The accredited enterprise counter (guichet d'entreprise) is a mandatory step for every entrepreneur in Belgium. Here is everything you need to know.
What Is an Enterprise Counter?
An enterprise counter is a body accredited by FPS Economy that carries out several tasks:
- Registering companies with the CBE – Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (BCE)
- Assigning the enterprise number
- Activating the VAT number
- Checking access-to-the-profession requirements
- Managing changes (address, activities, cessation, etc.)
Accredited Enterprise Counters in Belgium
Acerta
- Presence: nationwide (50+ offices)
- Strengths: full ecosystem (social insurance, HR, social secretariat)
- Registration fee: ~EUR 90
- Website: www.acerta.be
Xerius
- Presence: nationwide (40+ offices)
- Strengths: strong digital services, starter kit
- Registration fee: ~EUR 90
- Website: www.xerius.be
Liantis
- Presence: nationwide (60+ offices)
- Strengths: personalised support, extensive office network
- Registration fee: ~EUR 90
- Website: www.liantis.be
UCM
- Presence: Wallonia and Brussels
- Strengths: specialist in the French-speaking market, political lobbying
- Registration fee: ~EUR 90
- Website: www.ucm.be
Partena Professional
- Presence: nationwide
- Strengths: HR and social secretariat expertise
- Registration fee: ~EUR 90
- Website: www.partena-professional.be
How to Choose Your Enterprise Counter
Selection Criteria
- Proximity: an office near you for in-person formalities
- Language: service in French, Dutch or both
- Additional services: social insurance fund, social secretariat, insurance
- Digital platform: the quality of the online client area
- Support: personalised advice for starters
Practical Tip
Choose the same provider for your enterprise counter and your social insurance fund (caisse d'assurances sociales). This simplifies your administration.
Formalities at the Enterprise Counter
Setting Up as a Sole Trader
Documents to bring:
- Identity card
- Proof of basic management knowledge (Wallonia)
- Proof of access to the profession (if applicable)
- Commercial lease or proof of address
Outcome:
- CBE enterprise number assigned the same day
- VAT activation within 24–48 hours
Amending Your Registration
Changes that require an amendment:
- Change of registered office address
- Adding or amending activities (NACE codes)
- Change of company name
- Adding an operating unit
Cost: EUR 90 per amendment (except cessation)
Ceasing Your Activity
Cessation formalities:
- Deregistration from the CBE via the enterprise counter
- Final VAT return
- Declaration to the social insurance fund
- Declaration to the health insurance fund (mutuelle)
NACE Codes
When registering, you must choose your NACE codes (nomenclature of economic activities):
- Main code: your main activity
- Secondary codes: your additional activities
- Important for VAT and social contributions
- Can be changed at any time (for a fee)
Examples of Common NACE Codes
- 62.010: Computer programming
- 62.020: Computer consultancy
- 70.220: Management consultancy
- 73.110: Advertising agency activities
- 74.102: Graphic design
- 47.910: Retail sale via the internet
Digitalisation of Services
Enterprise counters are modernising their services:
- Online registration: available for simple cases
- Digital client area: real-time tracking of formalities
- Online amendments: for routine changes
- Electronic signature: accepted for most formalities
Conclusion
The enterprise counter is your key administrative partner. Choose it based on your needs and the quality of support offered, not on price alone — they all charge the same regulated fee.
