Export & International Growth Grants in Belgium
Belgium actively supports businesses expanding into international markets. Through FIT, hub.brussels, and AWEX, companies can access grants for trade missions, market studies, export consultancy, and international marketing — covering up to 50–80% of eligible costs.
What export grants are available?
Below are the current export and internationalization grants available to Belgian businesses. These grants are updated in real time from official sources.
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Who is eligible for export grants?
Export grants in Belgium are primarily designed for SMEs looking to expand internationally. Key eligibility criteria include:
- Registered in Belgium (KBO/BCE number required)
- SME status is often required (some programs accept larger companies for collaborative projects)
- Clear international development plan targeting specific markets
- Product or service ready for export (not still in R&D phase)
- No outstanding tax or social security debts
How much funding can you get?
Export funding in Belgium varies by program and region:
- FIT trade missions: subsidized participation from €500–€5,000 per mission
- hub.brussels export vouchers: up to €10,000 for market research, translation, and consultancy
- AWEX international development: 50% co-financing of export costs, up to €30,000 per year
- Trade fair participation: 50–80% of booth costs covered depending on the region
- Prospection travel grants: reimbursement of travel and accommodation for business trips abroad
How to apply for export grants
The application process depends on the specific program, but typically follows these steps:
- Identify the right program — use the list above or ask Lucas, our AI assistant
- Prepare your export plan with target markets, timeline, and expected outcomes
- Gather required documents: company profile, financial statements, export strategy
- Submit through the regional agency portal (FIT, hub.brussels, or AWEX online platforms)
- Await approval — most export grants are processed within 2–6 weeks
Export grants by region
Each Belgian region has its own trade and export promotion agency:
🔵 Brussels (hub.brussels)
hub.brussels supports Brussels companies in their international development. Programs include export vouchers for consultancy and market studies, subsidized trade mission participation, trade fair support, and the Brussels Export program for first-time exporters.
View details →🟡 Flanders (FIT — Flanders Investment & Trade)
FIT is Flanders' international trade and investment agency. Key programs include subsidized trade missions worldwide, individual market studies, KMO-portefeuille vouchers for export consultancy, trade fair subsidies, and a network of 90+ trade representatives in key markets.
View details →🔴 Wallonia (AWEX)
AWEX promotes Walloon exports and attracts foreign investment. Programs include Explort for young export managers, subsidized trade missions and fairs, market prospection grants, export insurance through Credendo, and virtual office support in target markets.
View details →Frequently asked questions
Can startups apply for export grants?â–¼
Yes, as long as your product or service is market-ready. Programs like hub.brussels' export vouchers and AWEX's Explort are specifically designed for companies taking their first steps internationally. FIT also offers programs for first-time exporters through KMO-portefeuille.
Do export grants cover online/digital expansion?â–¼
Yes. Most Belgian export agencies now support digital internationalization. This includes grants for international SEO, e-commerce platform localization, digital marketing campaigns targeting foreign markets, and participation in virtual trade fairs.
Can I get funding for multiple export markets simultaneously?â–¼
Yes. You can apply for grants targeting different markets in the same year. AWEX and FIT both allow multiple applications per year, though annual caps may apply (e.g., AWEX limits total annual support to €30,000). hub.brussels export vouchers can also be used across multiple markets.
How long does approval take for export grants?â–¼
Export grants are generally processed faster than R&D subsidies. Trade mission registrations can be approved within 1–2 weeks. Export vouchers and market study grants typically take 2–4 weeks. Some AWEX programs require committee review and may take 4–6 weeks.