So, you have decided you are moving to Belgium? Whatever your reasons, whether for work, love, family, or just adventure, there are many things you will need to do before you leave and when you arrive in Belgium. Moving to a foreign country, even a country that is part of the European union, may be a lot more complicated than you think. Many of these things may apply to those moving to other countries as well, such as if you are moving to Holland.

Some countries require you to apply for something called a certification of registration, while others may require a Visa, such as a working Visa. You should look up this kind of information on official government sites for the country you plan to move to. Never just assume that you can enter a country without certain paperwork. There will always be paperwork of some kind to take care of both beforehand and when you arrive.

Think about your car. Do you want to bring one with you or buy one when you arrive? How does this work where you are moving to? Look up this information. What about schools? Do you have children that will need to be put in schools? Will you be hoping to attend university?

What about flats, electricity, and gas? How are these handled in Belgium? Will you need to get these arranged before you leave or after you arrive? Do you have a place to live if you don't have a flat or house yet?

If you are moving to Belgium (or moving to another European country such as moving to Holland), you may assume that life there will not be that hard to figure out since it's Europe, and thus not as hard to get used to as say life in China or South America might be, but you should remember that any foreign country poses challenges and difficulties that you might not have thought of before hand. Try to do as much research before hand as you can.

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The Article is written by www.europeremove.com providing Moving To Switzerland and Moving To Belgium Services.Visit http://www.europeremove.com for more information on www.europeremove.com Products & Services. Visit www.europeremove.com for more services!

When you are planning a vacation to Belgium it is best to cover all bases before you get there. This includes planning out which sites and events you would like to experience while you are there. Belgium is the perfect destination for travel because it offers a little something for everyone including the most amazing sights, shopping, and of course the delicious Belgian chocolates that we all know and love.





It is hard to find a woman who doesn’t love to shop, and in Belgium there are plenty of places to get your retail fix. Brussels, Belgium offers everything from the classy designer stores on avenue Louise to the different funky fashion boutiques that are on rue Antoine Dansaert.





Visiting Belgium always includes tasting the different authentic cuisines that are offered. Brussels is home to one of the best restaurants in all of Europe. You can also enjoy a host of other bistros, authentic restaurants, and cafes which have catering for all tastes.





If you are into the night life or just a great beer, you have to visit some of the breweries in Belgium. This country is known for their Belgian beer and has been famous for its breweries since the middle ages when monasteries first began making beer. In total there are more than one hundred and twenty five breweries in this country.





Of course you can’t leave Belgium without tasting their world famous Belgian chocolate. When you hear Belgium that is likely the first thing that comes to your mind and it is hard to find someone who doesn’t enjoy chocolate. Just about every single café and shop offers some type of Belgian chocolates.





After touring the country and tasting the different types of cuisine you will need a place to rest your head. The perfect place to stay while in Belgium is a quaint bed and breakfast which offers a room to sleep and breakfast in the morning when you awaken. They will not only save you time in the morning when you are looking for something to eat, they are also very well priced so you can save your money for the many attractions.

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Written by Justin Anderson. Find the latest information on Bed and Breakfast Hotels in Belgium and Netherlands as well as Bed and Breakfast.

Expatriates and Belgian citizens alike suffer from one of the highest taxation rates in the EU. In November 2009, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development confirmed once again that Belgium has one of the highest tax burdens in Europe. It amounts to – including social security – 57.3% for a single earner. This compares to an average 44.5% in Europe. An expatriate working in Belgium will typically be liable to Belgian income tax. Additionally, property tax, gift and inheritance tax may be relevant. In most circumstances there are no capital gains taxes or wealth tax for individuals in Belgium, thus pushing the burden firmly onto the employee.

Residents of Belgium pay personal income tax on their total income from all worldwide sources on a sliding scale. The basic exemption for fiscal year 2012 (revenue of 2011) is 6,570 EUR regardless of marital status with further exemptions for dependent children and a spouse. For 2011, marginal income tax starts at 25%, rises to 30% over EUR 8,070, 40% over EUR 11,480, 45% over 19,130 EUR with a top limit of 50% for incomes above EUR 35,060.

