{"id":93448,"date":"2024-09-18T15:35:30","date_gmt":"2024-09-18T13:35:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dexxter.be\/graduating-as-a-self-employed-student-your-next-steps\/"},"modified":"2026-05-15T13:17:20","modified_gmt":"2026-05-15T11:17:20","slug":"graduating-as-a-self-employed-student-your-next-steps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dexxter.be\/en\/blog\/graduating-as-a-self-employed-student-your-next-steps\/","title":{"rendered":"Graduating as a self-employed student: Your next steps"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are reading this, you are probably a self-employed student about to graduate. But what happens after graduation? Don&#8217;t worry, we have you covered! In this article, we will go through the options after graduation and help you decide what your next steps could be. Let&#8217;s get started! \ud83c\udf93<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is a self-employed student?<\/strong><br><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A self-employed student is a student who runs their own company. In Belgium, students can apply for self-employed student status, which allows them to enjoy special benefits such as reduced social security contributions. But what happens when you graduate? Let&#8217;s view that.<br><\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-id54853_b6be2a-72 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:center;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id54853_b6be2a-72 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:center;}.kb-row-layout-id54853_b6be2a-72 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);max-width:826px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-md, 2rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-md, 2rem);grid-template-columns:minmax(0, calc(30% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem) * 1 )\/2)))minmax(0, calc(70% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem) * 1 )\/2)));}.kb-row-layout-id54853_b6be2a-72{border-top-left-radius:20px;border-top-right-radius:20px;border-bottom-right-radius:20px;border-bottom-left-radius:20px;overflow:clip;isolation:isolate;}.kb-row-layout-id54853_b6be2a-72 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{border-top-left-radius:20px;border-top-right-radius:20px;border-bottom-right-radius:20px;border-bottom-left-radius:20px;}.kb-row-layout-id54853_b6be2a-72{background-color:#f0f4ff;}.kb-row-layout-id54853_b6be2a-72 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id54853_b6be2a-72 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 2fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id54853_b6be2a-72 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id54853_b6be2a-72 alignnone kt-row-has-bg wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-right-golden kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-middle\">\n<style>.kadence-column54853_8a4d54-99 > .kt-inside-inner-col{display:flex;}.kadence-column54853_8a4d54-99 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column54853_8a4d54-99 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column54853_8a4d54-99 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column54853_8a4d54-99 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column54853_8a4d54-99 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column54853_8a4d54-99{align-self:center;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column54853_8a4d54-99{align-self:auto;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column54853_8a4d54-99 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column54853_8a4d54-99 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column54853_8a4d54-99{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column54853_8a4d54-99{align-self:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column54853_8a4d54-99{align-self:auto;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column54853_8a4d54-99 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column54853_8a4d54-99 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column54853_8a4d54-99{align-self:center;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column54853_8a4d54-99{align-self:auto;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column54853_8a4d54-99 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column54853_8a4d54-99 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column54853_8a4d54-99\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/dexxter.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Tips-template-30.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28831\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dexxter.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Tips-template-30.png 300w, https:\/\/dexxter.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Tips-template-30-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column54853_b6f1c7-ff > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column54853_b6f1c7-ff > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column54853_b6f1c7-ff > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column54853_b6f1c7-ff > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column54853_b6f1c7-ff > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column54853_b6f1c7-ff > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column54853_b6f1c7-ff{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column54853_b6f1c7-ff > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column54853_b6f1c7-ff > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column54853_b6f1c7-ff\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Unsure about your student statute?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Be sure to view our article on <a href=\"http:\/\/dexxter.be\/en\/difference-between-self-employed-student-student-entrepreneur-working-student\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"55239\">the difference between the statutes: self-employed student, student-entrepreneur and working student.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What happens if you stop studying?<\/strong><br><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you finish your studies and do not stop your business, you can keep your self-employed student status <strong>up to and including the 3rd quarter (ending 30\/9) of that calendar year<\/strong>. From the 4th quarter, you have next options after graduation as a self-employed student:<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Options 1\ufe0f\u20e3:<\/strong> <strong>Continue doing business in main occupation<\/strong><br><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you decide to continue your business full-time, you will be considered self-employed in main occupation. This is a great option if you are passionate about your company and want to take it to the next level.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Options 2\ufe0f\u20e3:<\/strong> <strong>Stay in business in secondary occupation<\/strong><br><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you have a part-time or half-time job and want to keep running your business, you can choose the statute of self-employed in secondary occupation. This gives you the flexibility to combine your job and your company. Of course, you can also go into secondary occupation in combination with having a full time job, but be aware that your work-life balance will be affected.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Options 3\ufe0f\u20e3: Quitting your business<\/strong><br><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you decide to stop your business, you need to take the necessary steps to formally close your company. This can range from paying outstanding bills to informing customers and suppliers.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How do you choose the right options?<\/strong><br><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Choosing the right option depends on your personal situation and ambitions. Consider the next factors when making your decision:<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Your passion for your business:<\/strong> If you really love your company and believe in its potential, it may be worth pursuing it full-time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Your financial situation:<\/strong> Running a company can be financially challenging. Make sure you have sufficient resources to support your company.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Your career ambitions:<\/strong> If you have career goals outside your business, it may make sense to continue running your company in secondary occupation or even stop.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What to do if you want to discontinue your business<\/strong><br><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Discontinuing your business is a formal procedure that requires an amount of steps. Here are some things you need to do:<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Inform your social insurance fund:<\/strong> They can help you with the necessary formalities and advise you on any obligations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Meet your financial obligations:<\/strong> Make sure you pay all outstanding bills, including taxes and social security contributions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Inform your customers and suppliers:<\/strong> Let them know you are closing down your company and ensure a smooth handover of any ongoing projects.