Working for yourself
You are self-employed if you are employed but not on the basis of an employment contract or, in the case of public officials, a statute.
As a one-person business you are responsible for your own social security and finances.
Primary or secondary activity
You can register as self-employed as your main activity (if you do not work in any other capacity) or as your secondary activity (if you also have paid employment). Your social security contributions and rights depend on which status applies to you.
To find out more about starting a business see the Doing business in Brussels pages.
Professional card for foreign nationals
The Opens in new windowprofessional card for foreign nationals allows them to work as self-employed professionals in Belgium.
Contact us
National Institute for the Social Security of the Self-employed (NISSE)
Boulevard de Waterloo, 771000 Brussels
- Phone: +32 (0)2 546 44 24
- Phone: +32 (0)2 546 44 27
Contact us
FPS Employment, Labour and Social Dialogue
Rue Ernest Blerot, 11070 Brussels
Contact us
FPS Economy, SMEs, the Self-employed and Energy
Contact Center Rue du Progrès, 501210 Brussels
- Phone (free number within Belgium): 0800 120 33