LONDON 01:10 AMSTERDAM 00:45

ALL ROADS LEAD TO GERMANY Located at the heart of Europe, Brussels is one of the most acces- THE NETHERLANDS sible capitals on the European continent. Thanks to its dense and outstanding transportation infrastructure, offers fast con- ZEEBRUGGE nections to locations all over Europe by air, sea or land. Travelling

ANTWERP to major commercial and industrial centers, including London, Pa- ris, Amsterdam and Frankfurt, takes less than two hours. CENTRAL LOCATION WITH PRIME INFRASTRUCTURE FRANKFURT GHENT 00:55 The seaports of Antwerp, Zeebrugge, Ghent and Ostend are the perfect ocean-going gateways for the fast handling of goods to and CENTRAL BRUSSELS from anywhere in the world. The inland ports of Liège and Brus- sels are well connected via a dense network of navigable waterways. LIÈGE Liège is the third largest inland port in Europe and has direct links to Antwerp and Rotterdam via its canals.

CHARLEROI LOCATION Brussels is included in Europe’s high-speed train network and of- FRANCE fers connections to 19 major cities, including Paris, London, Am- PARIS sterdam, Lille and Cologne. The Eurostar railway service through 00:55

INVEST IN BELGIUM the Channel Tunnel, for instance, enables smooth contacts bet- WITH PRIME ween London and Brussels. Home is never far away with frequent direct flights from Brussels LUXEMBOURG to all European capitals and second-tier cities. is located 12 km (8 miles) north-east of Brussels’ city center and INFRASTRUCTURE the European Quarter, and is easily accessible via a direct train connection.

Frequent flights are also offered by several operators at Antwerp Airport. Brussels South Charleroi Airport has daily connections to LONDON PARIS AMSTERDAM FRANKFURT all over Europe and beyond and is easily accessible from anywhere 02:00 01:22 01:50 03:09 in Belgium. Liège Airport fo- cusses mainly on air freight. It is the 8th bussiest cargo airport in Europe.

02 03 CENTRAL LOCATION WITH PRIME INFRASTRUCTURE 05 Brussels is often dubbed is often dubbed Brussels of standards the capital standards setting for Europe, safeguards and establishing market for the single, biggest in the world. INTERNATIONAL DECISION CENTER DECISION CENTER INTERNATIONAL Belgium is home to a unique concentration of decision-makers who of decision-makers concentration unique to a home is Belgium Brussels of millions of people worldwide. of hundreds shape the lives - professio NATO, hosts the most important institutions, European corporate headquarters society and civil organizations. nal federations, regions 200 some of offices representative missions, diplomatic 181 20,000 lobbyists organizations, 1,750 non-governmental and cities, jour- 1,200 accredited with some corps, and the world´s press largest all based in Brussels.nalists are © Brussels Airlines © Belgaimage Geneva Aviv Tel New York Dubai Washington Montreal Shanghai Shenzhen Bejing Tokyo Kong Hong Toronto Abu Dhabi Doha Paris Amsterdam London Cologne 9 5 7 5 3 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 19 16 (THALYS-EUROSTAR) Frequency (daily average 2018) (daily average Frequency 2018) (daily average Frequency DIRECT FLIGHTS DEPARTING DESTINATIONS WORLDWIDE DESTINATIONS DEPARTING FROM BRUSSELS DEPARTING DIRECT TRAIN CONNECTIONS FROM BRUSSELS TO IMPORTANT FROM BRUSSELS TO IMPORTANT 04 Madrid Lisbon London Rome Vienna Copenhagen Stockholm Amsterdam Dublin Warsaw Berlin Athens Budapest Paris Prague La Valetta Zagreb Bucharest Helsinki Ljubljana Riga Tallinn Larnaca Sofia 9 8 8 7 7 6 6 5 5 5 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 MEMBER STATES FROM BRUSSELS TO EU FROM BRUSSELS Frequency (daily average 2018) (daily average Frequency

DIRECT FLIGHTS DEPARTING DIRECT FLIGHTS INVEST IN BELGIUM IN INVEST DIGITAL BELGIUM

Belgium offers a fast, secure and reliable IT infrastructure providing the ideal CONNECTIVITY (DESI 2017) backbone for the operations of any company. Broadband fiber optic internet and secure servers are widely available, providing secure cloud solutions and collabo- Belgium is a strong performer in fixed connectivity. rative computing. In the European Commission’s 2017 Digital Economy and So- Fast broadband is available almost everywhere and ciety Index (DESI), Belgium ranks third in terms of connectivity. With 99% of 81% of all subscriptions are at least 30Mbps. The households covered, Belgium ranks second in the EU when it comes to broadband connectivity dimension measures the deployment of coverage. Overall, Belgium is one of the top six countries in the 2017 Digital Eco- broadband infrastructure and its quality. Access to nomy and Society Index, well above the EU average. fast broadband-enabled services is a necessary con- dition for competitiveness. Moreover, the federal government’s ‘Digital Belgium’ policy aims to stimulate the roll-out of ultrafast internet in Belgium. Mobile broadband technologies, such as Google Data Center

