Together with our partner Liantis*, we collected the best tips for successfully starting your side business. Let’s dive in, and most importantly... make that dream come true!
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Requirements to start as self-employed in a secondary occupation"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"The name says it all: to start as self-employed in a secondary occupation, you must first have a primary occupation. Specifically, this means you need to work at least 235 hours per quarter (about part-time) in a 38-hour workweek as an employee. Only then can you register with the social insurance fund as a self-employed worker with a side business and benefit from the associated advantages.
The rules are slightly different if you're a civil servant. You must work at least part-time, and this activity must last at least 8 months or 200 days. If you're a tenured teacher, you must be employed for at least 60%. If you're working under temporary or interim contracts, it's best to contact a social insurance fund to check if it's possible to start a side business.
Under certain conditions, you can also start a secondary occupation if you receive replacement income. For example, during a period of unemployment, you can apply for the 'Springboard to self-employment' benefit from the National Employment Office (ONEM). This Flemish government initiative allows you to work for 12 months as a self-employed worker with a side business without losing your benefits. It gives you the chance to build your business gradually and experiment with your idea while maintaining financial security. It’s the perfect way to pursue your entrepreneurial dream with less risk. If you receive a sickness or disability allowance and work at least 50%, you can also start a side business, provided you have approval from the advisory doctor.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Starting as self-employed in a secondary occupation: key tips"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"1. Choose an activity you enjoy
It may seem obvious, but it’s truly important to choose a side business that interests you and that you’re passionate about. This makes it easier to stay motivated alongside your main job. Plus, it will give you more satisfaction and energy because you’re working on something you genuinely care about.
2. Start small, but think big
You don’t need to make a big investment or find many clients from the outset. Start with a manageable project and build up gradually. By growing step by step, you’ll get to know your market and can expand your side business in a stable way. However, think big: set a clear long-term vision to work towards.
3. Create a solid business plan
A business plan is a useful tool to develop that vision. Even if you’re starting a one-person side business, having a solid business plan is essential. This plan helps you refine your goals and ensures you have a clear picture of the investments needed. Additionally, you’ll gain a better understanding of your income and expenses, allowing you to grow financially sustainably.
4. Consider the costs of being self-employed with a side business
Your side business can provide a nice financial boost, but there are also some costs involved. That’s why it’s smart to get advice on which legal structure best suits your needs when starting your side business, and to understand the administrative steps you’ll need to take. This way, you can make an informed decision between, for example, a sole proprietorship or a company. Your business counter will guide you through the possibilities for your side business and ensure your administration is in order.
To start your own business, you’ll pay €182.94. This includes your registration with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (€105.50) and the application and activation of your company registration number (€77.44). Registering with the social security fund is free, but mandatory. Even for a side business, you’ll contribute annually to your social protection, including pension savings, health insurance, and more. If you plan to hire staff, you can also join a social secretariat to ensure you meet all legal requirements.
5. Don’t forget your social contributions
Even when starting a side business, you must pay social contributions on the income from your self-employed activities. You start with a provisional contribution of €99.38, based on a net taxable income of €1,865.45. Once you declare your actual income to your social insurance fund, your final contributions will be calculated.
Net taxable income per year | Social contributions per year (%) |
Below € 1.865,45 | No social contributions |
€ 1.865,45 - € 72.810,95 | 20,50 % |
€ 72.810,95 - € 107.300,30 | 14,16 % |
Above € 107.300,30 | Maximum contribution |
The maximum contribution is €5,148.10 per quarter. Unlike full-time self-employed workers, those with a secondary occupation don’t have to pay a minimum contribution. If your income falls below the exemption threshold, you won’t owe any contributions.
If you know your final income will be below the exemption threshold of €1,865.45, you can apply for a waiver of provisional contributions. Think your provisional contribution is too low? Pay a higher provisional contribution to avoid a large adjustment later.
6. Understand your rights as self-employed in a secondary occupation
You don’t need to lose sleep over your social rights as a self-employed worker with a side business: you already have a safety net via your main job. Think of your contribution as a 'solidarity contribution,' where you help fund the broader social security system. But wait, here’s some good news! If you pay the minimum contribution for a full-time self-employed worker, you can build up additional rights, such as pension entitlements and free service vouchers for female self-employed workers. After three years, you can even start building a Free Supplementary Pension for the Self-Employed.
7. Consider VAT exemption
If your side business genrates only a small turnover, you might be eligible for the VAT exemption for small businesses, which applies to an annual turnover of less than €25,000. This not only reduces the administrative burden but also means you won’t have to charge VAT to your customers, which can make your prices more competitive.
The downside, of course, is that you won’t be able to deduct VAT on purchases you make for your side business, making the exemption less appealing for those with high expenses.
8. Claim expenses early rather than late
Even before you officially start, you can incur expenses that are tax-deductible. If, for instance, you purchase a laptop exclusively for work, you can claim this investment as a flat-rate business expense. The tax authorities allow you to deduct expenses directly related to your business up to three months before your official start date. It’s therefore important to keep track of your expenses and claim them on time, so you can take full advantage of tax benefits and avoid missing out on deductible costs.
9. Take advantage of subsidies and support measures
As a self-employed worker with a side business, you can benefit from various subsidies and government support measures. These can ease your financial burden and help you grow your business faster. You can find an overview of possible subsidies and government support here.
10. Get civil liability insurance for companies
One crucial final step you should not overlook is obtaining liability insurance for companies. This insurance protects you from potential claims made by customers or third parties due to your activities. Whether you’re providing a service or selling products, mistakes can always happen. You might accidentally damage something during a job or forget something important in the service you’re providing to a client. A liability insurance policy ensures that you won’t be personally financially liable for such situations. This way, you can focus on running your business with peace of mind, without worrying about unexpected costs.
Discover the ING Starter Package, bundling everything new entrepreneurs, self-employed professionals, and companies under 18 months old need into one package.
Do you have questions or need more information? Dive into ING’s starter tips to smartly launch your business.
"}},{"componentType":"cta","textLink":{"url":"/en/business/starters/starterspackage-current-account","text":"Set your business up for success"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Discover the ING Starters Package – everything new self-employed, liberal professions, entrepreneurs under 18 months need, all bundled into one comprehensive package.
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*ING Belgium adapted an article from Liantis for commercial purposes.
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