In this comprehensive guide, we’ll examine the top 10 small business ideas in Belgium for foreigners, complete with detailed statistics, real entrepreneur reviews, and practical insights to help you navigate the Belgian business landscape. From digital ventures requiring minimal investment to brick-and-mortar establishments with strong local demand, we’ve researched the most promising opportunities for non-Belgian entrepreneurs in 2024.
Comparison of Top 10 Small Business Ideas in Belgium for Foreigners
Before diving into the details of each business opportunity, let’s compare these ideas across key metrics to help you identify which options might best align with your goals, skills, and resources.
| Business Idea | Industry | Startup Cost | Avg. Profitability | Legal Complexity | Rating |
| Digital Marketing Agency | Technology | €2,500 – €10,000 | €5,000 – €15,000/month | 2/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Food Tour Business | Tourism | €2,500 – €7,500 | €2,500 – €8,000/month | 3/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Language Translation Service | Professional Services | €1,000 – €3,000 | €3,000 – €10,000/month | 1/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Tech Support Business | IT Services | €3,000 – €8,000 | €4,000 – €12,000/month | 2/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Specialty Bakery | Food & Beverage | €15,000 – €50,000 | €3,000 – €15,000/month | 4/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Eco-friendly Fashion | Retail | €10,000 – €30,000 | €2,000 – €12,000/month | 3/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Virtual Assistant Service | Business Services | €500 – €2,000 | €2,000 – €6,000/month | 1/5 | 3.7/5 |
| Fitness & Wellness Center | Health & Fitness | €20,000 – €80,000 | €4,000 – €20,000/month | 3/5 | 3.6/5 |
| EU Compliance Consulting | Consulting | €2,000 – €5,000 | €5,000 – €15,000/month | 3/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Bed & Breakfast | Hospitality | €50,000 – €200,000 | €3,000 – €15,000/month | 4/5 | 3.4/5 |
1. Digital Marketing Agency
Feature Stats
- Startup costs: €2,500 – €10,000
- Time to break even: 3-6 months
- Required certifications: None legally required, but Google, Facebook, and HubSpot certifications are recommended
- Monthly revenue potential: €5,000 – €15,000
Pros
- Low initial investment compared to other businesses
- Can be operated remotely or from a small office
- High demand from Belgian businesses needing multilingual marketing
- Excellent opportunity to leverage international experience
Cons
- Competitive market with established agencies
- Requires understanding of local market preferences
- May need to hire local talent for language-specific content
- Building a client base takes time and networking
Specifications
A digital marketing agency in Belgium can be structured as a one-person business (independent contractor) or as a private limited company (SRL/BV). The most common legal structure for foreigners is the SRL/BV, which requires a minimum capital of €1. Language requirements depend on your target market, but proficiency in English is essential, while French and/or Dutch are highly beneficial for local clients.
“As an American entrepreneur, I found Belgium to be surprisingly welcoming for my digital marketing agency. The multilingual nature of the country means there’s always demand for marketing that can bridge language barriers. After 18 months, we’re serving clients across Belgium and neighboring countries.”
For visa implications, non-EU citizens will need to apply for a Professional Card, which requires proving the viability of your business plan. EU citizens can establish a business without additional visa requirements.
2. Food Tour Business
Feature Stats
- Startup costs: €2,500 – €7,500
- Time to break even: 4-8 months
- Required certifications: Tour guide license (varies by region), food safety certification recommended
- Monthly revenue potential: €2,500 – €8,000
Pros
- Belgium’s renowned food culture creates natural interest
- Can leverage Belgium’s famous chocolate, beer, and waffle traditions
- Foreign perspective can be a unique selling point
- Relatively low overhead costs
Cons
- Seasonal fluctuations in tourism
- Requires building relationships with local food establishments
- Weather dependency for walking tours
- May require multiple language skills
Specifications
Food tour businesses in Belgium typically operate as sole proprietorships or SRL/BV companies. For foreigners, the SRL/BV structure offers more credibility when partnering with restaurants and food producers. Language requirements are significant – English is essential for international tourists, while knowledge of French, Dutch, or German expands your potential market.
“I started my chocolate and beer tour business in Bruges with just €5,000. As a foreigner, I found my outsider perspective on Belgian cuisine was actually an advantage. Tourists appreciate hearing about Belgian food culture from someone who discovered it as they did. We’re now running tours in three cities.”
Non-EU citizens will need a Professional Card, while EU citizens can establish the business without additional permits. Local regulations for tour guides vary by region, with Brussels, Flanders, and Wallonia each having different requirements.
3. Language Translation Service
Feature Stats
- Startup costs: €1,000 – €3,000
- Time to break even: 2-4 months
- Required certifications: None legally required, but professional translation certifications are beneficial
- Monthly revenue potential: €3,000 – €10,000
Pros
- Extremely low startup costs
- Belgium’s multilingual environment creates natural demand
- Proximity to EU institutions provides high-value clients
- Can be operated from home or a small office
Cons
- Competition from large translation agencies
- May require building a network of specialized translators
- Quality control challenges when scaling
- Pressure to meet tight deadlines
Specifications
Translation services can be structured as a sole proprietorship or SRL/BV. For foreigners, the ability to offer translation between your native language and Belgian official languages (Dutch, French, German) is a significant advantage. Brussels, as the seat of EU institutions, offers particularly strong opportunities for specialized translation services in legal, technical, and policy documents.
