Can Foreign-Owned Companies Get Belgian Grants?
Belgium welcomes international entrepreneurs. If your company is registered here — regardless of where you were born or where your shareholders are based — you can access the same regional and federal grants as any Belgian-owned business. Here's what you need to know.
The short answer
Yes. Belgian grants are tied to where your company is registered, not your nationality. If you have a Belgian entity with a BCE/KBO number and an active VAT registration, you are eligible for most subsidy programs in Brussels, Flanders, and Wallonia.
There is no requirement for Belgian citizenship, permanent residency, or even living in Belgium — as long as your company operates from a Belgian address and employs people locally.
What you need to qualify
The eligibility criteria are the same for foreign-owned and Belgian-owned companies. Key requirements include:
- A registered Belgian entity (BV/SRL, SA/NV, or branch office) with a BCE/KBO number
- An active Belgian VAT number (BTW/TVA)
- An operational address in Belgium (registered office)
- At least one employee or the founder working in Belgium (for most grants)
- No outstanding tax or social security debts (ONSS/RSZ)
- Financial statements filed with the National Bank of Belgium (for companies older than 1 year)
Best grants for international founders
These grants are particularly relevant for foreign-owned companies and international entrepreneurs starting or growing in Belgium.
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Brussels: the best region for international SMEs
Brussels is Belgium's most international region, with over 35% of its population born outside Belgium. The region actively supports international entrepreneurs through dedicated programs:
- Innoviris: R&D grants up to €500K, open to any Brussels-registered company regardless of founder nationality
- hub.brussels: free advice, market studies, and export support for Brussels-based companies expanding internationally
- finance&invest.brussels: loans and equity investments for Brussels SMEs, including subsidiaries of foreign groups
- 1819.brussels: one-stop shop for business creation, available in English, French, and Dutch
- Expansion grants: up to €40K for hiring, equipment, and consultancy for growing Brussels businesses
How BelGrant helps international founders
Navigating Belgian grants can be complex — especially when application forms are in French, Dutch, or sometimes only in one regional language. BelGrant makes it simple:
- Lucas, our AI assistant, speaks English and can explain any grant program, eligibility rule, or application step
- Our grant matching quiz identifies which subsidies your company qualifies for in under 3 minutes
- We maintain a real-time database of 90+ grants across all three regions, updated from official sources
- Our Expert plan includes a human grant consultant who can guide your application in English
Frequently asked questions
Does foreign ownership affect my eligibility for Belgian grants?▼
No. Belgian grants are based on where the company is registered and operates, not on the nationality of the founders or shareholders. A 100% foreign-owned BV/SRL in Brussels has the same access to Innoviris grants as a Belgian-owned one.
Do I need to be a Belgian resident to apply for grants?▼
No personal residency is required. However, your company must have a registered office in Belgium, an active VAT number, and typically at least one employee working in the country. Some grants for self-employed individuals may require personal registration.
Can I apply for grants in English?▼
Most grant applications must be submitted in French (Brussels/Wallonia) or Dutch (Flanders). However, some EU programs and a few Brussels programs accept English. BelGrant's AI assistant Lucas can help you understand requirements in English, and our Expert plan includes application support.
Is my EU company (not Belgian) eligible for Belgian regional grants?▼
Not directly. You need a Belgian legal entity — a branch office (succursale) or a Belgian subsidiary. Simply having an EU company registration is not enough. The good news: setting up a Belgian BV/SRL is straightforward and can be done in 2–4 weeks.