2025 confirms the central role of the self-employed in the Belgian economy. This is shown by INASTI figures. On 31 December 2025, their number reached 1,327,994 (851,412 men and 476,582 women), a rise of 2.17% compared to 2024. This ongoing growth concerns both self-employed workers in main and secondary activity. For the Minister for the Self-Employed and SMEs Eléonore SIMONET, this is a sign of a status that is becoming increasingly attractive.
The total number of affiliated self-employed workers rose by 28,169 people in one year. This growth concerns both men and women. This entrepreneurial dynamism is also reflected in the rise in the number of start-ups, up 5.14% compared to 2024 (129,414 in 2025 versus 123,088 in 2024). “Start-ups” include new affiliations, resumptions of activity and ex officio affiliations.
In 2025, the number of self-employed workers in main activity reached 820,978, a rise of 2.42%. Women (+2.68%) recorded proportionally higher growth than men (+2.29%).
The number of self-employed workers in secondary activity also continues to grow, reaching 352,517 affiliates, driven notably by a marked rise in the number of self-employed women in secondary activity (+3.87%).
Eléonore SIMONET, Minister for the Middle Classes, the Self-Employed and SMEs: “It's striking: within the working population, more than 1 in 5 people is self-employed.”
A notable feature of 2025: for the first time in 22 years, the number of self-employed workers active beyond retirement age is falling (-1.40%). This trend should, however, be seen in light of the reform that came into force on 1 February 2025, raising the legal retirement age to 66. A measure that leads self-employed workers to remain active for longer in main or secondary activity.
All sectors recorded growth in 2025, with the exception of the primary sector (-0.85%). The liberal professions confirmed their dominant position and continued their expansion (+3.47%), followed by industry and services. Trade saw more moderate growth but remains the second largest sector by volume.
Eléonore SIMONET: “Once again this year, the number of self-employed workers is rising, in almost all categories. This dynamism shows just how attractive the status remains. However, I am working to make it even more attractive, in particular by strengthening social protection and the competitiveness of our businesses. That is the purpose of my SME Plan, presented last January, of which 18% of the measures have already been implemented: extension of maternity leave for self-employed women, administrative simplification measures, better access for SMEs to public procurement, reform of the self-employed student status, and of the Free Supplementary Pension for the Self-Employed…”
Other findings for 2025
- Since 1 January 2017, students carrying out a self-employed activity have been able to benefit from self-employed student status. The number continues to rise, reaching 9,155 people at the end of 2025 (+5.04%). The liberal professions, trade and industry are the most attractive sectors for this group, mainly made up of students aged 20 and over.
- On 31 December 2025, Belgium had 169,725 self-employed workers of foreign nationality, up 2.35% year-on-year. They account for more than a quarter of start-ups (28.30%). Romanian, French and Dutch nationals remain the most represented, with a significant rise in the number of Romanian and French start-ups.
- The average net taxable income, used as the basis for calculating social contributions, rose in 2025. Indeed, the average 2022 reference income (used to calculate provisional 2025 contributions) amounted to €23,524.65, representing an increase of 4.10%.