The framework law of September 24, 2006, regulates the use of titles in intellectual service professions and craft trades. It aims to oversee professions that are not yet regulated by other laws but fall within these two professional categories.
Definition of a Regulated Profession
A profession is considered regulated when it requires adherence to specific conditions before it can be practiced. These regulations are intended to ensure the competence, responsibility, and ethics of professionals, thereby protecting public interests and guaranteeing a high-quality service.
The applicants assert that, according to the framework law of September 24, 2006, no one may use a regulated professional title or a similar title that could be confused with a regulated title without meeting all the necessary conditions. This includes, in particular:
- Possession of a Specific Diploma: The candidate must hold a specific diploma, as defined in the application, which certifies their education and skills in the relevant field.
- Registration on an Official List: : The candidate must be registered in the register mentioned in Article 3 of the Law of July 13, 2006, which allows for the verification of their professional status and eligibility to use the title.
- Compliance with Ethical Standards: The candidate must adhere to the ethical and professional rules established by the decree regulating the title, thereby ensuring behavior that aligns with the standards of the profession.
These requirements aim to prevent any confusion for clients and to ensure that only qualified and regulated professionals can use specific titles, such as that of an interior architect.
Regulated Professions in Wallonia and Brussels
Construction Sector (in Brussels and Wallonia)
- Structural Work Activities
- Plastering, Cementing, and Screed Installation
- Tiling, Marble, and Natural Stone Activities
- Roofing and Waterproofing Activities
- Carpentry and Glazing Activities
- Finishing Activities
- Central Heating, Air Conditioning, Gas, and Sanitary Installation Activities
- Electrotechnical Activities
- General Contractor Activities
Automotive Sector (in Brussels and Wallonia)
- Sale of Used Motor Vehicles
- Repair or Modification of Motor Vehicle Bodies (excluding car customization)
- Repair of Motor Vehicle Parts
- Motor Vehicles up to 3.5 Tons (scooters, motorcycles, quads, cars, etc.)
- Motor Vehicles over 3.5 Tons (for goods transport, forestry, agriculture, construction activities, etc.)
- Sale or Repair of Bicycles
Body Care Sector (in Brussels and Wallonia)
- Beautician
- Pedicurist (only in the Brussels-Capital Region)
- Masseur (only in the Brussels-Capital Region)
- Optician
- Dental Technician (only in the Brussels-Capital Region)
- Hairdresser
- Funeral Director
Food Sector
- Meat Wholesale (only in the Brussels-Capital Region)
- Baker-Pastry Chef (in Brussels and Wallonia)
- Restaurateur, Caterer, and Banquet Organizer (in Brussels and Wallonia)
Other Sectors
- Dry Cleaner-Tailor (only in the Brussels-Capital Region)
- Refrigeration Technician (in Brussels and Wallonia)
..And in Flanders?
Since January 1, 2018, the requirements related to the establishment law in Flanders have been relaxed, and it is no longer necessary to prove professional competence for the following activities. Previously, starting an activity as a self-employed person required demonstrating basic management skills and, for certain regulated professions, proving professional knowledge through a diploma or relevant experience.
As of January 1, 2018, these requirements have been relaxed in Flanders. It is no longer necessary to prove professional competence for the following activities:
- Motor Vehicle-Related Activities
- Bicycle-Related Activities
- Baker-Pastry Chef
- Butcher-Charcutier
- Hairdresser
- Dry Cleaner-Tailor
- Funeral Director
- Meat Wholesale
- Masseur
- Optician
- Pedicurist
- Restaurateur and Caterer-Banquet Organizer
- Beauty Specialist
- Dental Technician
To summarize..
In Wallonia, having a diploma is generally required to perform certain activities. In contrast, this requirement is not necessary in Flanders.
..To address this issue, Easyway can help. Being located in Flanders, we can legally provide entrepreneurs with a registered office address in Flanders, allowing them to be considered as operating within the Flemish territory. This way, they can start their business in Wallonia without needing to justify a diploma while having their operational headquarters in Wallonia.
Our team is available to answer any questions and clarify any doubts you may have. Whether you want to learn more about the domiciliation process, specific benefits, or additional services we offer, we are here to assist you.