Many people dream of starting their own business: a creative side hustle, freelance work, a webshop, or a small self-employed activity while searching for a stable job. In practice, however, one thing often holds potential entrepreneurs back: the financial uncertainty of starting up.<\/p>\n
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That\u2019s exactly why Springboard to Self-Employment<\/b> (\u201cSpringplank naar zelfstandige\u201d) exists, a measure that allows jobseekers receiving benefits to run a self-employed side activity for up to 12 months without losing their unemployment benefits entirely<\/b>. This gives you room to test, grow, and build confidence without immediately giving up your full financial safety net.<\/p>\n
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In this comprehensive guide, you\u2019ll learn who is eligible, what the obligations are, how much you may earn, how to apply, and what to pay attention to.<\/p>\n
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Springboard to Self-Employment is a federal measure by the RVA (Belgium\u2019s National Employment Office) that allows jobseekers to start or continue a self-employed side activity while receiving unemployment or integration benefits. The essentials:<\/p>\n
You may carry out a self-employed activity for a maximum of 12 months.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
You retain (fully or partially) your unemployment benefits during this period.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
You get the chance to find out whether your activity is viable.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
In other words, it offers a risk-free transition period between unemployment and potentially full-time entrepreneurship.<\/p>\n
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Not everyone can make use of this measure. The conditions are clearly defined.<\/p>\n
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1. You receive unemployment benefits or integration benefits<\/b><\/p>\n
You must already be receiving benefits from the RVA. Those still in their professional integration period do not qualify.<\/p>\n
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2. You apply for the measure on time<\/b><\/p>\n
You must apply for Springboard:<\/p>\n
when submitting your first benefits application, or<\/b><\/p>\n<\/li>\n before<\/b> starting your self-employed activity.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n If you already receive benefits and then wish to start as self-employed, you must apply before the first day of your activity<\/b>.<\/p>\n \n 3. The activity must be a side activity<\/b><\/p>\n The measure does not apply if you want to immediately start a main profession. The RVA itself assesses whether your activity is \u201csecondary\u201d based on:<\/p>\n time spent<\/p>\n<\/li>\n nature of the activity<\/p>\n<\/li>\n income<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n 4. You have not carried out the activity as your main profession in the past 6 years<\/b><\/p>\n Anyone recently self-employed in a main profession is not eligible.<\/p>\n \n 5. You did not reduce or quit employment to obtain this measure<\/b><\/p>\n The measure cannot be used as a loophole to replace employment with self-employment while keeping benefits.<\/p>\n \n 6. You perform the activity personally<\/b><\/p>\n You may not hire staff, except in exceptional and justified cases. Structural subcontracting is also not allowed.<\/p>\n \n Springboard offers plenty of freedom, but within clear limits.<\/p>\n \n \u2714 You may work whenever you want<\/b> \n \u2714 You may perform a wide range of activities<\/b>, such as:<\/p>\n freelance work<\/p>\n<\/li>\n a webshop<\/p>\n<\/li>\n creative services (graphic design, photography, music\u2026)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n coaching<\/p>\n<\/li>\n consultancy<\/p>\n<\/li>\n crafts<\/p>\n<\/li>\n hospitality (in limited form)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n \u2714 You may earn money<\/b>, within limits (see next section)<\/p>\n \n \u2714 You remain a jobseeker<\/b> stay registered with VDAB \/ Actiris \/ Forem<\/p>\n<\/li>\n remain available for job offers<\/p>\n<\/li>\n be willing to accept suitable job opportunities<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n You may earn income, but:<\/p>\n Your benefits may be reduced.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Your activity must remain \u201csecondary.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n The RVA uses a fixed daily threshold amount<\/b>.<\/p>\n \n The RVA reduces your unemployment benefit when your self-employed income exceeds \u20ac17.72 per day<\/b> (indexed as of 1\/2\/2025).<\/p>\n How it works:<\/p>\n Your annual taxable net income<\/b> from your self-employed activity is divided by 312<\/b> (the number of benefit days per year).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n If the resulting daily average exceeds \u20ac17.72, your benefit is reduced by the difference.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Suppose: Calculation: This means your daily unemployment benefit is reduced by \u20ac7.92<\/b>.<\/p>\n \n Earn little \u2192 you often retain most or all of your benefits.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Earn a lot \u2192 your benefit may drop significantly or disappear.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n This is why many starter entrepreneurs keep their income modest in the first year to preserve financial security while building a customer base.<\/p>\n \n A step-by-step guide. (See RVA website<\/a> for the full official procedure.)