Emigrating to Spain after retirement? It sounds like a great idea. Sun, beaches, siestas – what more could you want? But before you pack those bags, let’s take a look at what happens to your Belgian pension under the Spanish sun.

First, the good news: if you move to Spain with your Belgian pension, you can continue to receive a pension in Spain. So you don’t have to worry about losing income. But, here comes the catch: the Spanish tax authorities are eager to claim part of that pension. So how does that work?

Tax in Belgium vs Spain

It’s good to know that your Belgian pension follows you to Spain, but so do the tax authorities! However, Belgian pension in Spain is less taxed. If you have always worked in the private sector, the Belgian government will pay out your pension, without any tax deduction. But don’t forget that you have to file Spanish tax returns every year, before 30 June.

The tax story gets a bit more complicated if you have ever worked in the public sector. You pay your taxes first in Belgium. Then, before 30 June each year, you also declare your income in your tax return in Spain. The Spanish tax authorities make their calculation and what you have already paid in Belgium is deducted.

The amount of tax you have to pay in Spain depends on several factors, such as your family situation and where you live in Spain. In general, income tax rates range from 19 to 47%.

Apply for a pension and report emigration

Go through the process of reporting your emigration to the Federal Pension Office. You can do this through Mypension or by sending a letter to the Federal Pension Service at Zuidertoren Europaplein 11060 Brussels. Do this at least two months before you leave.

Have you always worked in Belgium and are not yet retired? Even after you have moved to Spain, you must apply for your pension in Belgium as soon as you reach the retirement age that applies in Spain.

What happens if you have worked in Spain and have not yet retired? In that case, you have to apply for your pension in Spain. The Spanish Pension Service will then contact the Belgian Pension Service for the part you worked in Belgium.

Finally, don’t forget to inform your pension service of your move to Spain. Otherwise, your pension risks disappearing into the sunset! For more information on the procedure, you can take a look at the Pension Service’s website.

Conclusion

In summary, yes, you can receive your Belgian pension in Spain, but you need to arrange some tax matters. The good news is that you do not have to pay tax twice, but the amount of tax you owe may vary. Don’t forget to report your move to the Pension Office on time so that your pension continues to follow you wherever you go in sunny Spain. What are you waiting for? Pack those suitcases and enjoy your Spanish adventure!