Moving from CDI to freelance is one of the biggest decisions of your IT career. Done well it brings freedom and a higher net income. Done badly it costs you months of income and lost rights. Here is the playbook.
Choose your structure
| Structure | Setup cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Umbrella payroll | €0 | First mission, security, zero admin |
| Sole trader (eenmanszaak) | ~€200 | Simple cases, light revenue |
| SRL (own company) | €2,500 to €3,800 | Stable high revenue above €10k/month |
The 9 step transition
1
Handle your CDI exit cleanly
Negotiate your notice period in writing and respect Belgian notice rules.
2
Register with the BCE
Obtain your enterprise number through a guichet d'entreprise.
3
Affiliate to a social security fund
Required for any self employed activity before invoicing.
4
Activate your VAT number
Mandatory if your activity exceeds €25,000 per year.
5
Open a professional bank account
Required for SRL, recommended for sole trader.
6
Choose your accountant
Get quotes, ask for sample work and verify ITAA registration.
7
Subscribe to professional insurance
€500 to €1,500 per year for IT consultants.
8
Find your first mission
Activate your network, BSH can help match you.
9
Start under umbrella while ramping up
It removes risk during the transition.
Managing your notice period
Use the notice period to negotiate your departure terms, finalise your transition admin and line up your first mission start date. Try to avoid an unpaid gap between CDI exit and first invoice.
Preserve your unemployment rights
Read carefully
A voluntary resignation from CDI usually means no immediate unemployment benefits. Starting under umbrella payroll gives you an employee contract from day one, which preserves your continuity of social security history.
This article is for informational purposes only. Consult a certified accountant for personalised fiscal advice.