector"}},"componentType":"productHeader","coreHeader":{"body":"Turning an idea into something real? Let's get started. Or do you simply want to earn money with your talents and skills?\r\nAs a student entrepreneur, the world is your oyster. With limited risks and plenty of freedom. ING helps you get started quickly and easily, so you can focus on what really matters: your idea.","headerImage":{"extension":"jpg","original":"https://assets.ing.com/asset/22b76f63-efd2-40ed-a17f-76dd52256ca0/ING-Starter-FoodDelivery-00926.jpg","transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/22b76f63-efd2-40ed-a17f-76dd52256ca0/ING-Starter-FoodDelivery-00926","type":"image","width":6641},"promoLabel":{"labelType":"commercial"},"promoStickerLayout":"None","title":"Starting your own business while studying? Why not?"},"cta":{"componentType":"cta","textLink":{"text":"Open your business account","url":"/en/business/payments/first-step-open-account"}},"secondaryCta":{"textLink":{"text":"Talk to our Start-Up Expert team","url":"/en/business/starters/starters-expert-team"}},"usps":[{"body":"Open your account in just a few minutes"},{"body":"1 year free for start-up*"},{"body":"Guidance from real business experts"},{}],"uspsTitle":"Earn extra income, test your idea and learn by doing. We're here to help you get started."},"publishDate":"2026-07-15T16:41:19.736+02:00"}}