Compare taxes and see how much you save moving from Netherlands to Belgium
Both are high-tax countries, but the games you can play differ. Netherlands has the famous 30% ruling: expats get 30% of salary TAX-FREE for 5 years (was 8 years until 2024, capped at €233,000). Belgium hits 50% at just €46,440 BUT has the company car/fringe benefit culture—employers provide cars, meal vouchers, phones, laptops tax-efficiently. At €80,000: Netherlands ~€28,000 tax (no ruling) or ~€16,000 (with ruling). Belgium ~€31,000 tax but often €8,000+ in benefits offset this. Choose Netherlands if: you're an expat qualifying for 30% ruling. Choose Belgium if: you value fringe benefits, work in Brussels (EU jobs), or have significant pension from abroad (Belgium's tax treaties are generous).
Top Rate
30% ruling for expats
Top Rate
Fringe benefit culture
At €80,000 with 30% ruling income:
That is €1,000/month back in your pocket!
| Income | NL Tax | BE Tax | Savings | 10-Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| €50,000 (standard) | €14,500 | €17,500 | NL saves €3,000 | €30,000 |
| €80,000 (standard) | €28,000 | €31,000 | NL saves €3,000 | €30,000 |
| €80,000 (NL 30% ruling) | €16,000 (30% tax-free!) | €31,000 | NL saves €15,000 | €75,000 (5 years) |
| €100,000 (standard) | €38,000 | €41,000 | NL saves €3,000 | €30,000 |
| €100,000 (BE with €10K benefits) | €38,000 | €41,000 - €10,000 benefit value | BE effective saves €7,000 | €70,000 |
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Hiring Internationally? Deel Handles Compliance →At €100,000 salary: 30% (€30,000) is tax-free, you're only taxed on €70,000. Tax drops from ~€38,000 to ~€22,000—saving €16,000/year. Over 5 years (the new duration), that's €80,000. To qualify, you must be recruited from abroad with specific skills and earn above €46,107 (2026, or €35,048 under 30 with master's degree).
Belgian employers commonly provide: company car (€500-800/month value), meal vouchers (€160/month), phone + laptop (€100/month), group insurance (pension contribution), hospitalization insurance. Total value often €8,000-15,000/year. These are taxed favorably, so effective value exceeds the gross salary equivalent.
Without 30% ruling: Similar (both ~€67,000 tax at €150,000). With 30% ruling: Netherlands saves €20,000+/year. For very high earners, Belgium's unlimited social security base is painful—you pay 13.07% on everything. Netherlands caps social contributions. Belgium wins if employer provides substantial fringe benefits.
Yes—Belgium has favorable tax treaties and often exempts or reduces tax on foreign pensions. Dutch retirees moving to Belgium can significantly reduce pension taxation. Netherlands taxes worldwide income including foreign pensions. This makes Belgium attractive for retirees from high-pension countries.
The ruling was reduced from 8 to 5 years in 2024 and capped at €233,000. The government has proposed further restrictions or phase-out by 2027 for new applicants. If you're considering it, apply soon—existing rulings are typically grandfathered. Check current status as rules change frequently.