The regulated professions
As of 1 January 2024, the rules for starting a business as a self-employed professional in the Brussels-Capital Region have been simplified. You are no longer required to demonstrate basic business management knowledge to register your business. However, in certain specific sectors – known as “regulated professions” – you must still prove that you have the required technical professional competencies.
Which professions are still regulated in Brussels?
The competent authority in this matter is Brussels Economy and Employment. The professions for which proof of professional competence remains mandatory are grouped into the following sectors:
- Food & Catering: restaurateur or banquet caterer, baker and pastry chef.
- Construction: structural works, plasterer, cement and screed, tiling, marble and natural stone works, roofing and waterproofing, joinery (installation/repair), glazier, general joinery, finishing works, central heating installation, air conditioning, gas and plumbing, electrotechnical activities, general contractor.
- Vehicles: Self-employed activities relating to bicycles and motor vehicles.
- Personal Care: beautician, optician, funeral director.
- Others: refrigeration technician (frigorist)
Please note: since 2024, the professions of dry cleaner, pedicurist, masseur and dental technician are no longer regulated in Brussels.
How can you prove your professional competence?
Before you can start operating, your Business Counter (guichet d’entreprises) will verify your qualifications. You can demonstrate your sector-specific competence in one of the following three ways:
- Through a qualification: A Belgian diploma (or a recognised equivalent) that corresponds to the profession concerned.
- Through professional experience: relevant experience acquired in recent years, either as an employee or as a self-employed professional.
- Through an examination: if you do not hold the required diploma or sufficient experience, you may sit an examination organised by the Central Examination Board (Jury Central).
Detailed information for each profession is available on the Brussels Economy and Employment website. Based on the evidence submitted, the Business Counter will decide whether or not to register your business in the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (CBE).
Exemptions
In specific circumstances (such as taking over a business or continuing the activity following the death of your spouse), you may be eligible for a temporary or permanent exemption. It is advisable to consult your accountant or Business Counter to review your specific situation.
Additional licensing and permits
Beyond professional qualifications, certain activities require additional permits or authorisations due to their nature:
- Food: organic operators, fairground catering.
- Tourist Accommodation: (Airbnb, hotels, guest houses) – requires prior declaration or registration, adhering to strict urban planning and fire safety standards.
- Services: service vouchers (titres-services), private employment agencies, travel agencies.
- Trade: Itinerant (street trading) or fairground activities.
Applications should be submitted either to Brussels Economy and Employment or via an authorised Business Counter.
