Short answer
Er zijn 606,551 actieve BVs in België (30.8% van alle bedrijven). De gemiddelde BV is 13 jaar en 0 maanden oud. Afgelopen maand werden er 2,644 nieuwe BVs opgericht.
1. How many private limited companies (BV/SRL) are there in Belgium? The numbers.
Volgens de Kruispuntbank van Ondernemingen (KBO) zijn er 606,551 actieve BVs in België, op een totaal van 1,967,144 actieve bedrijven.
606,551
Active
30.8%
Of all companies
2,644
New this month
13j 0m
Average age
2. In which cities are most BVs?
Most BVs Antwerpen (32,296), followed by Brussel, Gent, Elsene, Ukkel.
3. In which sectors are BVs?
The most popular sector for BVs: Activiteiten van adviesbureaus op het gebied van bedrijfsvoering en overig managementadvies (55,703 companies).
Age distribution
How old are the active BVs? The chart shows the number of BVs.
6. What is a BV?
The BV (Besloten Vennootschap / Société à Responsabilité Limitée) is the default choice for anyone setting up a company in Belgium. No minimum capital required, your personal assets are protected, and incorporation is relatively straightforward through a notary. Ideal for freelancers looking to grow, small SMEs and startups.
Why do most entrepreneurs choose a BV? Because you only risk your contribution (limited liability), you can distribute shares flexibly, and there is no minimum capital requirement. Since the Companies and Associations Code (WVV/CSA) reform of 2019, the BV replaced the old BVBA/SPRL. The downside: you need a notary for incorporation and you must maintain proper bookkeeping.
Read more about the pros and cons of a BV →4. Comparison with other legal forms
How do BVs?
Look up a BV?
Search by name, address or VAT number and find all info directly.
7. Frequently asked questions
How many private limited companies (BV/SRL) are there in Belgium?
606,551 active / 606,551 total.
What percentage of all Belgian companies is a BV?
BVs: 30.8% (1,967,144 companies).
In which cities are most BVs?
Antwerpen (32,296), Brussel (17,979), Gent (15,482), Elsene (9,756), Ukkel (8,901).
How old is the average BV?
13j 0m.
Where can I look up BVs?
Databakkes.be