Short answer
A CommV (Commanditaire Vennootschap / SComm) is a company with a managing partner (unlimitedly liable) and silent partners (capital only). No notary needed, no minimum capital. Popular when the managing partner is itself a BV, because then the unlimited liability is shielded and you save on notary costs.
Advantages
Investors without losing control
Silent partners contribute capital but you make the decisions
No notary required
Cheaper to set up than a BV
No minimum capital
Start with whatever you want
Limited liability for silent partners
They only risk their contribution
Simpler than a BV
Fewer formalities and cheaper
Disadvantages
Managing partner unlimitedly liable
The managing partner risks their entire personal estate
Silent partners may not manage
If they interfere in management, they lose their limited liability
Little known
Clients and suppliers often do not recognise this legal form
Strict role division
Managing partner vs. silent partner is fixed, with little room for adjustment
When to choose?
- You want to attract investors but keep full control yourself
- Family structures: parents as silent partner, children as managing partner
- Real estate projects with passive investors
- Liberal professions with a partner who only contributes capital
When not?
- You also want to be protected against liability yourself: choose a BV
- You do not need investors
- You want a simple collaboration between equal partners: choose a VOF or partnership
3. Not sure?
Most entrepreneurs hesitate between a few legal forms. Here are the most common comparisons.
With a CommV the managing partner is unlimitedly liable, with a BV they are not. A BV requires a notary, a CommV does not. Choose a CommV if you want investors without losing control and want to save on notary costs. Choose a BV if you also want to be protected yourself.
Both can be set up without a notary and without minimum capital. The difference: a CommV has legal personality and distinguishes between active and passive partners. A partnership is more informal and discreet.
How many CommV's are there in Belgium?
View the exact figures, top cities, popular sectors and age distribution.
View the statistics →4. Frequently asked questions
What is a CommV?
A CommV (Commanditaire Vennootschap / SComm) is a company with managing partners (who run the business and are unlimitedly liable) and silent partners (who only contribute capital and have limited liability).
What is the difference between a CommV and a BV?
With a CommV the managing partner is unlimitedly liable, with a BV all shareholders have limited liability. A BV requires a notary, a CommV does not.