1 guide on the topic “Student Entrepreneur”: legal obligations, concrete procedures, costs and deadlines.
Student entrepreneur status lets you launch a self-employed activity without pausing your studies. In Belgium, the social security institute for the self-employed calls it the self-employed student scheme. This page serves young people who want to test an idea, invoice their first clients or prepare a future business.
This scheme has existed in Belgium since 2017. It lightens social contributions during studies. Four conditions apply.
The scheme suits a graphic design activity as well as a small online shop. However, it does not apply automatically. You request it from your social insurance fund, with a proof of enrolment. The fund may then ask for a new certificate each year. The INASTI website explains these rules.
Social contributions depend on annual professional income. Below a first threshold, you pay no contribution. Above it, a reduced contribution applies. Finally, higher income triggers the contributions of an ordinary self-employed worker. These thresholds change every year, so check them before setting your prices. Our article on social contributions for the self-employed explains the calculation.
On the tax side, profits add to your other income. However, high earnings can cost you your status as a dependent child. Your parents then pay more tax. This point often weighs more than the contributions themselves.
VAT raises a separate question. A small turnover lets you opt for the exemption scheme. In every case, your enterprise number needs VAT activation. See how to activate VAT.
Follow these stages in order.
For the detail of each stage, read our full article on student entrepreneur status. Also see the formalities for CBE registration.
Some mistakes prove costly. First, many young founders forget that the fund adjusts contributions later. Indeed, it calculates provisional amounts, then corrects them based on actual income. So keep a reserve if the activity takes off. Second, some overlook the impact on dependent child status.
In addition, keep track of every invoice and every expense. Simple bookkeeping often suffices at the start, but it must stay rigorous. Also separate private and business spending, ideally with a dedicated account. These habits ease your tax return and the calculation of contributions. They also reassure a bank if you ever apply for a loan.
Also think ahead. The scheme ends when your studies end. You then become self-employed as a main or secondary occupation. Compare these options with our article on becoming self-employed and part-time self-employed status. A well prepared student entrepreneur can thus turn a project into a real business.
