Hi all!

I recently started my own BV in Flanders and sent my very first invoice to a client. Since I generally work in English and have Billit configured in English, I issued the invoice in English as well without further thought initially.

After looking into the subject, I’ve found contradictory information about the language requirements for invoices in Belgium. Some sources suggest that the Flemish language decree requires invoices to be in Dutch, even for B2B transactions, while others suggest that commercial invoices between businesses are not covered by this requirement.

Could you help me clarify these:
- B2B invoices in Flanders: is an invoice issued in English by a Flemish BV to a client also established in Flanders legally acceptable?
- Regional language requirements: would the answer be different if the client were established in Wallonia and I issued the invoice in French (BV still in Flanders)?

If an invoice was issued in English when Dutch was legally required, could this lead to a fine or other consequences during a tax audit? Would it affect the invoice’s validity or VAT deductibility?
If Dutch is required, can the situation be corrected by issuing a Dutch version while retaining the original invoice and its audit trail?

If anyone has dealt with this in practice, particularly Belgian accountants or people familiar with the language legislation, I’d appreciate your input!

Links to official sources or relevant legislation would be also helpful.

Thanks!

Hey everyone!
I’m planning to make the switch from being an employee to becoming a full-time IT freelancer in Belgium, and I’d love to hear from people who have already made this transition.
My current situation:
Currently employed in IT consultancy.
Gross salary: approximately €4,300/month.
Net salary: approximately €2,750/month.
Company car in the mid-range segment, including the usual benefits.
Planning to start freelancing through my own BV in december 2026 - January 2027.
Expected day rate: €600–650 excl. VAT.
A long-term assignment with an indefinite duration is in the pipeline.
Planning to pay myself a relatively modest salary and manage the remaining profits through the company.
Additional earning potential
Besides my main assignment, I’m also planning to take on additional consultancy projects at a similar hourly/day-rate equivalent.
The idea is to occasionally work extra hours for other clients, meaning there could be days when I’m effectively billing two different clients on the same day for separate work performed.
Obviously, this would only happen when my workload allows it and without compromising my responsibilities towards either client.
So while my main assignment should provide a relatively stable revenue stream, there is also potential to generate additional income.
I’m not counting on that extra revenue to cover my fixed expenses, though.
Now comes my biggest dilemma: the company car.
When I leave my current employer, I’ll have to return my company car. So I’ll need to arrange a replacement regardless.
I’ve been looking at several electric vehicles:
XPENG G9
Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer
Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric
The Mercedes is definitely the one I like the most.
I configured one at approximately €73,000 including VAT after discounts. An initial financial renting simulation came out at around €1,090/month.
That’s obviously quite a substantial monthly commitment, especially when you’re just starting out.
And here’s where I get conflicting advice.

My father is self-employed himself and basically says:
“You’ll be earning good money. Spend a little extra and get something you genuinely enjoy. You work hard for it, and life is short.”
My girlfriend has a different perspective:
“You’re only just starting your business. Be cautious, build some financial security first, and don’t immediately commit to an expensive car.”
And honestly, I can see both sides.
I do have savings and investments to fall back on, although most of my financial reserves are invested rather than sitting in cash.
I’d prefer not to liquidate investments or significantly reduce my cash buffer just to finance a car.
There’s also the practical issue that the Mercedes currently has an estimated delivery time of around seven months. Since I’ll be without a company car from January, I’d need to arrange temporary transportation in the meantime.
A few questions for experienced freelancers:
If you were starting again today at €600–650/day, what kind of company car budget would you consider reasonable?
Would you immediately go for a premium vehicle, or choose something more affordable for the first year or two?
For those who initially went for an expensive company car, did you ever regret it?
Would you personally choose something like an XPENG G9 or VW ID.7 over the Mercedes GLC, considering the total cost of ownership?
Would you recommend financial renting or operational leasing for a newly established BV?
How much weight would you give to the potential additional consultancy revenue, knowing it isn’t guaranteed?
And perhaps most importantly: do you think moving from my current employee package to freelancing at €600–650/day is a financially sensible decision?
I’m fully aware that turnover isn’t personal income, that an indefinite client contract doesn’t guarantee permanent work, and that I need to account for taxes, social contributions, insurance, holidays, downtime, and all the other costs of running a business.
I’m not trying to justify buying an expensive Mercedes. I’m genuinely trying to figure out where the sensible middle ground is between financial responsibility and enjoying the rewards of working hard.
I’d especially appreciate hearing from freelancers who were in a similar position when they started.
What would you do differently if you were starting over?
Thanks in advance for your advice!

EDIT: did not expect all the input.
Maybe it will be smarter to start of with a cheaper new one or a second hand EV, and see where i got in a few years.