Investment framework and opportunities in Belgium

Procedures Relative to Foreign Investment

Freedom of Establishment: Belgium does not discriminate against foreign investors, who can enjoy the same conditions as local investors.
The government of the Flanders region has put in place a national security investment screening mechanism based on the concept of "threat to the strategic interests of the Flemish Community or the Flemish Region", defined as any situation when the continuity of vital processes is compromised, certain strategic or sensitive knowledge threatens to fall into foreign hands or the strategic independence of the Flemish Community or the Flemish Region is compromised.
Acquisition of Holdings: Currently, no limits on foreign ownership or control are in vigour in Belgium, and there are no legal distinctions between Belgian and foreign companies.
Obligation to Declare: Direct foreign investments are not submitted to a preliminary authorisation, but in some activity sectors - including banking, food production or sale, insurances and retail trade - the investor has to ask for an authorisation from the Government.
Competent Organisation For the Declaration: Official Governmental Portal
Requests For Specific Authorisations: A specific authorization must be requested in the Flanders region in case of activities that may represent a "threat to the strategic interests of the Flemish Community or the Flemish Region".

Investment Aid Agency: Investing in Belgium (Belgian Federal Government)
Tenders, Projects and Public Procurement: EBP, Tenders and Projects in Belgium
Tenders Info, Tenders in Belgium
TED - European Public Markets, European Tenders
Other Useful Resources: The Belgian Foreign Trade Agency (BFTA)
Doing Business in Belgium (American Chamber of Commerce in Belgium)

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