To open a business account in Belgium you usually need a Belgian registered entity with an enterprise number, the articles of association for a company, identity documents for directors and beneficial owners, and proof of a registered address. As of 15 April 2026, a new company also provides the bank certificate for its capital deposit.
- Core identifier
- The ten digit enterprise number from the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises
- For a company
- Articles of association and, in most cases, a blocked capital deposit certificate
- For everyone
- Valid ID for directors and beneficial owners, and a registered address
- Varies by provider
- Some ask for more, some onboard online. Verify with the provider.
General information, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Verify current terms and eligibility with the provider before applying.
The documents you usually need
Belgian providers build their checks around a few core items. The enterprise number, a ten digit identifier from the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises, lets the bank verify that the business legally exists. A company adds its articles of association and proof of who the directors and beneficial owners are. Every applicant provides a valid identity card or passport, and the bank confirms the registered address. A new company that has just deposited its share capital provides the bank certificate that the notary needs. The exact list varies by provider, as of 15 April 2026.
- The enterprise number, or for a brand new company the steps that lead to it.
- The articles of association for a company, and the register entry showing directors.
- A valid ID for each director and beneficial owner, commonly those above a 25 percent threshold.
- Proof of a registered Belgian address for the business.
- For a new company, the blocked capital deposit certificate where the structure requires it.
How registration and the account fit together
The order depends on your structure. A sole proprietorship registers through an accredited enterprise counter, which arranges the entry in the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises and the enterprise number, after which you open the account. A company such as an SRL or SA usually does the opposite at the start, because the founders first deposit the share capital in a blocked account so the bank can issue the certificate the notary needs, and the enterprise number follows the notarial deed and registration. As of 15 April 2026, confirm the path for your structure with the provider and your notary.
What can slow an application
Applications stall most often on identity and source of funds questions, a missing or unclear ownership structure, or an address that does not match the register. Non resident owners and certain higher risk activities can face extra checks. As of 15 April 2026, having the enterprise number, the articles of association and clean identity documents ready, and being able to describe the business and its expected flows, tends to speed things up. Confirm the current requirements with the provider before you apply.
Compare business accounts available in Belgium
These providers open business accounts for customers in Belgium, with document lists varying by provider. Fees and eligibility shown as of 15 April 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.
Compare business accounts →Questions about business banking in Belgium
What documents do I need to open a business account in Belgium?
What is the enterprise number?
Do I need to deposit share capital first?
Can I open the account online?
Fees, features, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 15 April 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.