Four professions, four competent authorities
A massage salon needs a municipal operating licence, like a drinks licence or terrace licence. A private investigator needs a licence from the Federal Public Service Interior, with mandatory 2-year training. A security firm applies for a licence from the Minister of Interior, with an administrative cost of €1,000 per application. A real estate agent must be recognised by the BIV, otherwise they cannot call themselves an agent.
Example: Diana calls herself a real estate agent and has been facilitating apartment sales for a year, without BIV recognition. When a complaint reaches the BIV, she is removed from the market and cannot continue this activity.
Ignorance is not an excuse
Whoever operates without the correct licence or recognition is operating the profession illegally. The BIV actively removes unrecognised agents from the market. For private security and investigation, the law provides criminal penalties for breaches. The exact consequences depend on the profession and the authority overseeing it.
Example: Security firm SecuraPlus from Charleroi expands into event security, an activity not covered by its existing licence. During an inspection, it emerges that the firm should have requested a separate licence from the Minister of Interior.
Watch out: Assuming your activity isn't "official" enough to require a licence is a common mistake. It's precisely the less obvious professions that get overlooked.
You can be certain here
Operating a profession without the correct licence can get you removed from the market, or worse. Which licence or recognition applies to your activity depends on the profession and the authority overseeing it. Book an appointment and we'll find out for you.