How many non-profit organisations (ASBL/VZW) are there in Belgium?

Last updated: 23 April 2026

How many non-profit organisations (ASBL/VZW) are there in Belgium? Er zijn 140,376 actieve VZWs in België. Dat is 7.2% van alle Belgische bedrijven.

Short answer

Er zijn 140,376 actieve VZWs in België (7.2% van alle bedrijven). De gemiddelde VZW is 26 jaar en 9 maanden oud. Afgelopen maand werden er 388 nieuwe VZWs opgericht.

1. How many non-profit organisations (ASBL/VZW) are there in Belgium? The numbers.

Volgens de Kruispuntbank van Ondernemingen (KBO) zijn er 140,376 actieve VZWs in België, op een totaal van 1,950,527 actieve bedrijven.

140,376

Active

7.2%

Of all companies

388

New this month

26j 9m

Average age

2. In which cities are most VZWs?

Most VZWs Brussel (10,355), followed by Antwerpen, Gent, Elsene, Liège.

1 Brussel
10,355
2 Antwerpen
7,785
3 Gent
4,478
4 Elsene
3,710
5 Liège
3,343

3. In which sectors are VZWs?

The most popular sector for VZWs: Overige verenigingen, neg (2,506 companies).

1 Overige verenigingen, neg
2,506
2 Promotie en organisatie van scheppende en uitvoerende kunstevenementen
2,000
3 Promotie en organisatie van uitvoerende kunstevenementen
1,713
4 Overige recreatie- en ontspanningsactiviteiten, neg
1,647
5 Beoefening van uitvoerende kunsten door artistieke ensembles
1,518

Age distribution

How old are the active VZWs? The chart shows the number of VZWs.

04,9709,94014,91019,8800j10j20j30j40j50jLeeftijd (jaren)

6. What is a VZW?

The VZW (Vereniging Zonder Winstoogmerk / Association Sans But Lucratif) is the legal form you choose when you want to organise activities without pursuing profit. Think of sports clubs, youth movements, cultural associations, neighbourhood committees or social projects. You need at least two founders, no start-up capital, and incorporation can be done without a notary.

The main advantage: members are not personally liable for the debts of the VZW. Since the WVV/CSA reform, non-profit organisations are also allowed to carry out commercial activities (e.g. running a bar, organising events), as long as the profits flow back to the organisation's purpose and not to its members. Many VZWs also receive subsidies or work with volunteers.

Read more about the pros and cons of a VZW →

4. Comparison with other legal forms

How do VZWs?

Look up a VZW?

Search by name, address or VAT number and find all info directly.

7. Frequently asked questions

How many non-profit organisations (ASBL/VZW) are there in Belgium?

140,376 active / 140,376 total.

What percentage of all Belgian companies is a VZW?

VZWs: 7.2% (1,950,527 companies).

In which cities are most VZWs?

Brussel (10,355), Antwerpen (7,785), Gent (4,478), Elsene (3,710), Liège (3,343).

How old is the average VZW?

26j 9m.

Where can I look up VZWs?

Databakkes.be

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