Starting as a "Student-Entrepreneur" in Belgium (Mobile Car Detailing) – Legal and Tax advice needed!
Hi everyone,
I am a student based in Ghent and I am planning to start my own mobile car detailing business under the "Student-Entrepreneur" (Student-Zelfstandige) status. I have my gear ready, but I am a complete beginner regarding the legal and administrative side of running a business in Belgium.
I would really appreciate some insights on the following:
- Student-Entrepreneur Status: I understand there are tax-free thresholds for social contributions. How does this impact my parents' taxes or the "child allowance" (groeipakket)? Is there a specific net income limit I should stay under to keep it beneficial?
- VAT (BTW) choice: Would you recommend the "VAT exemption scheme" for a starter? I’ve already invested in my equipment, so I can't deduct that VAT anymore, but I will have ongoing costs for chemicals and supplies. Is the administrative burden of being full VAT-compliant worth it for a small business?
- Insurance: Since I will be working on expensive assets (customer cars) on their private property, what kind of "Liability Insurance" is essential? Are there specific policies that cover "goods under care" in case of accidental damage during detailing?
- Accounting: Do I need a professional accountant from day one, or are there digital tools that are sufficient for a student-entrepreneur setup?
- Pricing/Logistics: For those in the service industry, how do you usually handle travel expenses in your invoicing? Do you use a flat fee or a per-kilometer rate?
I'm excited to start but the Belgian bureaucracy feels a bit daunting. Any tips or "traps to avoid" for a young starter would be amazing!