Belgium Self-Employed Work Permit (Professional Card): Complete Guide for UK Applicants

Between its buzzing cities, rich culture, and central location in Europe, it’s easy to see why so many people dream of running their business from Belgium - and you can too.

But before you can start billing clients from Brussels, you'll need a Professional Card to legally operate as a self-employed individual in Belgium. We’ve outlined everything you need to know to obtain one in this guide.

We’ve also explained how Wise Business can help you manage your business finances internationally, giving you a simple way to get paid and hold euros from the moment you arrive.

Register for Wise Business ✍️

Key facts

Topic	Notes
Professional Card 👔	UK citizens need a professional card (known locally as a carte professionnelle or beroepskaart) to work as a self-employed person in Belgium1.
Consider which region you’ll operate in 📌	Read the information provided by the regional authorities of Brussels1, Flanders2 or Wallonie3 to know exactly how to apply for a Professional Card to be self-employed as a foreigner in that region.
D Visa (Long stay visa) 🗺️	It’s advisable to apply for your Professional Card from the Belgian embassy in London *before *applying for the Belgian D visa (long-stay visa), as the Professional Card supports the D visa application.
Application Fee 💶	€140 for a Professional Card, plus €90 per year of card validity, paid when issued4.
Processing Time ⏳	Up to 4 months
Permanent Residence Pathway 🌎	The professional card usually lasts 1 to 5 years, depending on your situation. You can renew it as long as your business stays active and compliant. After five years of legal self-employment, you could qualify for permanent residency.

Table of contents

Key facts What is a Belgian Professional Card?  Who needs a Professional Card to become self-employed in Belgium? How to apply for a Professional Card to work self-employed in Belgium Step 1: Determine eligibility Step 2: Prepare and submit your application Step 3: Get authorisation to stay Step 4: Collect your Professional Card Step 5: Register your business How much does it cost to get a Professional Card? How long does it take to receive the Professional Card? Paying taxes as a self-employed freelancer in Belgium Income tax Social security contributions VAT exemption Summary Manage your freelance earnings like a pro with Wise Business

What is a Belgian Professional Card? 

A Professional Card is your official permission to operate your business legally in Belgium. 

Who needs a Professional Card to become self-employed in Belgium?

You need a Professional Card if you:

• Want to work as a self-employed professional in the Brussels-Capital region
• Want to set up a business as a natural person (someone with their own legal identity)
• Act as a company or association agent, whether paid or unpaid
• Are not a Belgian national
• Are not citizens of an EU/EEA country (European Union, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein) or Switzerland

To make sure you’re eligible, you must also:

• Already have a right of residence in Belgium. If not, you must apply for this via the consular or relevant diplomatic representation when applying for your Professional Card.
• Comply with regulatory obligations, particularly those related to your professional activity.
• Run a business that benefits the Brussels-Capital region.

That said, the Professional Card has some exemptions, so it’s important to check if any apply to your situation. 

For the latest information and to start your application, check the website of the competent regional authority (Brussels, Flanders, or Wallonia) and the Belgian diplomatic post in your country of residence.

How to apply for a Professional Card to work self-employed in Belgium

1. Determine eligibility
2. Prepare and submit your application
3. Get authorisation to stay
4. Collect your professional card
5. Register your business

Step 1: Determine eligibility

To make sure you’re eligible, you must:

• Already have a right of residence in Belgium. If not, you must apply for this via the consular or relevant diplomatic representation when applying for your Professional Card.
• Comply with regulatory obligations, particularly those related to your professional activity.
• Run a business that benefits the Brussels-Capital region.

That said, the Professional Card has some exemptions, so it’s important to check if any apply to your situation.

Belgium comprises three regions, each with its own procedures for issuing Professional Cards:

• Brussels-Capital Region: Applications are processed by Brussels Economy and Employment¹
• Flanders: Applications are handled by the Department of Work and Social Economy²
• Wallonia: Applications are managed by the Walloon Public Service³

Apply to the authority for the region where you plan to run your freelance business.

Pay close attention when you’re doing this, as the conditions, exemptions, application procedures, and renewal processes for each region may vary. 

Double-checking the rules for your specific region is a must.

For the latest information, check the website of the competent regional authority (Brussels, Flanders, or Wallonia).

Step 2: Prepare and submit your application

Ensure all your documents are ready:

• Completed application form for the Professional Card
• Valid passport or residence permit
• A business plan of a maximum of 20 pages, showing that your work is viable and valuable for Belgium
• Proof of qualifications or relevant professional experience
• Certificate of good conduct (criminal record check) from your home country
• Financial proof to show you can support yourself and your business
• A medical certificate to confirm you’re in good health
• Passport-sized photos (usually two)
• Proof of payment for the application fee

You’ll also need to show that your business:

• Follows regional rules and professional regulations
• Benefits the local economy, particularly in the region you’ll operate

Step 3: Get authorisation to stay

If you plan to freelance in Belgium for over 90 days, you need a long-stay (D) visa. Apply at the Belgian embassy or consulate responsible for your residence. You’ll need:

• Proof of payment of the contribution fee, if applicable.
• Decision from the regional authority granting your Professional Card.
• Medical certificate confirming you don’t have any illnesses listed in Belgian law.
• Criminal record extract from your home country or last residence (issued within 6 months).

