Who needs a professional card to be self-employed in Belgium?

The professional card is the authorisation that lets a foreign national work as a self-employed person or independent in Belgium. It is aimed at people who are not Belgian citizens and not nationals of an EU/EEA Member State or Switzerland.

If you are a freelancer, run your own business, or operate as a self-employed contractor, you typically need this card before starting your activity. EU/EEA and Swiss nationals are usually exempt because of free-movement rights, but third-country nationals should plan for the professional card as part of their setup.