Residents also pay communal and regional taxes at rates between 0% and 8.5% of the total income tax payable. The most common rate is 6%.

Income tax is paid on the taxable base which is determined from salary less compulsory social security contributions (paid either in Belgium or abroad). Professional expenses can be deducted either directly with supporting documentation or more usually on a lump sum basis depending on salary. The 2010 rate for this standard professional deduction is a maximum EUR 3,670.

The Belgian tax year for personal income tax begins on 1 January and ends 31 December. You will typically receive a tax return (declaration/aangifte) during May relating to the previous year's income. This must normally be returned by the end of June (you will find the exact date on your tax return). If you don't receive a return, request one from the Ministry of Finance before 1 June or risk a penalty!

Employers are responsible for withholding tax on a monthly basis – this is known as the Précompte Professionnel/Bedrijfsvoorheffing. Similarly the self-employed or paid company directors have to pay tax monthly in advance via a collecting agency or bank. This is a requirement rather than an option but also has the benefit of avoiding a big annual tax shock.

Other taxes
Home owners pay a local property tax (précompte immobilier/onroerende voorheffing) which is calculated on the deemed rental value attributed by the authorities to the property (revenue cadastral/kadastral inkomen). The tax paid varies according to the commune and generally lies between 20% and 50% of the revenue cadastral.

The tax paid varies according to the commune and generally lies between 20 and 50 percent of the revenue cadastral.

Special expatriate status
Expatriates who satisfy specific conditions come under a special taxation regime and pay Belgian tax only on income connected with professional duties carried out in Belgium. A foreign executive assigned temporarily to Belgium may so qualify but the conditions are tough. Employment must be by an international group or in a scientific research centre, and must be temporary. Also, the expatriate's centre of personal and economic interest must not be Belgium.

In determining the latter, the authorities take the following into account: the ownership of real estate, personal property or securities abroad; a life assurance contract written abroad; the inclusion of a diplomatic clause in the Belgian rental agreement for accommodation; continued affiliation to a group pension scheme abroad; renewal of credit cards issued by banks abroad; continued affiliation to a social security scheme abroad; continuing to act as an officer of a foreign company.

If you qualify to the above, there are specific benefits and deductions available which vary depending on income, personal circumstances and your home country. Professional advice is recommended.


VAT
Most goods and services are taxed at 21% with a lower rate of 6% applying to necessities such as food and transport, and for the time being to certain home renovations though this is under close scrutiny.

Contact
Ministère des Finances/Ministerie van Financien
Central Administration of Direct Contributions
CAE Tour des Finances - Boîte 32
Boulevard du Jardin Botanique 50
1000 Brussels
02 210 2211

www.minfin.fgov.be
Information office (from anywhere in Belgium): 0257/257 57
Available during office hours from 8am to 5 pm

Local Tax Offices
Communal and regional taxes depend upon which commune you live in. For Brussels it is 7% and for both Antwerp and Liège it is 8%. To find your local tax office, please check your annual income tax return or go to annuaire.fiscus.fgov.be for more information.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/taxes-articles/taxation-in-belgium-5218006.html

With bordering countries like the Netherlands, Germany, France and Luxembourg, it's not surprising that Belgium is a country with a rich and inspiring history as well as being a melting pot of languages, traditions and culture. Belgium is perhaps best know for three iconic things – cuisine, Nato and fine art. These attractions make Belgium an interesting place to visit at any time of year with something for all the family to enjoy.

Foodies the world over hold Belgium in his regard. Home to many a Michelin Star restaurants, Belgium is also the birthplace of french fries, the waffle and, of course, has strong links with chocolate. Zeebrugge – one of the countries Gothic cities – even boasts a chocolate museum where visitors can try their hand at making some of regions famous pralines and truffles.

