Starting a taxi in Flanders

What is required to run a taxi business in Flanders?

To operate a taxi in Flanders you need an individual paid passenger transport licence, plus a driver pass for every driver. Your vehicle must be inspected, insured and meet the environmental standards. Every ride is sent to Chiron, the Flemish government's central ride database, in real time. Below is the full checklist, step by step.

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The requirements

Everything you need in place

These are the things every taxi operator in Flanders has to arrange. Some details vary by municipality, so always check with your own as well.

Individual paid passenger transport licence (IBP)
You apply for this licence at the municipality of your operating seat, which can differ from your company's registered office.
Driver pass for every driver
Every driver who works needs a valid driver pass, including you as the owner.
Suitable, inspected vehicle
Your car must pass inspection and carry the right markings, such as the T-plate.
Insurance for paid transport
An ordinary car policy is not enough. You need cover for paid passenger transport.
Chiron connection
You send every ride to Chiron, the Flemish government's central ride database, in real time.
Ecoscore and environmental standards
Your vehicles must reach a minimum ecoscore. For a vehicle registered since 1 January 2025 that is 74, or 67 above five seats and 55 for a minibus.
Tariffs and transport receipt
Your tariffs are clear and the customer gets a proper transport receipt for every ride.
Accounting, duty sheets and invoicing
You keep rides, shifts and invoices in order. Since 1 January 2026, invoices to Belgian businesses must be sent electronically through Peppol.

Step by step

Get compliant in four steps

From registration to your first logged ride.

Register your business
Make sure your company is in the Crossroads Bank with the right activity and gather your documents.
Apply for your licence
Submit your IBP licence application to your municipality and arrange the driver pass.
Get your vehicle ready
Inspection, markings, insurance and ecoscore: make your car fully compliant.
Connect to Chiron
Link your operation to Chiron. With TaxiBuddy every ride is sent automatically, no manual work.

Read on

Go deeper into the details

Frequently asked questions

Questions about taxi rules in Flanders

You need an individual paid passenger transport licence, a driver pass per driver, an inspected and insured vehicle that meets the environmental standards, and a live connection to Chiron. You apply for the licence at your municipality.

It depends on how you operate. A street taxi does not need a taximeter. A compliant app that records your rides securely and sends them to Chiron is enough. A rank taxi does need a calibrated taximeter and a taxi light.

Chiron is the Flemish government's ride database. You forward every ride live at start and end, and TaxiBuddy does that automatically. Who has to connect and what happens during a check is on our Chiron page.

The municipality of your operating seat, which can differ from your company's registered office. Municipalities process applications through the Flemish government's Centaurus2020 system.

Taxi offences are usually handled with an on-the-spot fine, between €100 and €500 per offence. Operating without a licence is more serious: it goes to the police court, with a fine of €500 to €10,000 and possible imprisonment.