🧾 Topic
Self-employed & VAT in Belgium
Invoicing correctly is the foundation of a healthy self-employed activity. Here are the free tools to produce compliant documents and understand your VAT obligations in Belgium.
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Invoice generator
Create a VAT-compliant Belgian invoice and download it as a PDF.
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VAT calculator
Add or remove Belgian VAT (21, 12, 6%) : excl. ↔ incl. conversion.
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Self-employed social contributions
Estimate your quarterly and yearly NISSE contributions from your income.
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PLCI: my maximum premium
Belgian self-employed pension savings : the tax-optimal premium to pay.
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Day rate → net income (freelance)
Convert your daily rate into real net income, after contributions and tax.
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Quote generator
Create a professional quote and download it as a PDF, in 2 minutes.
Compliant invoicing, from your first client
A Belgian invoice is only valid for VAT purposes if it carries a set of mandatory mentions (VAT Code, royal decree no. 1): the word "invoice", a continuous sequential number, the date, the identity and VAT number of both parties, the description, the VAT breakdown per rate, and the total. An error or omission can lead to rejection or a fine.
Applying VAT correctly
Depending on your situation, you apply the standard rate (21%) or a reduced rate (12%, 6%, 0%), or you invoice without VAT under a special regime: the small business exemption (art. 56bis), reverse charge (co-contractor), intra-Community supplies or exports. Each case requires a precise legal mention.
Numbering and retention
Invoice numbering must be continuous and gapless, and invoices are generally kept for 7 years. Online tools or invoicing software help you avoid omissions and automate VAT.
Frequently asked questions
What are the mandatory mentions on a Belgian invoice?
The word "invoice", a unique sequential number, the date, your details and VAT number, those of the client, the description, the taxable base per rate, the VAT rate and amount, and the total. The invoice generator adds them automatically, with the legal mention required by your regime.
What are the VAT rates in Belgium?
Four rates: 21% (standard), 12% (special cases), 6% (essential goods, certain works) and 0% (exempt transactions). You apply the corresponding rate to each invoice line.
Can I invoice without VAT?
Yes, under certain regimes: the small business exemption (art. 56bis), reverse charge, intra-Community supplies or exports. A specific legal mention is then mandatory.
How long must I keep my invoices?
As a rule 7 years (10 years for anything concerning immovable property).
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