Regarded for its cuisine, Belgium also plays an important role in the political, financial and economic well-being of Europe and the wider world with the European Union and NATO both based in Brussels. An early participant in Europe's industrial revolution means Belgium has a strong business basis and also plays host to financial giants such as Fortis insurance amongst others.

If chocolate or politics isn't your thing, Belgium also boasts the lure of fine art for those with a creative eye or a penchant for galleries and museums. The Flemish Renaissance and Baroque painting means Belgium is not only a milestone in the evolution of modern painting but also home to some wonderful works by painters such as Hans Eworth and Bernard van Orley. Take a wander around Belgium's many cities and you may also be interested by the flourishes of Art Nouveau with Belgian architects instigators of the movement.

Are you a fan of cuisine, culture, art or politics? Belgium offers these interests every day of the year so don't think twice and book your trip today!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/belgium-a-great-holiday-destination-at-any-time-of-year-2354586.html

Harvey is passionate about travel and Europe.

Belgium is a low-lying country on the North Sea coast in the Benelux. With the majority of West European capitals within 1,000 km of the Belgian capital of Brussels, and as a member of the long-standing international Benelux community, Belgium sits at the crossroads of Western Europe. Its immediate neighbors are France to the southwest, Luxembourg to the southeast, Germany to the east and the Netherlands to the north.

Belgium is a densely populated country trying to balance the conflicting demands of urbanization, transportation, industry, commercial and intensive agriculture. It imports large quantities of raw materials and exports a large volume of manufactured goods, mostly to the EU.

Belgium became independent from the Netherlands in 1830. It was occupied by Germany during World Wars I and II and has many war graves near the battle zones, most of them are around Ieper (in English archaically rendered as Ypres, with Yperite another name for mustard gas due to intensive use there in WWI). It has prospered in the past half century as a modern, technologically advanced European state and member of NATO and the EU. Tensions between the Dutch-speaking Flemings of the north and the French-speaking Walloons of the south have led in recent years to constitutional amendments granting these regions formal recognition and autonomy.

The Belgian attitude towards life is one of humility, and being proud of what's given to you. A real Belgian patriot is very hard to find. The different duchies and counties making up the "Southern Low Countries" were first united in the 15th century, only to be separated in the 16th century from the "Northern Low Countries" (today Netherlands) after decades of war. Afterwards the territory we today call "Belgium" was part of the Spanish (1501-1713) Austrian (1713-1790) and French (1790-1815) Empires. It was briefly re-united with the Netherlands in 1815 but broke away again in 1830 to become the Kingdom of Belgium. Every one of these rulers have left their mark in palaces, castles, forts and cities which form the rich historic tapestry that is Belgium today.

For more information follow the link - Belgium Travel Guide

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Strolling into an orange horizon along the River Scheldt, or just guzzling on refreshingly cold Belgian beer, Belgium is a medley that appeals to every traveller, alone or in a group, an art aficionado or a diamond merchant.

It is believed that a smart traveller always befriends locals first. So here's what the country might look like to a local. The four C's that you are guaranteed here are an old world charm, ornate cathedrals, soaring castles and chocolates. Of course, you'll also find the charisma of the world's oldest diamond industry that dates back to the 15th Century. These and more provide enough reason to book a self catering holiday rental (http://www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/) in picturesque Belgium, and soak up the fervour as the locals do.

If fashion is your culture, and culture is your fashion, then you might already know of the gems that are woven into the Belgian territories. While Belgian lace might top the list in popularity, The Museum of Tapestry and Textile Arts is not far behind.

Interestingly, apart from witnessing some of the finest tapestry exhibits, this museum in Tournai also houses tapestry weavers, where you can see great hands and great brains at work at the Textile Art Research Centre. If exploring the realms of relics gives you an adrenaline rush, you will probably be on a constant high during your holiday in Belgium.

If this were not enough to satiate your thirst for variety, you could always witness the fashion finesse displayed by Antwerp's world renowned diamond cutters. It's no surprise that this city is home to the largest Diamond Museum in the world, where an ‘image and sound' tour enhances your experience of this exquisite gem stone.

