Belgium — Property: Foreign Ownership

Why this matters

Foreign ownership of property can have significant implications for inheritance, taxation, and resale value, making it essential for relocating individuals to understand the regulations.

Key facts

• The purchase can only be made by an authentic deed from a notary, signed within four months of the sale agreement.
• If you are outside the EU, a Belgian consulate can execute the deed, but a draft notarial deed from a Belgian civil-law notary is always required; an authentic digital power of attorney can avoid travel.
• The Brussels reduced-rate allowance requires that the buyer does not already own property abroad.
• Buyers pay registration duty (12.5% in Brussels and Wallonia), regulated notary fees and deed costs.

Steps

1. Step 1: Obtain a residence permit (if required) — Non-EU citizens must apply for a residence permit before purchasing property in Belgium. The application process typically takes 2-4 weeks, but processing times may vary.
2. Step 2: Register the property — After purchasing the property, the seller and buyer must jointly register the property with the local authorities within a certain time frame (typically 1-2 months).