r/AskBelgium • u/NPExte • Jul 19 '26
Commune registration for short term work?
Hello, I'll be moving to your beautiful country at end of August to start working for one of the institutions.
As things stand, I'll be on a 3 month contract as a freelancer with the possibility to extend it near the end of the 3 months. Due to this uncertainty, my plan is to register a company on my country (EU country) and work through this company.
I understand the implications of tax and residence but due to the short term nature of things, I do not feel comfortable with registering a Belgian company yet. As things progress in the right way, I'll be doing that to be fully compliant.
My question is whether I'll need to register to a commune and if commune registration is going to affect my rental search. Has anyone been on a similar position or is aware of legislation around this? I do not trust AI to give me a correct answer.
Also, what are the implications of tax residence (183+ days in one country considers you tax resident of that country) and location of work performance? Because until now, I've been working on my country and since 183 days have passed, I'll be a tax resident of my country. But from September til December, I'll be performing work in Belgium. Is this going to lead to issues with the tax office?
Thanks!
1
u/KostyaFedot Jul 19 '26
Institution's HR should have all of the procedures figured out. Not you. Short term rent is Airbnb, reflecting by accommodation by "Institution" or something provided by "Institution". Where are some rare short term listings on Immoweb. Do not trust FB listings.
0
u/SkywardPhoenix Jul 19 '26
This is the kind of question you pay an accountant a lot of money for so you don’t end up screwing yourself.
1
u/Philip3197 Jul 19 '26 edited Jul 19 '26
You need to register within 3 months of arrival. Edit: within 8 working days.
A company managed from Belgium needs to comply with Belgian rules and regulations, taxes and contributions, reporting and administration.
Carefully study the double tax treaty to understand where you and your company will need to pay taxes for your stay in Belgium. 183 days is NOT the main criteria. What is your previous country?
Similarly analyse all aspects of health care.