How to check if your business is eligible for a Belgian subsidy
Eligibility for Belgian subsidies depends on 4 main factors: your region, your sector (NACE code), your company size, and the type of project. Discover the common criteria and check your eligibility in a few clicks.
Check my eligibilityCommon eligibility criteria
Most Belgian subsidy programs share these basic criteria.
Registered office region
Your registered office determines the competent region (Brussels, Flanders, or Wallonia). Each region has its own subsidy programs.
Business sector (NACE code)
Your NACE code determines accessible programs. Some sectors (finance, holdings) are excluded from many programs.
Company size
Most subsidies target SMEs (fewer than 250 employees, less than EUR 50M turnover). Micro-enterprises often benefit from higher rates.
Project type
Innovation, hiring, export, training, digitalisation... Each project type opens different programs with specific conditions.
The NACE code: understanding and checking
The NACE code is a central element of subsidy eligibility in Belgium.
What is the NACE code?
The NACE code (Statistical Classification of Economic Activities in the European Community) is a 5-digit code assigned to every Belgian company upon registration with the CBE. It classifies your main activity in a standardized nomenclature.
Why does it matter?
Many subsidy programs use the NACE code to determine eligibility. For example, the KMO-portefeuille excludes certain NACE codes (financial sector, real estate), while other programs specifically target certain sectors (industry, technology).
How to check your NACE code?
Check your company file on the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (CBE). Your main NACE code is listed there. If your code no longer matches your actual activity, you can have it changed through your business counter.
Frequent exclusions
Certain categories of businesses are excluded from most subsidy programs.
Holding companies and asset management firms. Companies whose main activity is holding participations are generally excluded from regional aid.
Financial sector and insurance. Banks, insurance companies, and financial intermediaries are excluded from most SME programs.
Agriculture and fisheries. These sectors fall under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and have their own support mechanisms, separate from standard SME subsidies.
Companies in financial difficulty. Firms in judicial reorganization, bankruptcy, or with negative equity are generally excluded.
How to check with BelGrant
Three options to quickly verify your company's eligibility.
Eligibility quiz (30 seconds)
Answer 5 questions about your company and instantly receive the list of subsidies you are eligible for. The fastest method.
Take the quizAI assistant Lucas
Ask your eligibility questions in plain language to Lucas. He analyzes your specific situation and indicates accessible programs.
Talk to LucasGrant detail pages
Check the detailed page of each subsidy to verify specific eligibility criteria, amounts, and deadlines.
Explore subsidiesFrequently asked questions
My company is less than a year old, am I eligible?
Yes, many subsidies specifically target young companies (starters). Some programs like PMV Startlening in Flanders or Innoviris grants in Brussels are even reserved for companies less than 4 years old. The BelGrant quiz takes your company's age into account.
My office is in Flanders but my project concerns Brussels. Which region is competent?
As a general rule, the region of your registered office (operating headquarters) determines your eligibility for regional aid. However, some federal and European programs do not consider location. Always check the specific conditions of the targeted program.
Can I be eligible for multiple subsidies at the same time?
Absolutely. Belgian law allows cumulation of public aid as long as the total intensity does not exceed the authorized ceiling (usually 60 to 80% of eligible costs). You must declare all public aid received in each new application.
How do I know if my NACE code makes me eligible?
Each subsidy program publishes the list of eligible or excluded NACE codes. The fastest way is to use the BelGrant quiz or ask Lucas: they automatically cross-reference your sector with each program's conditions.
Check your eligibility now
Take the quiz in 30 seconds or chat with Lucas to find out exactly which subsidies your company is entitled to.