From 1 October 2025, would-be entrepreneurs in Wallonia will no longer have to prove basic management skills in order to be self-employed. This long-awaited reform is designed to simplify access to business start-ups and encourage a spirit of initiative.
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In a bid to modernise and simplify administration, the Walloon Government has decided to abolish the requirement for anyone wishing to run a business or craft to have basic management skills. This measure will come into force on 1 October 2025 and brings Wallonia into line with the reforms already introduced in Flanders, Brussels and other European countries.
Legislation that has become obsolete
Until now, legislation has required entrepreneurs to prove their knowledge of management (accounting, law, business management, etc.) by means of a diploma, professional experience or passing an examination before a central board. Although the aim of this framework was to better prepare self-employed people to manage their business, its real effectiveness, particularly in terms of preventing bankruptcies, has never been proven.
What's more, numerous derogations were possible - for example, by going into partnership with a third party - making the obligation both circumventable and unequal. Conversely, countries such as the Netherlands, which abolished this requirement as early as 2001, have seen a significant increase in the number of businesses being set up, particularly among young people and people who are far from employment. A similar effect has been observed in Flanders.
Promoting an environment more conducive to entrepreneurship
This reform is part of a wider strategy to simplify and clarify the entrepreneurial process in Wallonia. The aim is clear: to remove unnecessary obstacles, while at the same time strengthening the support available to entrepreneurs through support, training and start-up assistance tools.
By abolishing this requirement, more candidates will be able to carry out their entrepreneurial projects, thereby helping to boost the Walloon economic fabric, stimulate innovation and create jobs.
Professional skills remain in force
Please note: this reform only concerns basic management skills. Specific professional skills remain compulsory for certain regulated professions (e.g. restaurant owners, bakers, heating engineers, roofers, etc.).