Glossary
Key terms for emigrating
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.
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.
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".
Huurwaarborg (Rental Deposit)
The Belgian rental deposit is maximum 2 months rent (Flanders) or 3 months (Brussels/Wallonia). Placed in a blocked account at a bank.
Registration Population Register
As an EU citizen you must register at the municipality within 8 working days of arrival. A local police officer will verify your address. After approval you receive your eID.
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.
Kadastraal Inkomen (Cadastral Income)
The estimated annual rental value of a property in Belgium, determined by the cadastre. The KI determines your property tax (onroerende voorheffing).
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).
Crossroads Bank for Social Security
The central database connecting all Belgian social security institutions. Your national register number is the key to this system.
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).
Ondernemingsloket (Business Counter)
The counter where you register as a self-employed person or entrepreneur in the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises. You receive a business number and VAT number.
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.
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.
Sociaal Secretariaat (Social Secretariat)
An authorized office that processes payroll and social contributions for employers and employees. As a self-employed person you join a social insurance fund.
VDAB / Actiris / Forem (Employment Agencies)
The regional employment agencies: VDAB (Flanders), Actiris (Brussels), Forem (Wallonia). Here you register as a job seeker and find vacancies.
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.