What are the Investment and Trade Opportunities in Belgium?

With a population of 11.5 million and being one of the central countries of Europe, Belgium is a country very open to business activities due to its developed economy and large consumer base. There are many commercial opportunities and possibilities in Belgium, where an investor or business person can reach over 500 million people. A clear business environment is provided for those wishing to do business in Belgium or seeking the investment option that constitutes a significant part of the country's economy; thus, it offers business ease. The country, especially developed in the service sector, owes its foundation to local and foreign investors. Many investors from Turkey continue their activities in Belgium.

The simplest and first investment option in Belgium is entering the real estate sector. Buying a house is both easier and less risky than starting a business. There are no restrictions on property ownership for foreigners in Belgium. Only the tax rates you will pay during the transactions may vary. Foreigners wishing to buy a house in Belgium need to obtain the relevant visa (which may be a residence visa depending on the purpose of use). Moreover, in Belgium, where citizenship can be obtained more easily than in other European countries, you can acquire dual citizenship after five years of residency. This situation typically takes 10 years in other European countries and is a more cumbersome process.

Another and the broadest investment opportunity in Belgium is to start a business or become a partner in one. As long as you have a budget, legal arrangements, and sectoral planning requirements, you can become a business owner in as little as two weeks. Many foreigners choose this option for investment. Today, there are more than 620,000 active businesses in Belgium. More than 60% of these are SMEs. Many of these companies, which actively operate at an advanced level in Belgium, are owned by foreigners. With its free structure and advanced regulations, investing, starting a business, and adopting an entrepreneurial culture in Belgium is a very good option.

How is the Distribution of Investment in Belgium by Sectors?

There are many developed sectors prominent in the Belgian economy. One of the most important is the service sector, while the real estate sector contributes approximately 24 billion euros to the economy. In addition, industry, transportation and telecommunications, energy, and tourism sectors also occupy a significant share of the country's revenue. There are thousands of foreign-partnered or investor companies in the service sector, which is especially a focal point for foreign investors.

In Belgium, where Turkish investors also invest significantly, we can encounter good investment opportunities in every sector. The country, thanks to its developed economy, offers many job opportunities in every industry.

What are the Advantages of Investing in Belgium?

Belgium accepts many EU regulations and rules due to its membership in the EU. In fact, the country stands out as it is the center of many official institutions and hosts NATO's headquarters in its capital, Brussels. Therefore, investing in the country, which serves as a major gateway to Europe, means being closely related to other European countries. This opportunity provides easy access to many consumers.

Additionally, Belgium has an open and free business culture. It does not impose restrictions on the activities of foreign or local investors and business people. For this reason, Belgium is one of the most reasonable places to evaluate your investment opportunities, preferred by many people.

5 Reasons to Invest in Belgium

1. Education Level and Qualified Workforce
Belgium offers advanced and high-standard education. According to OECD reports, Belgium ranks among the top 10 in the world's best education systems. The majority of the working population are higher education graduates, and there is a large number of skilled workers. Therefore, you can be assured of your employees in Belgium for establishing a company or any investment. You will have a high chance of reaching qualified employees, which will also increase your business productivity.

2. Open Economy and Developed Regulations
Belgium is an important commercial center in the world due to its open economy and attractive business environment. As a member of the European Union, the country does not have extra commercial restrictions and high tax applications because it accepts the regulations and rules under the EU framework. This situation is encouraging for investors and business people. Thanks to its entrepreneur-friendly environment, business establishment and operational procedures take a short time. Belgium has established itself both economically and socially.

3. International Decision and Trade Center
Belgium has been a central country where many political and economic decisions have been made for years. Thus, it offers a wide trade network as many companies have their headquarters, and it is the focal point for diplomats, lobby groups, and the world press. The country, hosting over 2,000 foreign companies, is an incredible opportunity for foreign investors due to its multinational nature.

4. Tax Reductions and Business Facilitations
Belgium has many business facilitation applications to encourage investors and business people. One of the most important is the tax reductions provided for commercial activities. Particularly, there are standout applications such as social security contribution reductions for employers and the same tax reduction practices for workers with Belgian-founded firms, aimed at making business activities easier.

5. Social Quality
If you want to conduct your business activities in Belgium as an advanced step of your investment purposes, it means that you will also gain many social things. In Belgium, where the quality of social life and consumer behaviors is high, people are warm and respectful.

How to Establish a Company to Invest in Belgium?

Anyone over the age of 18 can start a business in Belgium as long as they meet the requirements. These requirements include regulations such as visas and residence permits for non-EU citizens. For EU citizens, the process is much easier. Generally speaking, the things that need to be done include completing the necessary contracts and rules according to the type of company, arranging the appropriate budget if capital is required, and applying to the relevant institutions. Most people prefer to open a business in the capital, Brussels; however, it should not be overlooked that other regions also have significant commercial opportunities. You can establish a business and carry out your activities in many regions of Belgium.