Starten als freelancer

Starting out as a freelance worker

Deciding which assignments you take on, where and when you work, and do what you really like doing? These are just some of the many advantages as a freelance worker. At the same time, it is also quite a challenge: you are not only a subject specialist, you also manage the administration, sales and marketing of your business.

Thankfully, you are not on your own: Acerta is on hand to guide you from start to finish in starting up and growing your business.
Start your career as a freelance worker today
Your roadmap

Company form

Deciding on the (legal) form of your company

As a freelance worker, you have the same choices as any other start-up when it comes to choosing the legal form of your business. You can either decide to become a sole-trader (i.e. a self-employed worker) or to set up as a company.

Getting started as a self-employed sole-trader is very simple. Both in terms of start-up and keeping your accounts. In addition, you do not need to consider anyone but yourself when it comes to running your business.

A company is a little more complex. There are various legal forms to choose from, each of which comes with its own benefits and drawbacks in terms of liability and continuity. Moreover, you do not set up (or ‘incorporate’ to use the formal word) a company by yourself: you choose your partners and - depending on the choice you make - you will be dealing with shareholders.

Company number

Applying for a company number

You register your business in the official register of Belgian companies with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (CBE or Kruispuntbank van Ondernemingen KBO). This is mandatory; the easiest way to do is through Acerta’s business counter, either at our office or online. Shortly afterwards, you are the proud owner of a unique company number.

As part of your registration, you decide the (geographical) location of your business. If you are setting up a company, you will also be required to specify your business’ head office (registered office).

VAT

Activating your VAT number

As a freelance worker, you are liable for VAT if you deliver goods or services of the kind specified in the VAT Code on a self-employed basis. Which is why you are required to activate your VAT number as a VAT payer. Another thing which Acerta takes care of for you, through a business counter in your area or online via the Self-Employed Workers Counter.

Social security

This is all about being prepared for changes in life

Every self-employed worker is under obligation to sign up with a social insurance fundbefore starting out. To be compliant with social security regulations, each quarter you pay social security contributions based on your income. In return, you enjoy social protection such as the accrual of pension entitlements, the reimbursement of medical expenses, benefits in case you become incapacitated for work, etc. Acerta works out how much you need to pay in social security contributions, you pay this sum each quarter and we transfer the amount to the government.

Sign up with Acerta’s social insurance fund:


Your enrolment with a mutual health benefit society as a self-employed worker is also mandatory. To make sure you are fully compliant with the laws and regulations as a self-employed worker, hand in the certificate from your social insurance fund to a recognised mutual health benefit society. You will be asked to pay an annual fee for this. This makes sure you are entitled to reimbursement of healthcare expenses in case of illness or an accident. 

A third obligation for people working in self-employed status as a primary occupation is a so-called Voluntary Supplementary Pension Scheme for the Self-Employed (known as VSPSS for short). The statutory pension is insufficient to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle once you retire. Which is why you take out a VSPSS or Social VSPSS (Social Voluntary Supplementary Pension Scheme for the Self-Employed) as soon as you start your business as a freelance worker as a primary occupation. This not only offers social benefits, it also entitles you to tax relief. 

Sign up with Acerta and secure your retirement.

Business account

Opening a bank account

Regardless of your business’ legal form, it is always a good idea to open a business account for your company with a bank based in Belgium. This acts to separate your private and professional transactions.

Getting assistance

Are you itching to start your career as a freelance worker? Acerta is on hand to help you with all administrative formalities as well as offering you the cheapest rates on the market as a social insurance fund.

Give yourself a flying start

Acerta is by your side 24/7 through our convenient online platforms for start-ups. Book an appointment via videocall or visit one of our offices near you. Whichever questions you have, we are here for you!

Start as a freelance worker today

Frequently Asked Questions

When are you a freelance worker?

The definition of a freelance worker is "a self-employed worker without staff doing temporary paying assignments". A freelance worker is not an employee but a provider of services to clients. 

How do I set my rates as a freelance worker?

Basically, it is best to set out from the question: how much do I want to earn net per year to live on? Double this amount and you have an idea of your desired gross income (before tax). As a self-employed worker, you will pay about half of this gross income in taxes and social security contributions. 

TIP: Be sure to include all your expenses in this calculation: rent, down payments, food, insurance, your accountant, etc.

As a freelance worker, do I need an accountant?

That is something you entirely decide for yourself. As a sole trader, single-entry bookkeeping suffices. As a company however, you are required to keep double-entry accounts. In the latter case, you can do this yourself but it is advisable to get assistance from an accountant. 

What are the advantages of being as a freelance worker?

Some of the key benefits include:

  • You are in control of your career.
  • You decide what your talent is and specialise in whatever your discipline is.
  • You are a partner to your clients, negotiating on an equal footing on when, how and where you work.
  • You set your own goals. Including about what you are looking to earn.

What are the drawback of being a freelance worker?

Some of the drawbacks of operating as a freelance worker may be:

  • You need to find for your assignments yourself. So commercial skills are very important to have job security.
  • No work = no money.
  • You do not have a guaranteed monthly income in case of illness, no thirteenth month’s pay, no single or double holiday pay, no paid official holidays, and your statutory pension is less than that of an employee.

Not quite sure yet or still have pressing questions?

Contact us for a no-obligation consultation.