Business account for a new business in Belgium: which to pick?

Starting out in Belgium quickly raises a practical question: which business account should you open to launch? For a founder, two families compete: Belgian banks that often waive the first year, and pro neobanks (Revolut, Qonto, N26, bunq) that are cheap but come with real limits. Here is how to decide based on your status.

Which business account should you choose when starting out in Belgium?

For a founder, the right account depends first on your status: company or sole trader. A company needs an account in the legal entity's name and, most often, a Belgian bank that issues the capital-deposit certificate. A sole trader starting small can settle for a pro neobank that is free for the first year.

In practice, the choice comes down to three criteria: the real cost beyond the first twelve months, a Belgian IBAN to pay VAT and social contributions without friction, and the ability to open the account in a company's name. None of these solutions provides a real credit card: they are debit cards.

This table sums up the founder's trade-off: Belgian banks cover the company obligation and the Belgian IBAN, neobanks win on immediate cost and opening speed.

Do you need a business account to set up a company in Belgium?

It depends on the legal form. A company (SRL/BV, SA/NV) must hold an account in the legal entity's name, separate from the founder's private account. A sole trader (personne physique) has no such legal obligation, but must isolate professional flows, which the accountant and tax office expect quickly.

For an SRL/BV set up with a cash contribution, the bank blocks the funds on a special account and issues a certificate the notary requires before the deed. Since the Companies and Associations Code came into force in 2019, the SRL/BV no longer has a minimum capital, replaced by the requirement of sufficient starting equity justified by a financial plan. Watch the detail: this deposit step favours a Belgian bank, because many neobanks do not issue the blocking certificate Belgian notaries expect.

What if I start as a sole trader?

A sole trader registers with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises through a business counter, with no capital deposit or notarial deed. They can freely open a pro neobank or a Belgian account. This is the most flexible founder profile, and the one for whom free offers are most attractive.

When should you open the account before depositing capital?

For a company, open the account before the notary appointment. Funds must be paid in and blocked so the bank can issue the certificate, without which the deed cannot be signed. Allow a few days between the opening request and the certificate, especially at a traditional bank.

Are Belgian banks « free for the first year » worth it for a founder?

Often yes, provided you look beyond twelve months. BNP Paribas Fortis, with its Start for Free offer, provides company setup (BCE number, VAT activation, starting accounting) and a business banking pack free for the first year, saving several hundred euros at launch.

CBC Bank relies on its Business Pure Online account, presented as fully free and 100% digital for sole traders and founders. KBC Brussels offers its Business PRO account with a starter benefits pack. These offers have a real edge: the Belgian IBAN and the ability to cover a company. Watch the detail: the free first year sometimes hides a recurring fee afterwards. I have seen founders discover the pack's cost only in the thirteenth month. Ask for the price beyond the promotional period before signing, and note the switch date in your calendar.

Why do pro neobanks appeal to founders (and where are the limits)?

Pro neobanks attract founders because they open an account online within days, with no appointment, at low or zero initial cost. But each has a limit the founder should know before committing.

Revolut Business offers a free plan and paid tiers, with Belgian IBANs since 2025, lifting an old friction on domestic payments. Qonto charges its Basic plan around 9 € excl. VAT per month and includes a company-creation service, but runs on a French IBAN: paying VAT to the FPS Finance or contributions to the NSSO with a Belgian structured communication becomes less smooth. bunq offers a free plan and paid tiers, with a Dutch IBAN.

The trickiest case is N26 Business: it is reserved for sole traders and liberal professions as individuals. A Belgian company cannot open it. What this means for you: if you set up an SRL/BV, N26 Business drops off your list straight away. One last point common to all these neobanks, none issues a real credit card; they are debit cards, taken immediately.

Which setup should you choose by founder profile?

The right setup depends on your status and launch pace. A sole trader testing the waters gains by starting on a free pro neobank or a fee-free Belgian offer while validating the project. A company formed at the notary should go through a Belgian bank first for the capital deposit and domestic IBAN.

Concretely: for a solo freelancer invoicing a few Belgian clients, a pro neobank with a Belgian IBAN is enough for the first year. For an SRL/BV with a cash contribution, open the company account at a Belgian bank before the notary, then optionally add a neobank for currency payments or team cards. For a founder who wants everything in one place, a Belgian « setup included » offer like Start for Free avoids juggling providers at launch.

FAQ

Above you will find detailed answers to founders' most common questions: business-account obligation, setting up an SRL/BV, the real cost of Belgian offers, N26 and Qonto eligibility, card type and opening time.