Expat Q&A: Useful online platforms for your administrative procedures

Settling in Belgium as an expat is an enriching and exciting experience, but it can also come with its share of administrative challenges. Fortunately, Belgium and the Brussels region offer several online platforms designed to simplify administrative processes, ensuring speed, security, and accessibility in multiple languages. The Expat Welcome Desk is here to guide you through the key platforms that will make your daily life easier!

1. MyMinfin

Website: MyMinfin

What? The MyMinfin platform is the Belgian tax administration portal. All Belgian residents, including expats, can use it to manage their tax obligations. On this site, you can:

• Declare your annual income.
• View your tax assessment notices and refunds.
• Manage your personal tax information.

2. INASTI/NISSE - L'Institut National d'Assurances Sociales pour Travailleurs Indépendants (National Institute for the Social Security of the Self-Employed)

Website: INASTI

What? INASTI is the platform for the self-employed in Belgium. It can be used for:

• Managing social security contributions for the self-employed.
• Registering self-employed workers and companies.
• Claiming social benefits for the self-employed, such as maternity leave or incapacity benefit.

3. MyPension

Website: MyPension

What? Workers can use the MyPension platform to consult and manage their statutory pension. On this platform, you can find:

• An overview of all your social security contributions.
• Information on and simulations of your future pensions.

Expats can find a clear overview of their pension entitlements in Belgium on MyPension. If you have worked in different EU countries, you can also obtain information about any periods you worked abroad and how they will impact your Belgian pension.

4. The Portal for Foreign Employees (ONSS/RSZ)

Website: ONSS/RSZ

What? The ONSS/RSZ (National Social Security Office) offers a range of online services for employers and employees, including:

• Registration of foreign employees.
• Payment of social security contributions.
• Information on the rights and obligations of foreign employees.

Why it's useful for expats: If you are working in Belgium as an expat, this portal provides information on your social security contribution and how to comply with Belgian legislation. The platform is also useful for employers who hire foreign employees.

5. Social security for employees

Website: Social Security

What? The Belgian Social Security website allows you to consult your rights and obligations in terms of social security, such as:

• Health insurance.
• Unemployment insurance.
• Compensation for incapacity for work.
• Statutory pensions and other benefits.

Expat employees can use this platform to check their social security entitlements, e.g., in the event of illness, disability or unemployment. The platform also provides detailed information on the coordination of social security systems within the European Union.

6. Irisbox:

Website: Irisbox

What? Irisbox is the official online platform of the Brussels-Capital Region. It gives Brussels residents quick and easy access to a wide range of administrative services. This platform is handy for procedures specific to the Brussels-Capital region. Some of the services available through Irisbox:

• Registration in a commune of the Brussels-Capital Region: Start the process of registration to officially become a resident of Brussels. Registration is compulsory for all new residents.
• Management of Brussels tax procedures: Consult and pay your regional taxes (road tax, property tax, etc.).
• Requests for administrative documents: Submit requests for documents such as your Brussels identity card, proof of residence, or an extract from the tax assessment roll.
• Planning procedures: If you are a homeowner or tenant, you can manage your planning applications, such as building or renovation permits, on this platform.
• Access to social services: If you need social services, you can consult a list of services available in the Brussels-Capital Region

7. MyTax

Website: MyTax

What? The Brussels Taxation platform is for all residents of the Brussels-Capital Region. You can use it to:

• Consult your regional taxes (property tax, road tax, etc.)
• File your tax returns in Brussels.
• Manage your local taxes (property tax, income tax, etc.).

8. Urban.brussels

Website: Urban.brussels

What? Urban.brussels is the dedicated platform for urban and regional planning in the Brussels-Capital Region. It offers online services for all real estate and town planning procedures:

• Applications for building or renovation permits.
• Information on residential and commercial zones.
• Declarations of change of address or ownership.

The Expat Welcome Desk is a free service that advises internationals on the practicalities of daily life in the Belgian capital, from accommodation and residence permits to employment rights and taxation, among a number of topics.