As a resident of Belgium, your income is taxable according to Belgian tax law and regulations. Appropriate tax planning gives you a number of important tax advantages. In some cases, income earned outside Belgium is not taxable at all. There are an extensive number of treaties with over 80 countries designed to avoid double taxation.
Main Tax Benefits for Private Persons Resident in Belgium
Persons who are tax resident in Belgium are in principle subject to income tax on their worldwide income. However, some important exceptions apply, such as no tax on capital gains. The following are the key benefits of tax residence in Belgium:
- no tax on capital gains
- no wealth or net-worth withholding taxes
- maximum tax on dividends of 15 % to 25 %, depending on type of shares
- no tax on surplus value of (private) real estate, when owned for a minimum of 5 years
- 0-3 % taxation on gifts (achievable with appropriate tax planning)
- the possibility of paying no tax at all in case of inheritance (with appropriate tax planning)
- extensive treaties to avoid double taxation
- in some cases, income earned outside Belgium not taxable at all
Special Regulations for Key Managers
Special regulations apply to key managers and directors, who are treated as foreigners resident in Belgium and are only taxed on income actually earned within the country. In some cases, income earned outside Belgium is not taxable at all.
Personal Tax Advice Essential
To benefit fully from the favorable opportunities offered by Belgium to affluent residents, especially in the case of an international income base, it is essential to have access to highly specialized advice in order to optimize your tax planning.
Henley & Partners Belgium can offer assistance in this area and provide personalized tax planning by drawing on an extensive network of Belgian and international specialists.
