Size criteria for companies
The size criteria determine the format that should be used for filing annual accounts.
In principle, the individual financial statement forms the basis for assessment of the size criteria for companies. Checks are therefore carried out on an individual basis.
In the case of parent companies, size is assessed on a consolidated basis. This applies solely to the parent company and not to the affiliated parent companies if they are not parent companies themselves. (see also 'Group of limited proportions')
Since Directive 2013/34/EU was transposed into Belgian law, the thresholds for turnover and the balance sheet total have been raised. (Law of 18 December 2015)
Thresholds for small and large companies
| Workforce | 50 FTE |
| Turnover | 9.000.000 euro |
| Balance sheet total | 4.500.000 euro |
Large company – full format
A company is considered to be large if it exceeds either 2 or 3 of the thresholds or is listed on the stock exchange.
A large company must use the full-format model.
Small company – abbreviated format
A company is small if it exceeds no more than 1 of the above-mentioned thresholds. (Company Code Art. 15)
Small (unlisted) companies may use the abridged abbreviated format.
Micro enterprise – micro format
The micro enterprise is small if it exceeds no more than 1 of the thresholds mentioned below. (Company Code Art 15/1)
The micro enterprise is a sub-category of small companies. All rules for small companies apply to micro firms unless otherwise mentioned in Art. 15/1 of the Company Code.
Thresholds for micro enterprises
| Workforce | 10 FTE |
| Turnover | 700.000 euro |
| Balance sheet total | 350.000 euro |
Micro enterprises may use the micro format.
A micro enterprise cannot be a parent company or a subsidiary on the date the accounts are closed.