Working in Belgium?

[mikeyboy]

Apologies, the gig is actually in SHAPE, which is about 60km south of Brussels in Mons.

I've e-mailed ITEC and Pearl Systems asking for financial illustrations.

ace00 Unfortunately I think bitchiness and office politics are prerequisites for NATO contracts. As contractors we are an easy target for disgruntled military and civy staff.

Lone Gunman Thanks for the tips. I may feel the same after working there. But if I don't try I'll never know. I can always find something else at home again.

All feedback appreciated.

[ace00]

My comments applied to HQ. I believe it's better in Shape though I haven't worked there.

[mikeyboy]

Got my quote from ITECS.

They use some complicated means to ensure I legally avoid undue taxes. Including ensuring I can claim my full UK tax allowance for my tax code and pay the lower UK Nat Ins.
However, even with all this I am still taking home only 48% of what I earn.
This is breaking my heart, financially I am better off in the UK, even in a permie job! But this is a really good opportunity to work with a VERY big name in the IT business.

Atlantic Brolly are preparing a projection for me. They currently have a guy working in a similar role. Hopefully they can do better.

The most tax efficient method seems to be to take the contract then leave shortly before I hit the six month mark. That way I'm not liable for ANY tax.

[Turion]

48%, that sucks. Many UK contractors use their own ltds co's for years on end in Belgium - and get away with it. If your initial contract is for 6 months or less, why not do that anyway as you probably will not want to stay. If you are more adventurous you can just invoice the lot into off-shore account and live tax free. A lot of expats do that.

[AlfredJPruffock]

The rate sounds OK for Brussels, but do not know your skills.
You do not want to get involved in the Belgian tax system.
Find a decent Brolly. I used a company called pearl systems. I know one of them and trust him. They are not the cheapest, but I was impressed with the service.

NATO HQ is well out of town, but there is a decent bus service to the gate.
Brussels is a tiny city so you can live anywhere and still have a short commute. Plenty will tell you where not to live. A lot of the expats are around Schuman (as are the Irish bars).

I didnt like the place and you would have to pay me a lot to go back but there are plenty on here who like it.

Apparently Brussels has really went downhill over the past couple of years - last time I was there seemed more shabby and grubby then ever - and I hear the job market has taken a dive there too - apart from NATO ! No surprises there - watch they dont send you to a war zone though...

[mikeyboy]

I must apologise. The projection ITECS sent me was laid out in a confusing way and I mis-calculated. Take home is actually going to be 75% of earnings. That's with all due taxes paid. So happy days!

Mr. Alfred already been to all the war zones. Yawn

[AlfredJPruffock]

I must apologise. The projection ITECS sent me was laid out in a confusing way and I mis-calculated. Take home is actually going to be 75% of earnings. That's with all due taxes paid. So happy days!

Mr. Alfred already been to all the war zones. Yawn

Have you included their cut as well - you have to make sure you know ALL their costs - - and remember all worldwide income HAS to be declared and tax paid in Belgium - since you will be payrolled I assume as a Belgian employee.

There was a time when Belgium was a bit lax about tax - not any more - if you fall foul of the Belgian authorites -they will hammer you and your employer - caveat emptor, and good luck to you whatever you do.

[AlfredJPruffock]

48%, that sucks. Many UK contractors use their own ltds co's for years on end in Belgium - and get away with it. If your initial contract is for 6 months or less, why not do that anyway as you probably will not want to stay. If you are more adventurous you can just invoice the lot into off-shore account and live tax free. A lot of expats do that.

Because - due to changes in Belgain employment law as from last year - if you are caught evading Belgian Taxes your Agency/Employer gets whacked as well. So not so easy ...

[mikeyboy]

Of course, all these companies will assure me that they operate in a totally legal way to avoid rather than evade tax.

Have no fear, I will not proceed without checking and double checking using both this forum and professional advice to aid my decision.

[tim123]

The most tax efficient method seems to be to take the contract then leave shortly before I hit the six month mark. That way I'm not liable for ANY tax.

This is not true.

Anyone who has told you this is wrong.

tim