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Close your business bank accounts:<\/strong> After settling all financial matters, you can close your business bank accounts, but this is not required for sole proprietors. Certainly don&#8217;t do this if your private and business accounts are the same.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-id54853_c66a8d-a7 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:center;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id54853_c66a8d-a7 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:center;}.kb-row-layout-id54853_c66a8d-a7 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);max-width:826px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-md, 2rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-md, 2rem);grid-template-columns:minmax(0, calc(30% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem) * 1 )\/2)))minmax(0, calc(70% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem) * 1 )\/2)));}.kb-row-layout-id54853_c66a8d-a7{border-top-left-radius:20px;border-top-right-radius:20px;border-bottom-right-radius:20px;border-bottom-left-radius:20px;overflow:clip;isolation:isolate;}.kb-row-layout-id54853_c66a8d-a7 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{border-top-left-radius:20px;border-top-right-radius:20px;border-bottom-right-radius:20px;border-bottom-left-radius:20px;}.kb-row-layout-id54853_c66a8d-a7{background-color:#f0f4ff;}.kb-row-layout-id54853_c66a8d-a7 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id54853_c66a8d-a7 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 2fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id54853_c66a8d-a7 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id54853_c66a8d-a7 alignnone kt-row-has-bg wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-right-golden kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-middle\">\n<style>.kadence-column54853_fdc777-52 > .kt-inside-inner-col{display:flex;}.kadence-column54853_fdc777-52 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column54853_fdc777-52 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column54853_fdc777-52 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column54853_fdc777-52 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column54853_fdc777-52 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column54853_fdc777-52{align-self:center;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column54853_fdc777-52{align-self:auto;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column54853_fdc777-52 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column54853_fdc777-52 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column54853_fdc777-52{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column54853_fdc777-52{align-self:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column54853_fdc777-52{align-self:auto;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column54853_fdc777-52 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column54853_fdc777-52 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column54853_fdc777-52{align-self:center;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column54853_fdc777-52{align-self:auto;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column54853_fdc777-52 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column54853_fdc777-52 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column54853_fdc777-52\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/dexxter.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Tips-template-30.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28831\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dexxter.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Tips-template-30.png 300w, https:\/\/dexxter.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Tips-template-30-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column54853_343c52-80 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column54853_343c52-80 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column54853_343c52-80 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column54853_343c52-80 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column54853_343c52-80 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column54853_343c52-80 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column54853_343c52-80{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column54853_343c52-80 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column54853_343c52-80 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column54853_343c52-80\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Are you going to stop doing business? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then view <a href=\"http:\/\/dexxter.be\/en\/stopping-your-sole-proprietors-what-about-depreciations\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"55274\">the full roadmap to stop your sole proprietorship<\/a> here.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What to do if you want to continue your business<\/strong> \ud83d\ude80<br><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you decide to continue your business after graduation, here are some steps to take:<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Edit your statute:<\/strong> Inform your social insurance fund that you want to edit your status to self-employed in secondary occupation or main occupation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Review your business plan:<\/strong> Now that you can devote more time to your company, it may be time to revise your business plan and set new goals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Get financing:<\/strong> If you plan to expand your company, you may need additional financing. Consider different funding options, such as bank loans, government support or investors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Build your network:<\/strong> Make use of professional networking events and social media to expand your network and create new opportunities.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><br><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Graduating as a self-employed student is an exciting time full of opportunities. Whether you decide to pursue your business or not, the most important thing is to choose a path that matches your passion and ambitions. And remember, whatever you choose, you have gained valuable experience as a self-employed student that will help you in the future. Good luck! \ud83c\udf40<br><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Will you be self-employed in secondary occupation or main occupation?<\/strong><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Perfect! Then you can still continue to use your sole proprietors&#8217; accounts via <a href=\"http:\/\/dexxter.be\/en\/home\/\">Dexxter<\/a>.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don&#8217;t forget to update your status in the summary of social security contributions in Dexxter!<br><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you are reading this, you are probably a self-employed student about to graduate. But what happens after graduation? Don&#8217;t worry, we have you covered! In this article, we will go through the options after graduation and help you decide what your next steps could be. Let&#8217;s get started! \ud83c\udf93 What is a self-employed student? [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":93450,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[39],"tags":[68],"class_list":["post-93448","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sole-proprietor","tag-self-employed-student"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dexxter.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/93448","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dexxter.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dexxter.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dexxter.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dexxter.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=93448"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/dexxter.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/93448\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":93449,"href":"https:\/\/dexxter.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/93448\/revisions\/93449"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dexxter.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/93450"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dexxter.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=93448"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dexxter.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=93448"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dexxter.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=93448"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}