Working in Brussels - Inside Information needed

[bfg]

I need a little help from you guys and gals that are or have recently been working in Belgium.

I have been given the standard agency stuff about how great it is and all the management company stuff about how tax works BUT I would like to ask those who have really experienced it from the contractor position.

What I really need to know is:

What the real cost of living there is likely to be - I would probably be looking to rent a small flat in Brussels and eating out a couple of evenings per week.

What is the REAL tax situation, I have two stories from different people. First is that I pay Belgian tax and that is it. Secondly that I pay Belgian tax from day one then at the end of the tax year this amount is deducted from my UK bill and I pay the difference. I will be coming back to the UK every weekend so I will NOT be non-resident for tax.

Is it as great to live there as they agent is making out or am I going to be bored out of my mind all week after a few months (like I am when away in the UK).

Can I use my UK limited for a period before I switch to a Belgian management company, or even for the whole gig. Is this complicated and/or expensive to set up.


Is there anything else you think I should know.

[tim123]

Going to work in Europe because of an advantageous tax situation and lifestyle is incompatable with coming back *every* weekend.

You either have to not come back that often, or find other reasons for it being worthwhile.

tim

[bfg]

Tax Advantage

Thanks for the info Tim, I am assuming from what you say that I will be paying Belgian tax and deducting that from my UK tax bill.

I'm not looking for a tax advantage, just need to know what the actual situation is so that I can ensure any rate negotiations reflect the real position rather than some 'best case scenario' painted by the agency.

I have no intention of becoming non resident for tax purposes, my family are too important to me so I WILL be coming home every chance I get, that will continue until we are in a position to move permanently to mainland Europe - as we have been wanting to do for a few years now.