After approval, you can enter Belgium and start your business legally.

Step 4: Collect your Professional Card

After arriving in Belgium with your D visa, go to the company counter indicated on your application form to collect your Professional Card. 

This card officially authorises you to operate as a self-employed professional in the country.

Step 5: Register your business

Having a Professional Card is a great start, but your freelance business isn’t officially up and running until you register it properly. Here’s what you need to do:

• Check your trade name: Visit the Federal Public Service website to make sure your business name isn’t already taken.
• Register with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (CBE): This will give you an official enterprise ID number, which is your key to doing business legally in Belgium.
• Sort out taxes and social security: Use your enterprise ID to register and ensure you comply with Belgian tax and social security requirements.

Doing all this ensures your freelance business is fully legal, recognised, and ready to operate without any roadblocks. Consider it as giving your new venture its official green light!

How much does it cost to get a Professional Card?

Item	Fee
Application and issue fee (when you’re getting the Professional Card for the first time)	€140 + €90 per year of card validity4
Renewals, modifications, or replacements	€140

Things to Remember:

• The €140 application fee is always paid when you apply (whether for the first time, renewal, or change).
• The €90/year charge kicks in when the card is issued for the first time. So, if you get a 2-year card, that’s €180 in issuance fees.
• In addition to the above, you must pay a fee to register your freelance business with CBE.

How long does it take to receive the Professional Card?

It can take up to 120 days. The exact processing time varies depending on where and how you apply. 

If you’re applying from outside Belgium, the embassy will review your application before forwarding it to the regional authorities, which can add a few extra weeks.

Paying taxes as a self-employed freelancer in Belgium

So, you’ve got your Professional Card, and you’re freelancing in Belgium. That’s great!

Next, it's time to tackle the essentials - understanding how taxes, social security, and VAT work. While it's not the most thrilling part of freelancing, getting it right is mandatory and saves you money in the long run.

Income tax

Freelancers are taxed under the personal income tax system, which is progressive. The more net income you earn, the higher your rate. You get to deduct business expenses and social security contributions.

The 2024 income tax brackets (for income earned in 2024, assessed in 2025)⁸ are:

Bracket	Rate
€0 to €15,820	25%
€15,820 to €27,920	40%
€27,920 to €48,320	45%
Above €48,320	50%

There is a tax-free allowance (a base amount you don’t pay tax on). For 2024, that’s around €10,570.

Social security contributions

Freelancers in Belgium must pay social security contributions to a social insurance fund every quarter. 

These payments cover essential benefits such as pensions and healthcare. 

For new freelancers, the contributions usually start at a provisional minimum rate until their exact net income is determined.

After around three years, the fund recalculates the amount based on actual income.

For new freelancers, the rate is 20.5% for the first year. After that, the standard rate is 21.5% on income up to a certain threshold (at which point the rate decreases). Meanwhile, contributions may plateau or slightly decrease once income exceeds certain thresholds⁷.

VAT exemption

• If your annual turnover is below €25,000 (excluding VAT), you might be eligible for Belgium’s VAT exemption scheme for small businesses (even if you’re a freelancer). This means no need to charge VAT, file periodic returns, etc., though some obligations remain (e.g. accounting, invoicing)⁵.
• As of 1 January 2025, there is a dual threshold if you do business across the EU. To use the exemption in other EU countries, your total EU turnover must stay under €100,000, and your Belgian turnover under €25,000⁶.
• Certain sectors or types of transactions are excluded (construction, hospitality, etc.).

Being proactive with the payments and understanding how your rates adjust over time can help you manage your finances more confidently as your freelance income grows.

Summary

Freelancing in Belgium can be an exciting adventure. You get to work on your own terms while enjoying everything this vibrant country has to offer. 

Sure, there’s some paperwork at the start, getting your visa, registering your business, and setting up taxes and social security, but once that’s done, you’re all set for smooth sailing.

Therefore, if you’re looking for a place that truly values freelancers, Belgium checks all the boxes. A steady economy, supportive community, and plenty of room to grow your business are perks you won’t find everywhere!

Manage your freelance earnings like a pro with Wise Business

So, your Professional Card is in your pocket and your earnings have begun to flow. What if you want to convert your EUR into GBP for those trips home? 

With Wise Business, you can convert euros to pounds at themid-market exchange rate with no hidden fees. 

Wise Business also gives you local account details for 8+ currencies, including EUR, so you can get paid by Belgian clients hassle-free.

What’s more, you can create invoices for free to bill clients, spend easily in Belgium with your Wise Business card, and even earn 0.5% cashback on eligible purchases.

It’s the simplest way to manage global payments while keeping more of what you earn.

Be Smart, Get Wise.

Register for Wise Business ✍️

**Sources:**

1. Brussels Economy and Employment, Professional card for non-European nationals
2. Vlaanderen, Professional card for foreign entrepreneurs
3. Emploi et Formation professionnelle en Wallonie, Professional Cards
4. Vlaanderen, Professional card - Price and period of validity
5. Federal Public Service Finance, VAT exemption scheme for small businesses
6. Deloitte, Changes to the VAT exemption scheme for SME’s as from 2025
7. Leuven Accountants, Self-Employed Social Security
8. Dexxter, Personal Income Tax as a Self-Employed Person

Sources last checked on October 27th, 2025