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Articles of Incorporation are the official founding documents that legally establish a company in Belgium. When entrepreneurs register their business with the Belgian Commercial Court, these documents outline essential details like the company name, registered office address, and initial capital. They're known locally as "acte constitutif" in French or "oprichtingsakte" in Dutch.

Once published in the Belgian Official Gazette, Articles of Incorporation give your company its legal identity and limited liability protection. They spell out key information investors and stakeholders need: corporate purpose, shareholder rights, management structure, and decision-making procedures. Belgian law requires specific mandatory provisions, and companies must update these documents when making fundamental changes like capital increases or relocations.

You need Articles of Incorporation when starting any formal business venture in Belgium, from small enterprises to large corporations. This crucial step comes before you can open a business bank account, sign contracts, or hire employees. Most entrepreneurs file these documents when launching their BV/SRL (private limited company) or NV/SA (public limited company).

Belgian law requires Articles of Incorporation for major company changes too: increasing share capital, moving your registered office to a new region, or changing your company's legal form. Financial institutions and potential business partners often request these documents to verify your company's legal status and authority to conduct business. Filing amended Articles helps protect shareholders and maintains legal compliance during significant corporate transitions.

• Business Articles Of Incorporation: Standard format for commercial companies (BV/SRL or NV/SA), requiring detailed capital structure and shareholder rights
• Articles Of Incorporation Nonprofit: Tailored for non-profit organizations (ASBL/VZW), focusing on social purpose and membership structure
• Articles Of Incorporation Association: Used for professional associations, detailing governance and member benefits
• Articles Of Incorporation For Sole Proprietorship: Simplified version for individual entrepreneurs, emphasizing personal liability
• Not For Profit Articles Of Incorporation: Specific to charitable organizations, outlining tax-exempt status requirements and charitable objectives

• Founders/Entrepreneurs: Initial creators who define the company's structure and purpose in the Articles of Incorporation
• Notaries: Belgian legal professionals who authenticate the documents and ensure compliance with national law
• Corporate Lawyers: Draft and review the Articles to protect client interests and ensure legal validity
• Shareholders: Key stakeholders whose rights, obligations, and voting powers are defined in the document
• Board Members: Directors whose roles, responsibilities, and decision-making authority are outlined
• Commercial Court Clerks: Process and register the Articles in the Belgian business registry
• Banks and Partners: Rely on Articles to verify company legitimacy for business transactions

• Company Details: Decide on company name, legal form (BV/SRL or NV/SA), and registered office address
• Capital Structure: Determine initial capital amount and how shares will be distributed among founders
• Corporate Purpose: Define your business activities clearly and broadly enough for future growth
• Founder Information: Gather identification details and proof of address for all founding members
• Management Structure: Outline director appointments, powers, and decision-making procedures
• Financial Plan: Prepare a detailed three-year business projection (mandatory for BV/SRL)
• Bank Certificate: Open a business account and obtain proof of capital deposit
• Notary Appointment: Schedule meeting with a Belgian notary for document authentication

• Company Identity: Legal name, form (BV/SRL or NV/SA), registered office address, and duration
• Corporate Purpose: Detailed description of business activities and objectives
• Share Capital: Amount, type of shares, and distribution among founders
• Shareholder Rights: Voting rights, profit distribution, and transfer restrictions
• Management Structure: Board composition, appointment procedures, and powers
• General Assembly: Meeting procedures, voting rules, and quorum requirements
• Financial Year: Start and end dates of fiscal year
• Dissolution Provisions: Procedures for company liquidation and asset distribution
• Amendment Rules: Process for modifying the Articles

People often confuse Articles of Incorporation with Articles of Association, but they serve distinct purposes in Belgian company law. Articles of Incorporation establish your company's legal existence, while Articles of Association govern its internal operations and relationships between shareholders.

• Timing and Purpose: Articles of Incorporation come first and create the company; Articles of Association follow and regulate how it runs
• Legal Requirements: Articles of Incorporation need notarial authentication and registration with the Commercial Court; Articles of Association can be modified more easily through shareholder meetings
• Content Focus: Articles of Incorporation contain basic company information and capital structure; Articles of Association detail day-to-day governance rules, shareholder rights, and operational procedures
• Flexibility: Articles of Incorporation changes require strict legal procedures; Articles of Association offer more flexibility for operational adjustments