Accounting obligations for companies in Belgium: what you need to know
Simplified or full accounting? Filing annual accounts, deadlines, penalties: guide to accounting obligations based on your Belgian company size.
In brief
In Belgium, every company registered with the BCE must keep accounts whose scope depends on its size and legal form. Companies (SRL, SA, etc.) are subject to double-entry bookkeeping (PCMN), while self-employed individuals below 500,000 euros in turnover can opt for simplified accounting. Annual accounts must be filed with the NBB within 7 months of the financial year end.
Who must keep accounts in Belgium?
Every company registered with the BCE must comply with accounting obligations. However, the scope varies by size and legal form.
Types of accounting
Simplified accounting
Reserved for natural persons (self-employed) with annual turnover excluding VAT not exceeding €500,000.
Double-entry accounting (full)
Mandatory for:
- All companies (SRL, SA, SC, etc.)
- Large non-profit organisations
- Natural persons exceeding the €500,000 threshold
Company size: the criteria
Micro-enterprise
| Criterion | Threshold |
|---|---|
| Turnover | ≤ €900,000 |
| Balance sheet total | ≤ €450,000 |
| Average staff | ≤ 10 FTE |
Small enterprise
| Criterion | Threshold |
|---|---|
| Turnover | ≤ €12,000,000 |
| Balance sheet total | ≤ €6,000,000 |
| Average staff | ≤ 50 FTE |
Large enterprise
Exceeds at least two of the above criteria.
Annual accounts: filing with the NBB
All Belgian companies must file their annual accounts with the National Bank of Belgium.
Deadlines
- Approval by the general meeting: within 6 months of the financial year end
- Filing with the NBB: within 30 days of approval
Penalties for late filing
- Increased filing fees: from €120 to €1,200
- Director liability
- Judicial dissolution possible after 3 consecutive years without filing
Role of the BCE in accounting
Your BCE registration determines your VAT number, legal form, and activities. Our API allows you to verify this information.
Conclusion
Accounting obligations in Belgium are proportional to company size. Every entity must comply with precise rules for keeping accounts and filing. To master all your tax obligations, see our guide on VAT in Belgium for businesses and our article on mandatory Peppol e-invoicing in 2026. Automated CODA bank reconciliation and advance corporate tax payments in Belgium complement this comprehensive accounting approach.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between simplified and double-entry accounting in Belgium ?
Simplified accounting is reserved for self-employed natural persons with annual turnover excluding VAT not exceeding 500,000 euros. It includes a purchases journal, sales journal, financial journal, and annual inventory. Double-entry bookkeeping (PCMN) is mandatory for all companies (SRL, SA, etc.) and self-employed persons exceeding the threshold. It includes a balance sheet, income statement, and notes to the accounts.
By what deadline must a Belgian company file its annual accounts with the NBB ?
Annual accounts must first be approved by the general meeting within 6 months of the financial year end, then filed with the National Bank of Belgium within 30 days of that approval. The maximum deadline is therefore 7 months after the closing date. Late filing triggers increased filing fees from 120 to 1,200 euros and engages director liability.
What are the thresholds distinguishing a micro from a small or large Belgian company ?
A Belgian micro-enterprise does not exceed more than one of these three criteria: turnover of 900,000 euros, balance sheet total of 450,000 euros, 10 FTE on average. A small enterprise respects at most two of the following thresholds: 12 million turnover, 6 million balance sheet, 50 FTE. A large enterprise exceeds at least two of those thresholds. These criteria determine the annual accounts filing scheme (micro, abbreviated, or full).
How does the BCE number influence the accounting obligations of a Belgian company ?
The BCE number determines the legal form of the company, which is the primary criterion for the type of accounting required. It also establishes the declared activities (NACE codes) which may trigger specific accounting regimes, and serves as the basis for the VAT number (BE + BCE number). The Company Belgium API allows you to instantly verify a company's legal form and activities to adapt your accounting obligations accordingly.
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