DirectEmigreren
Chapter 12 of 15

Social security

RSZ, child benefits (Groeipakket), unemployment, pension

Summary

Belgium has one of Europe's most comprehensive social security systems. The system is funded through RSZ (National Social Security Office) and covers unemployment, sickness, pension, child benefits, work accidents, and occupational diseases. As an employee, your contributions are automatically deducted (13.07% of gross salary). As self-employed, you pay quarterly contributions yourself.

What you need to know

Child benefits (Groeipakket)

Flanders (2025-2026):

🔒

Read the full chapter

This is a preview. Buy the complete guide to receive all 15 chapters as PDF.

Buy — €29.95
Previous chapter

11. Working & entrepreneurship

Next chapter

13. Children & education

Buy the full guide

Complete Emigration Guide Belgium

Buy — €29.95

Knowledge Base

Glossary
  • eID (Electronic Identity Card)

    The Belgian electronic identity card. As an EU citizen you receive an E-card or E+-card. Use it to identify yourself with the government, bank and for online services via Itsme or eID software.

  • Rijksregister (National Register)

    The Belgian national population register. You receive a national register number when registering in your municipality. This number is required for work, taxes, health insurance and all official matters.

  • Mutualiteit (Health Insurance Fund)

    The Belgian health insurance fund. You are required to join a mutualiteit for your health insurance. Choose from: CM, Solidaris, Liberal Mutuality, Independent Fund, or the Auxiliary Fund (CAAMI).

  • Crossroads Bank for Social Security

    The central database connecting all Belgian social security institutions. Your national register number is the key to this system.

  • Kinderbijslag (Child Benefit)

    Belgian child benefit, called "Groeipakket" in Flanders. Automatic entitlement when living and working in Belgium. Amounts vary by region (Flanders, Wallonia, Brussels).

  • FOD Financiën (Federal Finance Department)

    The Belgian federal tax department. Here you file your annual tax return (Tax-on-Web), register as a taxpayer and handle all fiscal matters.

  • Personenbelasting (Personal Income Tax)

    The Belgian personal income tax. Progressive rates from 25% to 50%. Belgium has one of the highest tax burdens in Europe, but also many deductions and benefits.

  • Gemeente (Town Hall)

    The Belgian town hall. Here you register, request documents, and handle administrative matters. In Brussels and Wallonia this is called "commune" or "maison communale".

  • Zorgkas (Care Fund)

    The Flemish care insurance for non-medical care (home care, care homes). Mandatory for all residents of Flanders and Brussels. Annual contribution of ~€54.

  • Itsme (Digital Identity App)

    The Belgian digital identity app. Essential for online government services, banking and signing contracts. Comparable to DigiD but on your smartphone.

Privacy PolicyTerms & ConditionsLogin