Set Up a Company as a Canadian Entrepreneur
A strong economic partnership between Canada and Europe
Set Up a Company as a Canadian Entrepreneur
We are J. Jordens, and we support a growing number of Canadian entrepreneurs wishing to develop their activity in Belgium, notably taking advantage of the strengthened economic ties between Canada and the European Union. Here is what you need to know before getting started.
Canada, a third country for professional immigration
Like other nationals of countries outside the European Union, a Canadian citizen wishing to carry out self-employed activity in Belgium must in principle obtain a professional card. This rule applies regardless of the excellent trade relations between Canada and Europe, as the professional card falls under economic immigration law, separate from trade agreements.
The CETA agreement and its effects on trade
The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada and the European Union has considerably facilitated trade between the two areas, notably through the reduction of customs duties and the recognition of certain professional qualifications. This agreement facilitates the commercial context in which your project takes place, without however exempting an individual Canadian entrepreneur from the professional card requirement to set up their own independent structure in Belgium.
The steps of your project
- Belgian company formation, SRL/BV in most cases.
- Filing the professional card application, with a file demonstrating the soundness of your project.
- Registered office in Brussels if you don't have premises there.
- Registration, VAT and UBO formalities, identical to any Belgian company.
Managing your company from Canada
Many Canadian entrepreneurs we support run their Belgian company remotely, notably in the consulting, international trade or technology sectors. This remote management is possible as long as your company has a reliable Belgian registered office and, where applicable, a local representative for the formalities that require one.
Why Brussels appeals to Canadian entrepreneurs
Brussels offers a strategic anchor point for developing an activity toward the entire European market, while benefiting from an internationally recognized business environment. It is a frequent choice for Canadian entrepreneurs wishing to structure their European development from a central hub.
Our support for Canadian projects
Since 1948, our firm has supported entrepreneurs from around the world, including many Canadian entrepreneurs. We coordinate the formation of your company with the preparation of your professional card file, for a consistent, well-managed process.
Recognition of your professional qualifications
Depending on your business sector, the CETA agreement provides mechanisms facilitating the recognition of certain Canadian professional qualifications in Europe. If your activity is regulated (legal advice, engineering, certain healthcare professions), we help you check whether these mechanisms apply to your situation even before starting your company formation.
Time difference and remote organization
If you continue to operate partly from Canada, the time difference with Belgium must be taken into account when organizing your exchanges with the Belgian authorities, your partners and your accountant. We offer you suitable time slots for exchanges and favour steps that can be handled asynchronously to limit the constraints linked to this time difference.
Canadian entrepreneurs benefit from a favourable commercial context thanks to CETA, even though setting up their company must follow the same formalities as for any non-EU national wishing to settle in Belgium. We remain available to assess with you the best structuring for your project, taking into account your personal and professional constraints.
Are you a Canadian entrepreneur wishing to set up your company in Belgium? Contact us to assess your project and the suitable timeline together.