Not far from this glittering experience are the Zoological Gardens. Home to almost 5,000 animals, it boasts of being the third largest zoological garden in Europe in terms of species.

This is just a peek into the grandeur and vivacity that awaits you in Belgium, a land that prides itself in producing a staggering 800 varieties of beer.

Travelling in Belgium can be a story in itself. It is believed that the Belgian motorway system is the only man-made structure visible from the moon at night due to the lights all along the network. During your stay, the trams will prove to be an economical mode of transport.

It may help to keep in mind that Belgium has 3 official languages, namely French, Dutch and English.

Belgium is best explored from a private holiday home from a website such as holiday-rentals.co.uk. With plenty of space and privacy, you can relax with your own kitchen and living room while striking out to explore your surroundings feeling fresh every morning.

If you are contemplating the best time to visit Belgium, do not waste time, for any time is good in Belgium. From exhibitions to beer festivals to carnivals to jazz concerts, every month is bustling with activity in this quaint little country.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/the-best-of-belgium-609927.html

Belgium has a lot more going for it than some of the dreary descriptions and jokes about it would suggest. It is a low lying country, situated between France and Holland with a coastline facing England


across the North Sea.


A welcoming country to visit


One of the reasons for its boring, unpopular image probably stems from its capital, Brussels being a dreary collection of administrative offices and its associations with E.U. bureaucracy. Another reason is Belgium’s identity crisis. It is Flemish-speaking in the north and French-speaking in the south and there has always been a considerable clash of cultures between the two, both competing for a definition of what is the real Belgium. However, if one delves beneath the surface of this uninspiring portrayal of Belgium, it soon becomes apparent that the country has much to offer.

For a start, it is actually packed full of absorbing history; from both before and after its separation from the Netherlands in 1830. Beautiful historical buildings and architecture abounds in nearly every city. Ghent provides a fascinating example of a medieval port and has the most number of historical buildings to see. Bruges however, is the most attractive from a scenic point of view. It is a beautifully preserved 14th century Flemish town whose narrow cobble-streets, canals and gabled houses demand at least a day’s visit and preferably a longer stay there.For a lively city with plenty to do, head for Antwerp which as well as being Europe’s diamond capital and a hotbed of modern fashion, still manages to reveal its impressive past through places like the house where Rubens lived and worked for thirty years.


Although much of Belgium’s countryside is flat and lacking in scenic appeal, the Ardennes region is mountainous and offers a beautiful wooded landscape of wild crags and ravines where one of the most famous battles of World War 2 was fought.


Belgium’s people are generally some of the most welcoming you will find anywhere. They are noted for their love of good food in large helpings. The word Gourmands (meaning big cuisine) rather than Gourmets (meaning fine cuisine) describes the typical Belgium very well. Another cliché often used to describe Belgium cuisine is; French food in German sized helpings. It is very apt!


When to visit


The warmest time of the year is April through to September but Belgium weather is inclined to provide days of grey skies and rain at any time.


A popular tourist attraction takes place at the beginning of July. This is the Ommegang Pageant, a spectacular medieval festival dating back to 1359. The colorful procession through the streets of Brussels is followed by a flag and horse parade. Next, crossbow men surround a statue of the Virgin that the procession has escorted from the Sablon Church. Finally everyone settles down to enjoy an incredible fiesta of games and entertainment.


Getting to Belgium


The UK has several discount airlines operating flights from many of its airports to Brussels, Antwerp and other cities. Visitors from other European countries will usually travel by train or road. U.S. and Canadian tourists will probably need to consider flights to France or the UK rather than finding a direct flight.


More travel tips about Belgium


For more travel tips, information and articles about Belgium as a holiday destination, take a look at the best-travel-tip.com website

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Stewart is very passionate about travel. He is a travel article writer and runs a travel-tip website, which aims to provide travel tips and information about holiday vacation destinations worldwide.

He travels a great deal and derives enormous pleasure from visiting as many of the world’s favourite travel destinations as possible.