When you emigrate, Belgium taxes the latent capital gains on your shareholdings, even if you have not sold the shares yet. The value on the day you leave is compared with the acquisition value, and tax is calculated on the difference. If you don't plan in time, you pay more than you need to.
The timing of the move, the composition of your assets, the reserves in your company and the order of steps before you leave together determine how much you actually pay. In some cases a phased approach can lower the exit tax by tens of thousands of euros, fully within the legal framework.
Then a new tax story begins. In Spain, the regional wealth tax, the Belgium-Spain double tax treaty and the correct closing of your Belgian tax position all play a role. In Dubai the tax system is structured differently, but the Belgian Cayman tax needs attention if you hold a company.
Planning to emigrate and want to know the tax impact before you take the step? Our team guides the full process, from preparation in Belgium to registration in your new country.
