Starting out as a self-employed nurse is a real leap into the unknown. It’s an exhilarating mix of freedom and responsibility. You’ve finally decided to break free from salaried employment, to manage your own schedule, your patients, your interventions… and also your administrative obligations.
And that’s where things get a little complicated. Between providing care, being on call, your personal life and that dreaded accounting, how can you not feel overwhelmed? Rest assured, you are not alone. Here is a simple, practical checklist to guide you, step by step, from the very beginning.
Choosing the right status: the crucial first step
Before you even take on your first patient, you need to choose your status. In Belgium, nurses are generally considered to be self-employed as their main occupation. Here is what you absolutely must do:
- Register with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises
- Obtain a company number (essential for your invoices and administrative procedures)
- Choose an approved business service centre to facilitate the formalities
- Register with a social insurance fund (for your quarterly social security contributions)
- Take out appropriate professional liability insurance (mandatory and vital in the medical sector)
These steps lay the foundations for your business. Without them, you simply cannot get started.
Open a business bank account (and keep it separate from your personal account)
It may seem trivial, but too many nurses overlook this step. A bank account dedicated to your business will allow you to:
- Better track your income and expenses
- Simplify your accounting
- Remain credible with the tax authorities
A little tip: choose a bank that offers a high-performance mobile app. You’ll save a lot of time.
Understanding your social security contributions (yes, it’s essential!)
Many new self-employed workers fall into this trap: they are unaware of the real impact of social security contributions.
In Belgium, as a self-employed nurse, you must pay contributions every quarter. These amounts are calculated based on your net taxable income, with a mandatory minimum. You must plan for this budget from the outset to avoid unpleasant surprises. Tailored support will help you anticipate these amounts and optimise your expenses.
Your accounting and tax obligations (don’t worry, it’s accessible)
Yes, accounting can be daunting, but a good method simplifies everything. Here are your minimum obligations:
- Keep a record of your income (all your invoices received)
- Keep all your invoices and receipts (scanned copies are acceptable)
- Declare your income correctly each year
- Pay VAT if your turnover exceeds certain thresholds (find out more!)
A well-organised self-employed nurse does not need to become an accountant… but she does need to be thorough. A specialist fiduciary will be able to support you without jargon or complications.
Anticipate your taxes: prevention is better than cure
Taxes should not be a source of anxiety. The most common mistake? Forgetting to set some aside. Here’s a simple tip: every time you receive a payment, set aside a percentage (often around 25% to 30%, depending on your situation). The result: you’ll have peace of mind when it comes to filing your tax return. Better still, tailored tax advice can optimise your business expenses and reduce your bill.
Get support from the start: the real game changer
Do you dream of focusing on your core business without wasting your evenings trying to understand VAT or social security contributions?
As soon as you set up your business, call on a specialist partner. At My Nurse Expert, we understand your daily life as a nurse:
- Unpredictable hours
- High mental workload
- Little time for paperwork
We have designed a tailor-made, human and accessible support service. Our mission? To simplify your life while helping you develop your business with peace of mind.
Final word: your future starts today
Are you starting your career as an independent nurse? This is a key moment, full of promise but also challenges. This checklist is your compass. Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed: put the right tools and habits in place now… and surround yourself with the right people.
My Nurse Expert is here for that: a discreet, caring and reliable ally who will accompany you every step of the way on your journey as a freelancer. You have the right to devote yourself fully to your profession. We’ll take care of the accounting with you.