My wife is a freelance recruiter in the UK and has been approached by a Belgian company to assist with their recruitment of new staff.
Are there any legal regulations or tax implications she should be aware of? Does she need any specific licenses to operate in this capacity?
Thank you!
RCadmin
It’s great that your wife is pursuing freelance opportunities with a Belgian-based company! Here are several factors she should consider regarding legal regulations, taxes, and licenses:
Tax Implications: Since your wife is a UK-based freelancer working for an EU company, she may be subject to tax regulations in both the UK and Belgium. She should consult with a tax professional to understand her obligations in both jurisdictions and to ensure compliance with tax laws.
VAT Regulations: If your wife’s services are considered business-to-business (B2B) under EU VAT rules, she may not need to charge VAT to the Belgian company, provided the company is VAT-registered. However, she should verify this and possibly obtain the Belgian company’s VAT number for her records.
Legal Structure: If your wife is operating as a sole trader, a limited company, or under another legal structure, there may be different regulations regarding how she can interact with foreign companies. It’s crucial to ensure that her business structure aligns with the nature of the work she will be doing.
Working Regulations: Depending on her services, it may be worth reviewing any legal requirements or industry standards for recruitment in Belgium, including data protection laws (like GDPR) relevant to handling candidate information.
Freelance Agreements: She should ensure she has a clear contract outlining all terms of her engagement with the Belgian company. This contract should cover payment terms, project scope, confidentiality, and termination clauses.
Licenses and Certifications: Generally, freelance recruiters do not require a specific license to operate in the EU. However, it’s best to check if there are any regulations specific to recruiting firms in Belgium that may apply.
Legal Advice: Consulting with a legal professional who specializes in international business or employment law can be beneficial to navigate the specifics of working across borders.
Overall, thorough research and professional advice are key to ensuring compliance and a smooth working relationship with her new client in Belgium.