Helpers and working shareholders now obligated to register

Since 1 July 2024, self-employed persons and companies in the construction sector and cleaning sector will have to register their helpers and working shareholders in the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (CBE). This measure aims to better tackle social fraud, especially by foreign entrepreneurs. The legislator is specifically targeting practices where the status of a working shareholder or helper is misused to perform labour services. Meanwhile, more details are known about this obligation.

Who must comply with this obligation?

Companies operating in the construction sector and cleaning sector must register their working shareholders and update this information in the CBE. In addition, self-employed persons in the construction sector and cleaning sector must register their helpers and update this information in the CBE. In time, expansion to other sectors is possible.

In our previous article we have outlined the notions of “working shareholders” and “helpers”.

Unmarried helpers under 20 years old, casual helpers and assisting spouses are excluded from the obligation.

Note that this registration is separate from the obligation of the working shareholder or helper to join a social insurance fund.

How do you take care of the registration?

It is the responsibility of the company (for working shareholders) or the self-employed person (for helpers) to carry out the mandatory registrations. These registrations are free and done entirely digitally via the CBE website.

When doing so, be sure to have the national registration number or bis number (= unique identification number for non-Belgians) of the working shareholder or helper at hand, as well as the start date and, if applicable, the end date of the activity.

Deadlines and penalties?

Registration with the CBE must take place before the start of the activity as a working shareholder within the company or as a helper with the self-employed person. When the activity ends, you must update the details within 15 days of the end date.

For working shareholders and helpers who were already active before the introduction of this obligation, there is a transition period. They must register with the CBE before 31 December 2024.

The NSSO is responsible for monitoring compliance with this new obligation. In case of non-compliance with the registration obligation or incorrect registration, the company or self-employed person risks an administrative fine of EUR 500 to EUR 4,000 per determined infringement. However, no penalties will be applied until early 2025.

Call us!

Would you like more information or assistance with registration? Or would you like us to carry out a thorough check of your CBE registrations? Think about a check of the active branches, an update of the registered activities or an adjustment of the function holders… We are of course at your service. Contact us with all your questions.