Does Belgium have a tax treaty with the US?

The US – Belgium tax treaty was signed in 2006, replacing a previous treaty signed in 1970. The purpose of the treaty is to prevent double taxation for Americans living in Belgium and Belgians living in the US, however it doesn’t prevent US citizens living in Belgium from having to file US taxes.

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).

Can an American retire to Belgium?

Those looking to retire to Belgium from a non-EU/EFTA country will need to apply for a Category D long-stay visa from the Belgian embassy or consulate in their home country. In order to retire to Belgium, you will need to show that you are able to support yourself without working.

Does Belgium tax foreign income?

Foreign-source income is exempt from tax in Belgium, but other taxable income is taxed at the rate that would apply to all taxable income if the foreign-source income were included in taxable income. Belgium has entered into double tax treaties with 90 countries.

Why are Belgian taxes so high?

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”).

What is a good salary in Belgium?

According to data from the Average Salary Survey website, the average gross salary in Belgium is €61,357 a year. This is €37,923 after taxes.

Why is Belgian tax so high?

Is healthcare free in Belgium?

As public healthcare in Belgium is subsidized rather than free, many residents choose to take out a private insurance policy to top up their state coverage, as well as give them access to private healthcare treatment.

How long can a US citizen stay in Belgium?

90 days
Do US Citizens Need a Visa to Visit Belgium? U.S. Citizens don’t need to obtain a Belgium visa when travelling to Belgium for up to 90 days for tourism and business purposes. However, US nationals are required to hold a US passport, which should be valid for at least 3 months beyond the period of their stay in Belgium.

Is Belgium a good place to retire?

Belgium ranks 20th on the Global Retirement Index, scoring particularly highly for quality of life and healthcare. Brussels is the first Belgian city recognized by the World Health Organization as an age-friendly city.

What is a good salary in Brussels?

A person working in Brussel typically earns around 6,360 EUR per month. Salaries range from 1,950 EUR (lowest average) to 26,800 EUR (highest average, actual maximum salary is higher). This is the average monthly salary including housing, transport, and other benefits.

Is it cheaper to live in Belgium or the Netherlands?

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.

When do you become a resident of Belgium?

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. The Belgian tax year is the same as the US, which is to say the calendar year.

What are the benefits of being a Belgian citizen?

Citizens of Belgium have different rights and responsibilities to migrants holding permanent residence. For example, one benefit of being a Belgian citizen is that you can come and go freely from Belgium without your citizenship being revoked.

How many Americans live and work in Belgium?

It has been estimated that there are several thousand Americans living in Belgium. Living in Belgium is an incredible experience for a number of reasons, including the friendly locals, the delicious food, the work-life balance, not to mention having the rest of Europe on your doorstep.

Can a Belgian citizen be a citizen of another country?

It’s possible to be a citizen of Belgium as well as another country, known as dual citizenship. The Belgian authorities won’t ask you to renounce your citizenship if you accept citizenship of another country.

Do you have to be a Belgian citizen to live in Belgium?

If your spouse is a Belgium citizen or permanent resident of Belgium, you are probably eligible for residency. Marriage to a Belgian citizen does not have a direct influence on your nationality. Please note that your status of spouse needs to be legally recognised in this country.

Who is eligible for a state pension in Belgium?

Who is eligible for pensions in Belgium? To qualify for a Belgian state pension, you must have been employed in Belgium with an employer who paid contributions to the Belgian National Office for Social Security (RSZ) .

Is it possible to retire in Belgium as an expat?

Here’s a look at retiring in Belgium. A group of six retirees, who dub themselves The Brats (Brussels Retired Expats), penned the ultimate guide for anyone planning to spend their twilight years in Belgium. Retiring in Belgium – A Guide for Expats doesn’t provide all the answers but it poses all the right questions.