International business opportunities: let us guide you
“International business opens up endless opportunities, but it is also incredibly complex. Don’t let this deter you. Opt for specialized guidance.” Veronique Kmetyko and Anna Mordkowicz lead the International expertise domain at Van Havermaet. There are various reasons why Belgian companies venture into international business opportunities. “Addressing labor market shortages through subcontracting foreign companies or hiring labor migrants is common. Additionally, Belgian companies see significant opportunities in foreign projects.”
Van Havermaet has evolved from a traditional accountancy firm into an all-around strategic partner for entrepreneurs, providing specialized assistance in HR, taxation, legal matters, wealth management, corporate finance, and more. Within this comprehensive suite of services, the International expertise domain focuses on international business operations. Veronique Kmetyko explains, “We work with both Belgian and foreign companies. In any situation involving cross-border employment, we provide substantial added value.”
Legislation barely aligned
Even within Europe, social, tax, and labor legislation differs significantly, not to mention the complexities of dealing with countries outside the EU. “Business leaders looking to hire foreign workers, subcontract foreign companies, operate abroad themselves, or otherwise engage in international business should seek comprehensive guidance across all relevant domains. That’s where we come in with our expertise and complete service offering,” say Veronique Kmetyko and Anna Mordkowicz.
Why international business?
There are various drivers for venturing into international business. “For Belgian companies, it is often about finding solutions to labor market shortages. They want to subcontract foreign companies, which can be a perfect solution. This is particularly common in the construction and industrial sectors. However, it is crucial to approach this correctly and thoughtfully to avoid issues during inspections. When inspections occur, you can always count on our assistance and support.”
Working with Foreign Subcontractors
When foreign subcontractors operate in Belgium, both they and their seconded employees must comply with numerous rules and regulations. “We help entrepreneurs ensure compliance with Belgian legal standards. This includes social and tax legislation, statutory sector-specific regulations, VAT and direct taxation, Limosa declarations, social mandate roles, liaison personnel, immigration laws, and residency requirements. These involve a range of specific tasks: drafting contractor agreements, advising on liabilities, providing guidance to avoid social dumping, meeting notification and reporting obligations, conducting social, tax, and VAT audits, among others. Additionally, we apply international tax, Belgian and foreign VAT schemes, and accounting rules through a specialized team.”
Hiring foreign talent
Directly hiring foreign workers is also perfectly feasible, but it involves specific procedures and conditions. “Especially if the talent you want to bring on board comes from outside the EU, you’ll need to navigate an extensive and time-consuming process. We guide you from start to finish.”
Doing business in Belgium and the Netherlands
Another motivation for international business among Belgian companies is the opportunity to operate abroad. Neighboring the Netherlands is a natural choice. “While we speak the same language and doing business may seem straightforward, cross-border collaborations involve numerous financial, tax, and social complexities. You need to understand these nuances to seize the opportunities correctly and effectively.”
Language skills
In addition to their extensive expertise in fiscal, legal, and labor law matters, Veronique Kmetyko and Anna Mordkowicz bring additional advantages. Veronique, originally from Austria, speaks fluent German, while Anna’s Polish background is particularly valuable for Polish clients. “A significant portion of our services is delivered in other languages. We always aim to assist our clients in their own language and tailor our services to their specific needs.”