Many people dream of starting their own business, but at the same time want to retain the security of a permanent job. Combining part-time work with being self-employed in a secondary occupation can therefore be an attractive solution.
But is that allowed? And under what conditions? Here you can read how to combine part-time work with a secondary occupation.
What is a self-employed person in secondary occupation?
In 2024, there were no fewer than 1.3 million self-employed people in Belgium, a new record. A large proportion of these self-employed people are ‘self-employed in secondary occupation’. What exactly does it mean to be self-employed in secondary occupation?
➡️ A self-employed person in secondary occupation is someone who, alongside other main activities (such as working as an employee or receiving benefits), also carries out a self-employed activity. The focus therefore remains on the main activity, but you also run your own business, for example after working hours or at the weekend.
What is the difference between a self-employed person in a main occupation and a self-employed person in a secondary occupation?
The difference between a self-employed person in a main occupation and one in a secondary occupation lies in your social status. If your self-employed activity is your sole or main professional activity, you are considered a self-employed person in a main occupation. You then pay the full social security contributions and accumulate social security entitlements through your self-employed activity.
If you are also an employee or receive replacement income (such as sickness benefit), and that is your main activity, you are classified as a self-employed person in a secondary occupation. You pay lower contributions, but do not accrue any additional social security entitlements through your secondary occupation.
💸 Minimum contribution for main occupation (2025): €906.14 quarterly
💸 Minimum contribution for secondary occupation (2025): €99.38 quarterly
⚠️ Please note: this is reviewed every quarter. If, during a particular quarter, you no longer meet the conditions to be considered a secondary self-employed person – for example, because you are temporarily not working or working fewer hours – your social status may change and you may suddenly be considered a self-employed person in main occupation.
Tip from an accountant
‘As a self-employed person in main occupation, you pay a minimum of €906.14 in provisional social security contributions every quarter.
After three years, a final calculation is made of how much you should have paid, so you may be due a refund.’
Can you be self-employed in secondary occupation if you work part-time?
Yes, in many cases you can be self-employed in secondary occupation whilst working part-time, for example if you work 4/5 or half-time. However, you must meet a number of conditions. In principle, your main activity must be sufficiently substantial to be considered a “secondary occupation”. These conditions vary depending on your statute.
Conditions for self-employment in secondary occupation by statute
As an employee
Are you an employee (manual worker or office worker)? Then you must work at least 50% of a full-time position. So, for example, if you work 3/5 or 4/5, you will normally be eligible. If you work less than 50%, your self-employed activity is considered a main occupation.
As a civil servant
Specific rules apply to civil servants. You must work at least 50% of a full-time position and obtain permission from your employer. Furthermore, your activity must run for at least 8 months or 200 working days per year.
As a teacher
Permanent teachers must work at least 60% of a full-time role. For teachers without a permanent appointment (temporary staff), 50% employment is sufficient. The same applies here: if you fall below that threshold, you are considered to be self-employed in main occupation.
If you work through an agency
Do you work as a temporary worker? Then you must have worked at least 235 hours per quarter and be under contract on the first and last day of the quarter to qualify for a secondary occupation.
Tip for entrepreneurs
Do you have a very specific situation? Then you can always ask your social secretariat for help. Seeking advice is free of charge.
What if you work less than half-time?
Do you work less than 50%? Then, in principle, you cannot be self-employed in a secondary occupation. Your activity will then automatically be considered a main occupation, with all the associated social security contributions and obligations.
Specific exceptions
There are exceptions, however. For example, some people receiving sickness or disability benefits, pensioners or those receiving income replacement benefits may still start working as a self-employed person in a secondary occupation, provided they meet specific conditions and obtain authorisation from the competent authorities.
Springboard to Self-Employment
Are you unemployed and have benefits received? Under certain conditions, you can start a self-employed activity in your secondary occupation via the ‘Springboard to Self-Employment’ schemeA Belgian‑only scheme (no official English term available).
You may then retain your benefits for 12 months whilst carrying out your secondary occupation. This offers a safe way to test your idea.
How much can you earn as a self-employed person in a secondary occupation?
There is no fixed ceiling on how much you can earn. However, your income from your secondary occupation is added to your other income for the tax calculation. So if you already earn €30,000 through your main occupation, you will be taxed at 45% on your self-employed activity.
Specific income limits do apply to pensioners and people on benefits.
Tip van een boekhouder
‘Sommigen verdienen meer via hun bijberoep dan via hun hoofdberoep, dat is geen probleem. Zolang ze minstens 50% loontrekkende zijn, blijven ze zelfstandige in bijberoep.’
Tip from an accountant
“Some people earn more from their secondary occupation than from their main occupation; that’s not a problem. As long as they are at least 50% employed, they remain self-employed in secondary occupation.”
What social security contributions do you have to pay?
As a self-employed person in a secondary occupation, you must join a social insurance fund and pay social security contributions. These contributions are generally lower than for a main occupation, as your social security entitlements are already covered through your main activity (e.g. as an employee).
As a self-employed person, you pay 20.5% of your profit in social security contributions. As a secondary occupation, you pay a minimum of €99.38 in social security contributions each quarter. Your final social security contributions are then calculated within three years, so you may have to pay extra if you have underpaid.
✅ We therefore recommend making a good estimate of your profit so that you don’t face any surprises. You can easily apply for an increase via your business service centre. You may also claim the social security contributions you’ve paid as a business expense.
Do you earn very little? If you earn less than €1,881.76 from your secondary occupation, you can apply for an exemption.
What if you stop or change your statute?
Are you stopping your main activity or working less than 50%? Then you no longer fall under the secondary occupation statute, and your self-employed activity becomes a main occupation. This therefore has consequences for your social security contributions. Don’t forget to inform your social insurance fund if you become self-employed in the main occupation.
In summary: Can part-time work be combined with a secondary occupation?
Yes, part-time work (such as 4/5 or 3/5) can in many cases be perfectly combined with a self-employed activity in secondary occupation. As long as you meet the conditions, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: the security of a job and the freedom of running your own business.