“As a Brazilian living in Belgium, I started my translation service focusing on Portuguese-French-English translations for businesses expanding to South America. Being based in Brussels gave me access to international organizations and companies that regularly need specialized translation services. My native Portuguese combined with acquired French skills proved to be a valuable market niche.”
For visa implications, non-EU citizens will need a Professional Card, which is relatively straightforward to obtain for translation services due to the low investment requirements and clear business model.
4. Tech Support Business
Feature Stats
- Startup costs: €3,000 – €8,000
- Time to break even: 3-6 months
- Required certifications: None legally required, but technical certifications (Microsoft, Cisco, etc.) are valuable
- Monthly revenue potential: €4,000 – €12,000
Pros
- Growing demand from SMEs without in-house IT departments
- Recurring revenue through maintenance contracts
- Technical skills often transcend language barriers
- Opportunity to specialize in niche areas (cybersecurity, cloud migration)
Cons
- May require some language proficiency for client communication
- Need to stay current with rapidly evolving technologies
- On-call availability often expected by clients
- Competition from established IT service providers
Specifications
Tech support businesses in Belgium typically operate as SRL/BV companies, which provides credibility when dealing with business clients. Language requirements vary by region – English is sufficient for international companies and startups, while Dutch and/or French skills significantly expand your potential client base.
“I relocated from India to Belgium and started my IT support company focusing on cybersecurity for small businesses. The Belgian market was less saturated than other European tech hubs, and companies here value specialized expertise. After two years, we’ve grown to a team of five serving clients across Brussels and Flanders.”
For visa implications, non-EU citizens with technical qualifications may qualify for Belgium’s specialized skills visa in addition to the Professional Card, potentially simplifying the immigration process.
5. Specialty Bakery
Feature Stats
- Startup costs: €15,000 – €50,000
- Time to break even: 8-18 months
- Required certifications: Food safety certification (HACCP), professional baker qualification may be required
- Monthly revenue potential: €3,000 – €15,000
Pros
- Strong Belgian tradition of quality baked goods
- Opportunity to introduce international baking styles
- Loyal customer base when quality is established
- Potential for wholesale contracts with cafes and restaurants
Cons
- Higher startup costs for equipment and premises
- Strict food safety regulations
- Early morning work hours
- Competition from established Belgian bakeries
Specifications
Bakeries in Belgium typically operate as SRL/BV companies due to the higher investment and regulatory requirements. Language requirements are more significant for this business, as you’ll need to communicate with suppliers, staff, and customers. Location is crucial – urban areas with foot traffic are ideal, though rent costs will be higher.
“As a French pastry chef, I opened a specialty bakery in Brussels focusing on fusion pastries that combine Belgian and French techniques. The local market appreciates innovation while respecting tradition. The regulatory process was challenging but manageable with the right advisors. After three years, we’ve expanded to a second location and supply several high-end cafes.”
For visa implications, non-EU citizens will need a Professional Card. The application should emphasize any unique baking skills or concepts you’re bringing to the Belgian market.
Additional Promising Business Ideas for Foreigners in Belgium
While we’ve detailed five of the top business opportunities above, the following five ideas also offer excellent potential for foreign entrepreneurs in Belgium:
6. Eco-friendly Fashion
Belgium’s growing focus on sustainability makes eco-friendly fashion a promising niche. With startup costs between €10,000-€30,000, this business appeals to environmentally conscious consumers in urban centers like Antwerp (a fashion hub) and Brussels.
7. Virtual Assistant Service
With minimal startup costs (€500-€2,000) and the ability to work remotely, virtual assistant services are ideal for foreigners with administrative skills. The presence of international organizations creates demand for multilingual support services.
8. Fitness & Wellness Center
Health-conscious Belgians are increasingly investing in fitness and wellness, creating opportunities for specialized studios (yoga, pilates, personal training). While startup costs are higher (€20,000-€80,000), profit potential and scalability are strong.
9. EU Compliance Consulting
Belgium’s position as the EU’s administrative center creates demand for consultants who can help businesses navigate complex EU regulations. With startup costs of €2,000-€5,000, this knowledge-based business offers excellent returns for those with regulatory expertise.
10. Bed & Breakfast
Belgium’s tourism industry supports B&Bs in cities like Bruges, Ghent, and Brussels. While startup costs are substantial (€50,000-€200,000), a well-located B&B can provide both a business and a place to live for foreign entrepreneurs.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Business Opportunity in Belgium
Belgium offers a unique environment for foreign entrepreneurs, combining access to European markets with a stable business climate and supportive infrastructure. When selecting from these top 10 small business ideas in Belgium for foreigners, consider these key factors:
Best Options Based on Budget
- Low budget (under €3,000): Virtual Assistant Service, Language Translation Service
- Medium budget (€3,000-€15,000): Digital Marketing Agency, Tech Support Business, Food Tour Business, EU Compliance Consulting
- Higher budget (€15,000+): Specialty Bakery, Eco-friendly Fashion, Fitness Center, Bed & Breakfast
Best Options Based on Language Skills
- English-only: Digital Marketing Agency (for international clients), Tech Support, Virtual Assistant Service
- Multilingual advantage: Food Tour Business, Language Translation, Specialty Bakery, EU Compliance Consulting
The Belgian business landscape is particularly welcoming to innovative concepts that address local needs while bringing international perspectives. Digital and knowledge-based businesses offer the lowest barriers to entry for foreigners, while retail and hospitality ventures require greater investment but can provide deeper integration into Belgian society.
Whichever business you choose, take advantage of Belgium’s excellent support networks for entrepreneurs, including regional development agencies, startup incubators, and networking organizations specifically for international business owners.
