Who has to pay tax in Belgium?
Matthew Barrera
Updated on March 31, 2026
It means you are taxed by Belgium income tax on your worldwide income. But if you are a non-resident who lives in Belgium for fewer than 6 months (183 days) during the year, you have to pay Belgium income tax only on income you earned in Belgium (including rents and capital gains).
Do foreigners pay tax in Belgium?
The tax system in Belgium If you are a foreigner working in Belgium, you are generally liable to pay Belgian taxes and file a tax return. Belgium has more than 90 agreements in place with other countries to prevent residents from having to pay additional income tax in their home country.
Do I have to pay tax in Belgium?
Residents of Belgium are taxable on their worldwide income, while non-residents are only taxable on Belgian-source income. Personal income tax (PIT) is calculated by determining the tax base and assessing the tax due on that base. For income year 2021, the federal tax rates range between nil and 50% (see below).
How do Belgium avoid taxes?
Contributions to existing retirement plans can be maximized and become a tax saving strategy. Other options for effective tax planning include bringing forward the tax deductions into the current financial year, using the capital gains discount, setting up a company in Belgium (and use it as a separate legal entity).
Why is income tax so high in Belgium?
The reason is very simple: because the government spend a huge amount of money on useless things and there’s also a lot of corruption and fraud. 1. They make buildings worth millions in small towns (Google for example “Gare Mons” or “Gare Liege”).
Why is Belgium tax so high?
Is Belgium cheap to live?
The cost of living in Belgium is relatively high but still considered affordable, including the cost of living in Brussels, when compared to some of its neighbors. Though the cost of living in Belgium is definitely up there, it is nowhere near as expensive as some other western European countries.
How expensive is it to live in Brussels?
Cost of Living in Brussels, Belgium
| Food | Price [EDIT] |
|---|---|
| 1 bedroom flat (40 m2) rent per month | 900.00 USD |
| 1 bedroom flat (40 m2) utilities per month | 93.00 USD |
| 2 bedroom flat (80 m2) rent per month | 1,550.00 USD |
| 2 bedroom flat (80 m2) utilities per month | 155.00 USD |
What is a good salary for Belgium?
A person working in Belgium typically earns around 6,150 EUR per month. Salaries range from 1,890 EUR (lowest average) to 25,900 EUR (highest average, actual maximum salary is higher). This is the average monthly salary including housing, transport, and other benefits.
Why are taxes so high in Belgium?
Is 4000 a good salary in Belgium?
4.000 euro gross is a very decent salary by belgium standards, and you can live off that fine. It would probably end you up with between 2200 and 2600 in net salary.
Who is the richest man in Belgium?
Eric Wittouck
Eric Wittouck, who made his fortune with Tirlemont sugar, has dethroned Alexandre Van Damme as the richest Belgian, according to the new edition of the book “De 200 Rijkste Belgen” (The 200 Richest Belgians) by journalist Ludwig Verduyn.
Belgium taxes its residents on their worldwide income, irrespective of their nationality. Residents of Belgium are taxable on their worldwide income, while non-residents are only taxable on Belgian-source income. For income year 2021, the federal tax rates range between nil and 50% (see below).
Is there a tax free allowance in Belgium?
Tax free allowances are exempted from taxation as they qualify (for Belgian income tax purposes) as what is known as “employers’ own costs”. These tax free allowances are exempt from income tax up to a limit of either 11.250 EUR or 29.750 EUR per annum.
What is the tax free threshold in Belgium?
Is it cheaper to live in Belgium or the Netherlands?
Prices in Belgium vs the Netherlands – Cost of Living Comparison. The average cost of living in Belgium ($1436) is 14% less expensive than in the Netherlands ($1675). The average after-tax salary is enough to cover living expenses for 1.5 months in Belgium compared to 1.6 months in the Netherlands.
How much tax do you pay when you live in Belgium?
Belgian residents are taxed on their worldwide income on a scale from 25% to 50%. There is also a local income tax of around 7% of income tax due. Foreigners living in Belgium are considered a resident for tax purposes if their main family home or the center of their economic activity or interests is in Belgium.
Do you have to file a Belgian tax return as a non resident?
See the explanatory booklet (PDF, 1.24 MB) (This hyperlink opens a new window) (pages 1 and 2) for more information on the income concerned. You must therefore file a a non-resident tax return in Belgium. You must mention all income you’ve collected in Belgium in 2019.
How does Belgian expatriate special income tax work?
When benefiting from the Belgian expatriate special income tax regime, the taxable income may be reduced to the extent that the expatriate spends part of their business time outside Belgium. The tax authorities have provided precise rules for determining days worked outside of Belgium qualifying for exemption.
Can You claim regional tax credits in Belgium?
Depending on the fact that the taxpayer is resident of another EER member state (not including Belgium), they will be able to claim (partial) regional tax credits too. Income of minor children is reported on the tax return of the parents as long as they are living with their parents, unless it is business income or alimony.
