International expansion can create significant opportunities for businesses, but operating across borders also brings a complex combination of legal, fiscal and operational considerations.
On 17 September 2026, Jo Vanbelle, managing partner at Vanbelle Law Boutique, joined a group of experts at the FONS seminar at the Kanaal site of Axel Vervoordt in Wijnegem. The seminar focused on helping entrepreneurs turn complex questions surrounding their business, wealth and future into clear and well-considered choices. Jo contributed his expertise on international business and the legal and tax structuring of cross-border activities.
FONS is a partner of VB Alliance, the network of independent professional service providers founded by Jo Vanbelle. VB Alliance brings together complementary expertise across legal, financial and business services, creating a broader professional network through which entrepreneurs and businesses can access specialised expertise. Within this network, FONS focuses on debt and wealth management.
Structuring international growth
During his presentation, “Structural optimisation of international business from a legal and tax perspective”, Jo addressed some of the key questions businesses should consider when expanding internationally.
The full presentation and its key insights can be viewed below:
International expansion is not simply about entering a new market. Businesses need to consider where their activities genuinely take place, which entity should perform which activities, where contracts are concluded and where assets, employees and customer relationships are located.
The choice between a local subsidiary, branch or permanent establishment can have significant consequences for liability, governance and taxation. Jo’s presentation therefore emphasised the importance of building a structure that reflects the actual substance of the business and its long-term objectives.
Looking beyond tax rates
Another important aspect of international structuring is fiscal planning.
Choosing a jurisdiction cannot simply be reduced to comparing tax rates. Businesses also need to consider tax treaties, fiscal stability and predictability, reporting and transparency requirements, withholding taxes and the longer-term plans of the business owner.
For companies operating through multiple jurisdictions, transfer pricing is another important consideration. Transactions between related entities should generally reflect market conditions, while the functions, assets and risks of each entity need to be properly analysed and documented.
A broader view of international business
International expansion also affects areas beyond corporate and tax structuring. Contracts, VAT, customs, intellectual property, employment and international mobility can all become relevant when a business crosses borders.
This is why international entrepreneurship requires an integrated approach. A decision about the location or structure of one part of a business can have consequences for taxation, contractual relationships, employees and future growth.
For Vanbelle Law Boutique, advising internationally active businesses means looking at these different elements together and helping clients make informed decisions as their businesses evolve.
Sharing expertise with entrepreneurs
The FONS seminar provided an opportunity to explore these questions from different professional perspectives. Alongside Jo’s contribution on international entrepreneurship and cross-border structuring, the programme addressed a range of topics relevant to entrepreneurs and business owners, including estate and succession planning, business transfers, company valuation and continuity planning. The day concluded with a Q&A, bringing together the keynote speakers and participants for further discussion and exchange.
We were pleased to contribute to a day focused on one of the most important challenges for entrepreneurs: turning complexity into clear choices for the future of their business and wealth.
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