<\/p>\n \n You can find information from:<\/p>\n RVA (federal)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n VDAB \/ Actiris \/ Forem (regional employment services)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Your payment institution (ACV, ABVV, ACLVB, or HVW)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n You need two important forms:<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcc4 Form C1 (Link<\/a> to PDF)<\/b> \n \ud83d\udcc4 Form C1C (Link<\/a> to PDF)<\/b> Submit these to your payment institution.<\/p>\n \n This is crucial. Never begin your self-employed activity before the application is officially filed.<\/p>\n \n Only after approval are you officially allowed to use Springboard.<\/p>\n \n You register as self-employed in a secondary activity by:<\/p>\n applying for a company number (KBO)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n joining a social insurance fund<\/p>\n<\/li>\n activating your VAT number (if applicable)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Keep:<\/p>\n actively applying<\/p>\n<\/li>\n following vacancies<\/p>\n<\/li>\n staying available for the labour market<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Do not<\/b> mention your activity on your control card<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Keep all bookkeeping for income checks<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Report any changes immediately to your payment institution<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n \n You can benefit from the measure for up to 12 months<\/b>.<\/p>\n The period starts:<\/p>\n on the first day of your self-employed activity, or<\/p>\n<\/li>\n on the day the advantage is officially granted.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n You cannot extend this period, and you may only use it once every 6 years<\/b>.<\/p>\n \n \n Good news, that\u2019s usually the goal. But it has consequences.<\/p>\n \n No need to panic, it means your business is working. Still:<\/p>\n Report your income correctly.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Prepare for additional costs (social contributions, taxes, etc.).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Option 1: Continue \u2192 Become self-employed in a main profession<\/b> \n Option 2: Stop the self-employed activity<\/b> \n \u2714 Start a business with limited financial risk<\/b> \n \u26a0 You cannot earn unlimited income \n Springboard is ideal for those who:<\/p>\n have a business idea,<\/p>\n<\/li>\n are unsure whether it is profitable enough,<\/p>\n<\/li>\n or want to test it first without financial risk.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n It is a unique opportunity to start as a self-employed person safely<\/b>. For anyone dreaming of entrepreneurship but worried about financial instability, Springboard is an exceptionally valuable tool. You get 12 months to experiment, grow, and learn \u2014 while keeping the security of unemployment benefits. When used wisely, it can be the perfect stepping stone toward a successful independent career.<\/p>\n \n References:<\/b>\n
3. What may you do during Springboard?<\/h1>\n
Day, night, weekends, the measure does not restrict your schedule.<\/p>\n\n
This means you must:<\/p>\n\n
4. How much may you earn? Understanding the income threshold<\/h1>\n
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The official calculation<\/h3>\n
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Practical example<\/h3>\n
You earn \u20ac8,000 taxable net<\/b> from your side activity.<\/p>\n
\u20ac8,000 \/ 312 = \u20ac25.64 per day<\/b>
\u20ac25.64 \u2013 \u20ac17.72 = \u20ac7.92<\/b><\/p>\nRemember:<\/h3>\n
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5. How to apply for Springboard to self-employment<\/h1>\n
Step 1: Get informed<\/h3>\n
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Step 2: Complete the required forms<\/h3>\n
Your general declaration about your situation.<\/p>\n
Specific information about the self-employed activity.<\/p>\nStep 3: Submit your application before starting<\/b><\/h3>\n
Step 4: Wait for confirmation from the RVA<\/h3>\n
Step 5: Start your self-employed side activity<\/h3>\n
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Step 6: Maintain your jobseeker status<\/h3>\n
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Step 7: Maintain proper administration<\/h3>\n
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6. How long does Springboard last?<\/h1>\n
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7. What if your activity becomes successful?<\/h1>\n
1. You earn too much? \u2192 Benefits decrease or stop<\/h3>\n
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2. After 12 months you must choose<\/h3>\n
You stop receiving benefits and rely fully on your business.<\/p>\n
You regain full unemployment benefits (with correct reporting). You cannot restart Springboard unless at least 6 years have passed since last use.<\/p>\nAdvantages of springboard to self-employment<\/h4>\n
\u2714 Build clients and experience in a realistic setting
\u2714 Opportunity to refine your business model
\u2714 Smooth transition into full-time entrepreneurship
\u2714 Maintain your social safety net and jobseeker support<\/p>\nPossible disadvantages and pitfalls<\/h4>\n
\u26a0 Activity must clearly remain secondary
\u26a0 Administrative obligations must be strictly followed
\u26a0 After 12 months you must make a final decision
\u26a0 Forgetting to report changes may lead to repayment obligations<\/p>\nIs Springboard right for you?<\/h4>\n
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RVA: \u201cMag u tijdens uw werkloosheid een nevenactiviteit als zelfstandige in het kader van het voordeel \u2018Springplank naar zelfstandige\u2019 uitoefenen?<\/a>\u201d<\/i><\/p>\n