Freelancing in Belgium: with or without self-employed status?
Dreaming of becoming a freelancer? Whether you’ve landed a one-off project or you’re eager to try working independently, a crucial question arises: should I become officially self-employed, or is there another way?
In Belgium, there are two primary paths for freelance work:
- Obtaining formal self-employed status (main or secondary occupation).
- Working without self-employed status via a payroll company like Tentoo.
Both options offer distinct advantages and disadvantages. Here, we break down the key differences.
Startup: self-employed vs. Tentoo
Starting a self-employed status requires preparation and initial costs:
- Registration with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (CBE) (€109).
- VAT number activation (€70).
- Joining a social insurance fund.
- Usually, hiring an accountant.
You incur fixed costs and administration before you even send your first invoice.
Working through Tentoo requires no startup. No registration, no initial fees, and no waiting period. Tentoo becomes your legal employer, managing all administration, salary calculations, social contributions, and insurance. You concentrate on your assignment; Tentoo handles the rest.
Flexibility and risks
A self-employed status grants the most freedom: you define your clients, rates, and working methods. However, you also assume the full financial risk. If a client defaults on payment, you don’t get paid. You also carry the full burden of administration and tax compliance.
Working with Tentoo maintains your full flexibility over clients and rates. Crucially, Tentoo guarantees your payment, handles all legal and social risks, and ensures you build social rights like pension accumulation, sickness insurance, unemployment benefits, and holiday pay.
Administration and Payment
Anyone who works self-employed inevitably spends time on administration: invoices, bookkeeping, VAT declarations, and tax filings. From 2026, mandatory e-invoicing via Peppol will add to this burden.
With Tentoo, all of that disappears. You register your assignment via My Tentoo, Tentoo handles the rest, and you receive a net salary from which all costs have already been deducted.
Deducting professional expenses
When it comes to expenses, the rules differ:
| Status | Expense deduction |
| Self-employed | Broad deduction possibilities for business costs: car expenses, mobile subscriptions, office space, etc. |
| Tentoo | Limited to expenses directly linked to your assignment: mileage allowance, meal vouchers, a daily allowance, internet costs, etc. This system is simpler but more restricted. |
When to choose what
Choosing the right path depends entirely on your professional goals:
A self-employed status suits you if you plan to build a structural business, manage multiple clients, invest heavily in your brand, and are comfortable with the administrative complexity.
Tentoo is ideal if you are:
- Taking on a one-off or occasional assignment.
- Looking to test the waters of freelancing.
- Simply want to avoid administrative hassle and financial risk.
Many successful freelancers begin their journey with Tentoo. They discover how independent work operates and later decide if they want to launch their own status.
Freelancing doesn’t always mean launching a business immediately. With a payroll partner like Tentoo, you gain the same freedom without the hurdles of startup costs, administration, and financial uncertainty.
This structure allows you to focus solely on your craft and your clients.
Want to learn more about the differences between freelancing with or without self-employed status? Schedule a consultation.