Legal forms and incorporation
If you want to start your own business, an exciting time lies ahead. It begins with choosing the most appropriate legal form. There are many options and many factors to consider. Even if you have been an entrepreneur for many years, it is a good idea to consider whether the current form of business still suits your company. After all, your wishes or your situation may change.
What legal forms are there?
Every business needs a legal form, the legal form or corporate form. It is important to choose the legal form that best suits your situation. This includes, for example, whether you are starting a business alone or together with one or more business partners, what control ratio you want, as well as tax advantages. An important distinction among the various legal forms is the choice of a legal form with or without legal personality.
Unincorporated legal forms
With an unincorporated business, you are privately liable for business debts. Business creditors can then recover any damages from both your business assets and your private assets. There are four unincorporated business forms:
- The sole proprietorship;
- General partnership (VOF);
- The limited partnership (CV);
- The partnership.
Legal forms with legal personality
A legal person, like a human being, is an independent bearer of (financial) rights and obligations. This means that a legal entity is liable for debts arising from doing business, not you. There are several business forms with legal entities:
- The limited liability company (BV);
- Limited liability company (SA);
- The cooperative.
Marks Wachters notaries can inform you about the advantages and disadvantages of all legal forms and will be happy to advise you on the most suitable form for your business.
Personal and non-committal
Requesting Information
Would you like more information about one of the legal forms or do you need a no-obligation introductory meeting? Let us know, fill in your details and one of our staff will send you a no-obligation quote as soon as possible.
