International

In an increasingly globalized world, more and more self-employed people feel the need to work internationally. However, it is important to understand that there are complex tax implications when working as a self-employed person abroad. We take a brief look at income tax, VAT and social security.

The digitisation of the economy poses a number of challenges, including in the area of international taxation. Current international tax rules are based on older ways of doing business and are not suited to the modern global economy. To address these issues, the OECD/G20 launched the BEPS 2.0 initiative.

Nowadays, almost all tax services, from filing a tax return to receiving documents, are only available in digital form. However, it is not always easy for foreign taxpayers who do not have a Belgian identity card to access these websites. A brief guide to the different ways of logging in.

From 1 April 2024, the rules governing the validity of the BTP card for posted workers will change. According to the decree of 15 February 2024, the card of an employee posted to France by a foreign employer will be valid for 5 years.

Starting from January 1, 2022, a new favorable tax regime for expatriates was introduced, namely the 'Special Tax Regime for Incoming Taxpayers and Incoming Researchers' (BBIB/BBIO). As of the tax year 2024, the annual list of employed expatriates is replaced by an additional reporting obligation on the annual tax form.

As usual, the legal minimum wage will be adjusted according to the cost of living. From 1 January 2024, the absolute legal minimum wage in France will rise to EUR 11.65 gross per hour. This represents an increase of 1.13% compared to the amount applicable from May 2023.

A Royal Decree was published on 12 October 2023 establishing the scales and methods of application of the administrative fines imposed on taxpayers who fail to spontaneously declare their real estate. These penalty scales also apply to foreign real estate.

While any amount or benefit is considered a salary and is therefore subject to social security contributions, there are some exceptions that allow employees to be rewarded in a way that is advantageous from a social security and tax perspective.

To be legally allowed to carry out temporary projects in Luxembourg, there is a complex procedure with strict formalities. New legislation has also recently been introduced regarding the required documentation to be kept, which means that in 2024, registrations will be different than before.

From 1 January 2024, the federal tax deduction for capital repayments on mortgage loans for the construction, acquisition or conversion of a property located in the European Economic Area (EEA) will be abolished.

On January 1, 2022, a new favorable tax regime for expatriates was introduced. Foreign executives who did not qualify for a transition to the new system can still apply the old system. However, this transition period will come to an end very soon, starting from January 1, 2024.

Portugal has long been known as a tax haven for foreigners. This was due to the 'Non-Habitual Residence Regime' (NHR), under which certain foreign income was taxed at a low rate or even completely exempt for 10 years. The government has now announced the abolition of the regime from 2024.

On 1 July 2023, the framework agreement on cross-border telework signed by 18 European member states came into force. This historic agreement marks an important development in how telework is handled within social security frameworks.

After a long period of very low or even negative interest rates, central bankers are increasing benchmark interest rates. These increases also have a significant impact on intra-group financing agreements. We are referring to ordinary loans, intra-group cash pools, granted guarantees, supplier credits, and so on.

Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT) has launched a new open call for the allocation of start-up internationalisation packages. This one-off grant of €9,000 is aimed at start-up exporters who have never received financial support from FIT before. The application period for this call is from 2 October 2023 to 11 October 2023 (5pm).

At the end of July, the FPS Finance published the non-resident income tax-return form for natural persons relating to the 2023 assessment year (2022 income year). The return can be filed both in paper and electronic form. An overview of the most important questions.

Financial and large listed companies will be required to report on how they are meeting their ESG objectives. New intra-group services may be created, existing arrangements may need to be amended or restructuring may be required. Transfer pricing should not be overlooked in this process.

There are many stories and prejudices about doing business in France. But is there any truth in them? Or are they just a little exaggerated? Our Vandelanotte France experts Elise Vanhamme and Febe Louage break down 4 common stereotypes about France.

Do you have employees working abroad? Or are you planning to hire people outside of Belgium in the near future? If so, it is quite possible that their presence will give rise to a 'foreign permanent establishment'. But what exactly does that mean for your company? A brief overview.

More and more Belgians are purchasing a second residence abroad. What if, after some time, you want to make the holiday home your primary residence and move abroad permanently? We list some of the most important tax things to consider.

What happens if you are abroad for an extended period of time for work or holidays? Is there a possibility that the country of residence will consider you a resident? If so, would you have to pay taxes there too? Such questions may come into play if you find yourself in another country for an extended period of time.

If you plan a business trip abroad, you usually prepare yourself well. For example, never say no to a Chinese business partner, always use more words in Great Britain and make sure you are always on time for your German appointment.

In 2021, the OECD reached an agreement on international tax reform in a bid to combat profit shifting and profit erosion. One of the measures within this agreement aims at ensuring that major multinationals pay a minimum tax rate of 15% (pillar two). Within this framework, the European Union published a directive on 14 December 2022, which is to be implemented by 31 December 2023 at the latest by the various Member States. This directive follows the content and structure of the OECD regulations. At present, the draft legislation is still being awaited in Belgium.

Love knows no borders, with international relationships firmly entrenched in today's society. More than ever before, marriages are entered into across national frontiers. For those married in that situation, it is vital to ascertain what law applies to their matrimonial property regime. This is where private international law comes in.

To attract businesses and stimulate economic growth in certain areas, France has several tax and social exemptions. Are you planning to set up a company in France? If so, these exemptions may be of interest to you!

Looking to set up offices in France? If so, there are three different ways to go about it. Expert Matthieu Van Gucht from our Lille office lists them below.

Last weekend, we attended the Second Home fair in Ghent. Buying a second home abroad is still a hot topic among Belgians, with France remaining an especially popular destination. Having a French property can pay off in two ways. During the holding period, you can earn rental income. When it comes to selling, you can make a significant return on your investment. Here, we give you an overview of the tax implications and mandatory formalities, both in France as well as in Belgium.

It is well known that France’s labour laws offer unusually high levels of employee protection. However, the new labour market legislation (“La Loi sur le Marché du Travail”) may be a sign that things are changing. The changes apply to three areas in particular...

A draft law was recently approved that provides for further easing of the rules concerning homeworking for cross-border workers between Belgium and Luxembourg. With effect from 1st January 2022, cross-border workers will be able to work 10 days longer at home without fiscal consequences.

In Spain, collection and administration of wealth tax is the responsibility of the country’s various autonomous regions. Every region is free to decide whether or not to impose a wealth tax. Andalusia, for example, chose to do away with all forms of wealth taxation on 20 September 2022. All good things come to an end, however…