How to send money to Belgium in 2026: euros in seconds from the euro area and in 1-3 business days from other countries, for a flat and to family

In 2026 money goes to Belgium in euros to a 16-character Belgian account, instantly from the euro area. The duty on a flat differs sixfold between regions, from 2% to 12.5%, and a 10% deposit goes to the notary's account. A gift to children is registered at 3%, and from 2026 gains on securities are taxed at 10%.

In 2026 money goes to Belgium in euros to a Belgian account with a 16-character number: from euro area countries an instant transfer arrives in seconds, from other countries in 1-3 business days. A flat is paid for through the notary's account, and the duty depends on the region: for an only home 2% in Flanders and 3% in Wallonia, and in Brussels 12.5% with a $230,000 (€200,000) allowance. A cash gift to family is taxed at 3% on registration, and from 2026 gains on the sale of securities are taxed at 10% with a $12,000 (€10,000) allowance a year.

What works in 2026 (dollars at the European Central Bank rate of 1.1177 per euro on 7 October, rounded up):

• an instant euro transfer from the euro area: in seconds, around the clock, with a check of the recipient's name;
• a regular euro transfer from Europe: up to 1 business day to the 16-character number;
• an international transfer from a country outside Europe: 1-3 business days, in euros or dollars, with a payment purpose;
• a deposit for a home: 10% of the price to the notary's account after the preliminary contract;
• a gift to family: a transfer to an account; on registration the tax is 3%, in Wallonia 3.3%.

The shortest account number in the euro area and the right to a basic account

A Belgian account number has 16 characters: the country code, two check digits and twelve digits, three of which identify the bank. There is no shorter number in the euro area, and it is easy to dictate to a landlord or a notary. Belgian banks receive and send instant euro transfers around the clock, and before the payment the sender's bank checks the recipient's name against the account.

Under the Code of Economic Law, everyone legally living in the EU has the right to a basic banking service: an account with a card, transfers and salary crediting. For the full range of services the bank will ask for a residence permit and a national register number, assigned when you register at the commune where you live. Before registration an account is opened with a passport and proof of address, and we will choose a transfer route for your amount and prepare the documents for the Belgian bank.

We will suggest the best way to send money to Belgium before the move and after registering at the commune: which currency to send in and what to write in the payment purpose.

Renting in Belgium: the deposit in a separate tenant account

The first large payment after a move is the rent deposit. In Belgium it is not handed to the landlord: the money is placed in a separate bank account in the tenant's name, it can be withdrawn only with the consent of both parties, and the landlord gets a right to this money if they find damage after the tenant leaves. In Brussels and Wallonia a deposit in such an account is no more than two months' rent without utilities. The account is opened at a Belgian bank, so the deposit money is conveniently sent in advance and straight in euros.

Interest on this account goes to the tenant, and after the lease ends the bank returns the deposit on a joint letter from the parties or a court decision. Deposits at a Belgian bank are insured up to $120,000 (€100,000) per client, and the rent deposit is included in this amount.

A flat in Belgium: a deposit to the notary and your region's duty

Buying a home in Belgium goes through a notary. After signing the preliminary contract the buyer transfers a deposit, usually 10% of the price, to a special notary account, and the main deed is signed within four months. By that day the balance of the price and the registration duty arrive in the notary's account; the notary checks the source of the money and accepts it only by transfer from an account.

The duty rate depends on the region. In Flanders a person pays 2% for an only home, from 2026 on condition of living in it for at least a year; in other cases 12%. In Wallonia it is 3% for an only home, otherwise 12.5%. In Brussels the rate is 12.5%, but the first $230,000 (€200,000) of the price is not taxed if the home is the only one and costs up to $680,000 (€600,000).

For a flat at $340,000 (€300,000) this is $6,800 (€6,000) in Flanders, $11,000 (€9,000) in Wallonia and $14,000 (€12,500) in Brussels, and the deposit will be $34,000 (€30,000). A manager will tell you when to send the deposit and which statements to attach so the notary accepts the money without delay.

Money to family in Belgium: a gift registered at 3%

In Belgium a cash gift can be registered with a fixed tax paid: 3% to children, parents and a spouse in Flanders and Brussels, 3.3% in Wallonia, and 7% and 5.5% to other people. The rate is set by the region where the giver lived longest over the last five years. A gift of $56,000 (€50,000) to a son in Flanders costs $1,700 (€1,500) in tax.

A transfer without registration is not taxed at the moment of the transfer. If the giver lives in Belgium and dies within five years, the amount becomes part of the estate, so large help to children in Belgium is more often registered. Money from parents living abroad is credited by a Belgian bank with a deed of gift and a statement on the source of funds.

A 10% capital gains tax from 2026

From 1 January 2026 Belgium taxes gains on the sale of shares, bonds, funds and other financial assets at 10%. Each person gets an allowance of $12,000 (€10,000) of gains a year, and growth built up before 2026 is not taxed: the law was published on 21 April 2026, and banks have withheld the tax since 1 June 2026. Interest and dividends are taxed at 30%, and moving your own savings is not taxed.

A Belgian tax resident is someone whose home or centre of economic interests is here, and an entry in the population register is the main sign. For securities bought before 2026 the gain is calculated from their value on 31 December 2025. More on the rates on the taxes in Belgium page.

Documents for a Belgian bank: three amount levels

1. Up to $10,000. The bank looks at the payment purpose: rent, study, help for family. A contract or a letter from the recipient is enough.
2. From $10,000 to $100,000. The bank asks for a 6-month statement and a document on the source: a sale contract, an income certificate, a dividend resolution.
3. Over $100,000. A full package on the source of the money over several years is needed, plus the contract the transfer is for, for example the preliminary contract to buy a flat.

The package is put together so that it suits the sender's bank, the Belgian bank and the notary; the procedure is in the article on proof of source of funds. A large transfer to Belgium is easier to handle as a step-by-step capital move from the capital relocation page: tell a manager about your amount, and they will draw up a plan.

From Brussels to the Netherlands, Luxembourg and France

A Belgian account is convenient for life where three countries meet: euros go to the Netherlands, Luxembourg and France by instant transfer, just as to Germany. For the United Kingdom and Switzerland the bank exchanges euros into pounds or francs at its own rate. The rules for large sums in the sending country are in the article on sending a large sum abroad.

Sending money to neighbouring countries

• How to send money to France
• How to send money to Germany
• How to send money to the United Kingdom
• How to send money to Luxembourg
• How to send money to Spain
• How to send money to the Netherlands

Other countries and moving all your capital are in the capital relocation section.

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