How to open a business account in Belgium

Snapshot

To open a business account in Belgium you usually register your enterprise with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises and obtain a company number, register for VAT where it applies, deposit any required share capital and receive a bank certificate, then verify the identity of directors and beneficial owners. Neobanks can onboard online, while traditional banks can take longer.

Core documents: Company number from the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises, articles of association for a company, and identity for directors and beneficial owners
Typical timeline: Often about one to three weeks once documents are complete, faster with some neobanks that onboard online
Can a non resident open: Possible for a Belgium registered enterprise, sometimes with stricter checks. Verify with the provider.
Most providers: Several business accounts

Fees and features as of 15 January 2026Last reviewed 15 January 2026

General information, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Verify current terms and eligibility with the provider before applying.

Opening a business account in Belgium generally means registering your enterprise with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises and obtaining a company number, depositing share capital where the legal form requires it, then verifying the identity of directors and beneficial owners. As of 15 January 2026, neobanks such as Qonto and online providers such as Wise Business and Revolut Business can onboard online, while traditional banks may take longer. Confirm current requirements with the provider.

The steps to open a business account in Belgium

The process follows a familiar order. Register the enterprise and obtain its company number, deposit any required share capital, choose an account that fits how you trade, prepare the documents, then complete identity verification. The detail and the timeline vary between neobanks and traditional banks, so confirm the current process with the provider you choose.

Register the enterprise and obtain a company number

A company such as a BV or SRL or an NV or SA registers through a notary and an accredited business counter and receives a company number from the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises, known as the KBO in Dutch and the BCE in French. A sole trader registers through a business counter and also receives a company number. As of 15 January 2026, a company number and a VAT registration are commonly needed to open and use a business account, so set these up first. Verify the requirement with the provider.

Deposit share capital where required

The required capital depends on the legal form. As of 15 January 2026, forming an NV or SA requires a bank certificate confirming the deposited share capital before the deed is signed, while a BV or SRL needs adequate initial capital and a financial plan rather than a fixed minimum. Some banks and providers issue the certificate of deposit for the blocked capital account. The amount and process vary by form, so confirm the current steps with the provider and a notary.

Prepare documents and verify identity

Gather the company number, the articles of association for a company, proof of VAT registration where it applies, and identity for directors and beneficial owners, plus proof of a registered office. Providers run anti money laundering checks. As of 15 January 2026, neobank onboarding is usually online, while a traditional bank may ask for more steps. Confirm the current document list with the provider.

What you usually need to apply

Before you apply for a business account in Belgium, prepare these items, as of 15 January 2026. Verify with the provider

Your company number from the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises and, for a company, the articles of association.
Identity documents for directors, beneficial owners and account signatories.
Proof of a registered office in Belgium and, for an NV or SA, the bank certificate for the deposited share capital.

How to open the account

Register the enterprise and obtain the company number, then register for VAT where it applies, before you apply.
Deposit any required share capital and obtain the certificate of deposit, then choose an account that matches your transactions and currencies.
Complete the application and identity checks, then confirm the current requirements and timeline with the provider.

Compare business accounts available in Belgium

These providers accept business customers in Belgium and onboard online. Fees and eligibility shown as of 15 January 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.

Compare business accounts →

Questions about business banking in Belgium

What do I need to open a business account in Belgium?

You usually need a company number from the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises, the articles of association for a company, proof of VAT registration where it applies, identity documents for directors and beneficial owners, and proof of a registered office. As of 15 January 2026 the exact list varies by provider. Confirm the current requirements with the provider before you apply.

How long does it take to open a business account in Belgium?

Often about one to three weeks once your company documents are complete, and faster with some neobanks that onboard online. As of 15 January 2026 timelines vary by provider and legal form. Confirm with the provider.

Do I need to deposit share capital first?

It depends on the form. As of 15 January 2026, forming an NV or SA requires a bank certificate confirming the deposited share capital before the deed, while a BV or SRL needs adequate initial capital and a financial plan rather than a fixed minimum. Confirm the current steps with a notary and the provider.

Can I open a business account online in Belgium?

Yes. As of 15 January 2026, neobanks such as Qonto onboard online, and cross border providers such as Wise Business and Revolut Business also apply online. Confirm the current process with the provider.

Fees, features, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 15 January 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.