International student: starting a business in Belgium (professional card/visa) — VLAIO.

Details

• Source: https://www.vlaio.be/nl/begeleiding-advies/start/ondernemen-als-student-zelfstandige/wil-je-als-internationale-student-ondernemen
• Organisation: VLAIO
• Who it’s for: international students who want to become self-employed in Belgium
• What is it? Explanation of the professional card, (D-)visa and conditions to start

What is it?

This VLAIO page explains what you need as an international student to be self-employed in Belgium. It focuses on when you must apply for a professional card, which documents are required, and when you also need a visa/residence permit.

What do you get?

• Clarity on whether you need a professional card (with exceptions for EU/EEA/Switzerland).
• Overview of what you typically need to submit (including a financial plan).
• Guidance on possible requirements for means of subsistence/start-up capital (depending on the activity).
• Explanation of when a D visa / residence permit (>90 days) is required.
• Suggestions on where to find support (ecosystems, your institution, UNIZO/NSZ/VOKA).

Conditions / criteria (if relevant)

• A professional card is required for non-Belgian students who want to be self-employed in Belgium, except nationals of:
  • an EU member state, or
  • Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Switzerland.
• For certain professions you may need a degree/recognition/permit (e.g. liberal/intellectual professions).
• For nationals outside the Schengen area who want to work as self-employed in Belgium for more than 90 days: an additional residence permit is required (usually via a D visa).

How does it work?

1. Use the simulator on the VLAIO page to check whether you need a professional card.
2. Prepare your application with the required documents (including a financial plan for at least 2 years).
3. Depending on the type of activity, you may also need to prove sufficient means/start-up capital or demonstrate economic/innovative/cultural value.
4. If you are outside Schengen and staying >90 days: check the residence permit/D visa process via the Belgian embassy/consulate.
5. Then follow the standard start-up steps and check whether you meet the conditions for the student self-employed social/fiscal status.

Practical

• The source page also links to an English translation.
• Support: local ecosystems, your institution, and organisations such as UNIZO, NSZ or VOKA.