Which businesses do we support in Antwerp?
Antwerp is Flanders' big city and home to the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, Europe's second-largest port. It accounts for 73,700 direct jobs and €20 billion in added value. It handled 269.7 million tonnes of goods in 2023. The city is also known for its diamond district, even though the sector is declining. It counts about 1,600 companies and 6,000 jobs. For a French-speaking entrepreneur, Antwerp has one particularity. The administration, the desks and the support schemes fall under the Flemish Region and mostly work in Dutch. Federal tax procedures (VAT, income tax) remain the same as elsewhere in Belgium. An accountant who speaks French and knows the Flemish rules saves you misunderstandings with the local administration. They also help you prepare your support applications.
In Antwerp, our accountants mostly support: transport, retail, hospitality, e-commerce and freelancers.
In Flanders, business support goes through the VLAIO agency and its entrepreneurs' e-loket, where the city of Antwerp is the first to allow applications to be filed. The KMO-portefeuille (SME portfolio) funds part of training and advisory costs, at 30% for a small business, capped at €7,500 per year. It will stop accepting applications from 1 January 2027.
The formalities are the same everywhere in Belgium: BCE registration through a business counter (guichet d'entreprises), VAT (TVA), social insurance fund. Start-up and employment grants, however, depend on your region (Flanders). Your accountant in Antwerp knows them.
An accountant in Antwerp who knows your trade
Trades in Antwerp
Should I choose an accountant close to home?
It is not compulsory, but a local accountant knows your region's grants and can meet you. Most exchanges then happen remotely.
What grants exist for starting a business in Antwerp?
In Flanders, the VLAIO agency manages business support. The KMO-portefeuille funds 30% of training and advisory costs for a small business, up to €7,500 per year. Applications go through the entrepreneurs' e-loket. This scheme will be abolished: no applications will be possible from 1 January 2027.
Are prices different in Antwerp?
No. Our plans are identical across Belgium. Only your situation (legal form, number of documents, VAT regime, employees) changes the price.
How does the first meeting go?
A free 20-minute call, at the Antwerp office or by video. You describe your business, and your accountant tells you what they can do for you and at what price.
Meet an accountant in Antwerp
20 free minutes, at the office or by video call.