Leaving Belgium as an expat can be both an exciting and challenging endeavor. Proper planning and organization are crucial to ensure a smooth transition. Here are the detailed steps to consider before leaving Belgium for good:
Commune/REM Formalities
During your last week in Belgium deregister by surrendering your original residence card to your local town hall (French: Commune / Dutch: Gemeente) at the end of your employment in Belgium.
1. Visit the local town hall to deregister. An appointment could be required. Contact the town hall prior to your visit.
Please take your residence card with you. You will be asked to surrender your card and confirm your new address abroad. Please bring your family’s cards as well. If your family is not leaving Belgium at the same time, You or your spouse or partner can complete the deregistration on behalf of your family.
2. Town hall will issue a ‘Model 8’ confirmation form, and may charge an administrative fee.
3. Your employer makes sure that the Posted Worker Notification (Limosa) made on your behalf reflects your last day of employment in Belgium. Check with your HR if this has been done properly.
4. Notify the Regional Employment Ministry to confirm your last day of employment in Belgium.
5. This completes your departure formalities.
Dispose of Clothes/Garbage/Furniture/Utensils
During the last few days you may want to throw away unwanted stuff which is not upcycle/recyclable. Follow the following strategy
- Recycle used clothes in blue bins near your residence.
Some locations near evere –
https://maps.app.goo.gl/eESaorU4oz3DUr1a6
https://maps.app.goo.gl/jaJa4mJBoXZkzPty5
https://maps.app.goo.gl/djf9WskFRJiS6znt8
- Dispose your waste furniture/utensils/large or small wastes in “recyclepark” of your locality using a car. Go there with your residence card. To find a recyclepark , do a maps search “recycle park” – https://www.google.com/maps/search/recycle+park/@50.8299507,4.2576598,11.73z?entry=ttu
Deregister Utilities
- Inform your mutuale (healthcare) and deregister
- Inform your bank if you want to close the account : Decide whether to close your Belgian bank accounts or keep them open. Inform your bank about your move and update your contact details if you choose to keep the account open.
- Inform your electricity & internet providers and close the accounts
- Inform your water supplier and clear all dues
Financial Preparations
- Ensure you save all your payslips in a cloud storage
- Ensure to transfer all funds to your “new account” well in advance so that there is no last minute rush. We recommend using WISE to transfer large funds easily to the new country – Read this guide.
- Ensure you exhaust all your eco tickets/meal voucher before you leave the country
- File your tax returns before you leave for the current financial year (if possible)
Logistics and Moving
- Hire a moving company if you are shifting household items to new country.
- Shipping used goods : We dont recommend sending items via post, but in case you are motivated enough best is to use bpost and send the used stuff in a package. CAUTION – Ensure you correctly enter used stuff price for customs as you may be charged additional amount at receiving port.
- Book a taxi to drop you at airport.
Above guide is not exhaustive for any suggestions please mail us at namastebelgium@gmail.com or contact us via the contact form.
FAQ’s
- Should I surrender my belgian bank account : Yes, you should close your belgian accounts and retain a wise account instead.
- Do I have any tax liabilities to settle before returning back to india : Not immediately, you will receive a tax intimation letter during the usual cycle of belgian tax and you will either get a return amount or will have to pay tax back. If you have left for good typically you get some amount back later on which you need to declare during your indian tax assessment.
- What happens to my holiday pay if I resign and leave for good : All your holiday pay will be paid out by your company during full and final settlement.