Finance
BANK, TAXES AND CHILD BENEFIT. OPEN BANK ACCOUNT
As an international employee in Belgium, opening a Belgian bank account is an important first step to properly managing your finances. A local bank account is essential for receiving your salary, paying rent, making purchases, and accessing other services such as health insurance and insurances.
Why a Belgian bank account?
In Belgium, most payments are made digitally. Employers usually deposit salaries directly into a Belgian account. A bank account is also often required for renting a home, getting a mobile phone subscription, or receiving social benefits.
If you are moving to Belgium, you will need a bank account. Therefore, make an appointment with a bank of your choice.
Bring the following documents:
An electronic identity card or residence permit
A certificate of residence from the municipality
Taxes
Even if you are only temporarily residing in Belgium, you must file a tax return via myminfin. This applies to everyone who works and earns income here.
Then you are a non-resident. You must submit a (online) tax declaration for non-residents via myminfin.
Then you work as a cross-border commuter. You usually have to pay taxes in the work country, but also file a return in your country of residence. Agreements exist between countries to avoid double taxation.
More info about tax returns as a cross-border commuter
Or visit the Grensinfopunt Euregio website
IMPORTANT TO KNOW. WARNING:
If, as a seconded EU citizen (employee or self-employed), you have worked in Belgium for a maximum of 183 days per year and your domicile remains in your home country, you remain liable for tax in your home country (so not in Belgium).
Growth package
Every child domiciled in Flanders is entitled to a growth package.
This consists of a starting amount of child benefit (if your child is born in Belgium) and possibly also a school bonus.
If parents are separated, the growth package goes to the parent or foster parent where the child is domiciled.
More info about the growth package
Public Center for Social Welfare│OCMW
The OCMW is a municipal organization that supports citizens experiencing difficulties financially, socially, or medically. The OCMW always looks at your personal situation to see what help is possible and necessary.
Some examples:
Financial support: Minimum subsistence income, assistance with urgent expenses, debt counseling, and financial support for persons with disabilities.
Housing support: Help in finding affordable housing, premiums, or temporary shelter.
Health and care: Access to medical assistance, home care, elderly care, or support with illness and disability.
Work and education: Guidance towards employment, training, or activation projects.
Legal and administrative help: Support with applications, filling out documents, or social rights.
Social guidance: Conversations and advice on personal or family problems.
In-kind assistance: Food packages and clothing.
Reference address: Homeless people can apply for a reference address to be registered with the municipality.