1. Business registration: ideal starting point for your administration
A business registration service provider is your first port of call when starting your business. This is quite simply the place to go for all your administrative formalities: applying for your enterprise number, activating your VAT number if you will be subject to VAT and checking off the necessary permits.
But their role doesn’t stop at the start. Even for subsequent changes, such as discontinuing your business, converting a sole proprietorship into a company or changing your registered activities, you can certainly seek advice from a business registration consultant.
2. Payroll: your colleague for personnel management
A payroll services provider will help you with the administrative side of your human resources: from payroll and national insurance to legal advice. They are a crucial partner as the payroll consultant will ensure you meet all of your legal obligations. This is a must when drafting payslips, managing employment contracts or seeking advice on issues relating to employment law. In short, a payroll advisor is essential for the smooth running of your personnel administration.
3. Social fund: social security for... you!
A social fund, also known as the ‘social insurance fund’, is all about you as an entrepreneur. That’s because, even as an entrepreneur, you can count on a social safety net from the government. You therefore pay social security contributions for this...
So, this fund takes care of your social protection (for your family too, by the way!), such as pension accrual, health insurance, child benefit and other benefits. You are obliged to join a social insurance fund before you start your self-employed activity. Your contributions will be calculated based on your income for the past three years. In the case of starters, they will be based on a legal minimum and your self-declared income.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Different and yet the same"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Although a business registration, social fund and payroll service providers each have their own useful function, you will often find them under one roof. Handy!
Many business registration services also offer social fund and payroll services. And that’s definitely convenient as it allows you to arrange everything efficiently all in the one place.
For new entrepreneurs, the business counter is often the first step. There, you receive welcome help with all the necessary administrative formalities. What’s more, they will refer you to a social insurance fund and social secretariat, if appropriate. In this way, you maintain an overview and simplify the whole process.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"So, how do you choose the right business counter?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"There are currently eight authorised business service providers in Belgium. The choice you make will depend on what is important to you, which will be the deciding factor. The basic services and fees for statutory matters are often similar. So, take a look at additional services, extra costs, digital tools and proximity to your office. It always pays to compare.
Here are some partners we work closely with and recommend. They will be happy to help you:
Whether you are just starting your business or are further down the road, choosing the right business counter, social secretariat and social insurance fund can make a world of difference. They will not only provide the necessary administrative and social support, but also help you run your business with confidence and certainty. So, choose carefully and benefit from a partner that will guide you appropriately through the many dimensions of your entrepreneurial adventure!
"}},{"componentType":"highlight","richBody":{"value":"Do you have any questions or are you looking for additional information?
Dive into ING’s start-up facts and discover the step-by-step plan.
"}}]},"hasMacro":false,"id":"a293c688-ff64-4e29-b317-6003a0f2d61b","legalZone":{"flexComponents":[{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"This article is for information purposes only and the information can change over time. Always consult the latest rules and requirements with the competent authorities. Additionally, seek professional advice before making any decisions. ING Belgium NV cannot be held liable for decisions based on the information provided.
"},"title":"Disclaimer"}]},"localeString":"en-GB","mainHeaderZone":{"backLink":{"textLink":{"text":"Starting your business","url":"/en/business/starters"}},"componentType":"editorialHeader","coreHeader":{"body":"As a new entrepreneur, you may not always be sure where to begin. And that’s especially true when terms like ‘business registration, ‘social fund’ and ‘payroll’ are bandied around. But there’s no need to worry, we are happy to help you get started and explain exactly what these terms mean. Better still, we will let you discover which partner would be the best choice for your enterprise.","title":"Looking to outsource your Business registration, social fund and payroll services?"},"date":"2024-10-01","readingTime":0},"publishDate":"2025-04-03T13:56:07.373+02:00"}}