4G and LTE Advanced, are scheduled to be rolled out very soon across the entire CENTRAL LOCATION WITH PRIME INFRASTRUCTURE in Saint-Ghislain (Belgium) Belgian territory and a high-performance 5G framework will be installed to en- sure Belgium is at the forefront of Internet-of-Things developments.

According to ‘Digitizing Europe’ – a study by The Boston Consulting Group (US) and Ame- rican internet giant Google – Belgium is set to get the most out of the European Digital Single Market plan, which aims for a unified digital market across Europe. The report labels Belgium as a digital frontrunner in Europe. Even among its high-tech peers, the country has the most potential for growth, thanks to its high degree of digitization and a small market. When the Digital Single Market plan becomes a reality, Belgium’s digital GDP (eGDP) is projected to increase by more than 12%. INVEST IN BELGIUM

Belgium ranks 10th in the 2018-2022 Technological Readiness ranking of the Economist Intelligence Unit, which assesses how well prepared countries are for technological change, across three key categories: access to the internet, digital economy infrastructure and openness to innovation. Belgium ranks 6th in the Digital Economy

INTEGRATION OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY (DESI 2017) and Society Index 2017.

Belgian businesses use digital technologies to improve productivity Belgium ranks 3rd and sales and are doing well in integrating digital technology, where Belgium ranks 5th. The Integration of Digital Technology dimensi- in connectivity and on measures the digitization of businesses and their exploitation of 5th in integration the online sales channel. By adopting digital technology, businesses of digital technology can enhance efficiency, reduce costs and better engage customers, collaborators and business partners. Furthermore, the internet as a by businesses. sales outlet offers access to wider markets and potential for growth.

© Google

06 07 CENTRAL LOCATION WITH PRIME INFRASTRUCTURE Square Brussels Convention CentreConvention 09 © Belgaimage 08

The city is home to more than 120 international government organizations, 181 embassies, 181 embassies, government organizations, than 120 international The citymore to is home groups. lobby than 1,000 and more 5,000 diplomats over first-rate accessibility location and at Belgium’s with combined presence This international to According destination. conference European makes it the leading the heart of Europe, Brussels ranks Cities Ranking Conference 2016, Associations’ of International the Union Hotels in Belgium range branded international from worldwidefirst city. as conference than in comparable lower levels are Price hotels to several family-owned boutique hotels. cities. European HIGH-END CONFERENCE VENUES AND COMMODIOUS HOTEL ROOMS INVEST IN BELGIUM IN INVEST INVEST IN BELGIUM INFRASTRUCTURE WORLD-CLASS R&D have theiroperations inBelgium. industry, academiaandgovernment. Asaresult, many innovative companies R&D, Belgiumatthetopfor ranks between innovationandcollaboration The Economic World Forum’s of2016-2017 GlobalCompetitiveness Report ventures. workers ofskilled incentivesfor R&D andattractive fiscal the availability and research system of its educational facilities,thanks to the high quality theEU,Within inR&Dandinnovation, Belgiumisastrong performer medtech and more.medtech health,including microelectronics, automotive, agriculture, integration ofrobotics inawiderangeofsectors, technologies Belgium leads theway inthedevelopment, production and withourlives. intertwined asingly faster thantherest oftheeconomy asrobots become incre- useofresources.zed Asaresult, thesectorisexpectedtogrow tasks, robots boostproductivity, cutcostsandenableoptimi- thewaychanging we work. Precise hazardous andidealfor enablersofthecommerceAs key oftomorrow, robots are ROBOTICS INBELGIUM 10

REP. OF KOREA 631

SINGAPORE 488

GERMANY 309

JAPAN 303

SWEDEN 223

DENMARK 211

USA 189

ITALY 185

BELGIUM 184

TAIWAN 177

AVERAGE 74 ROBOTS PER10,000EMPLOYEESIN HIGHEST NUMBEROFINDUSTRIAL 11 THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY TOP 10COUNTRIESWITHTHE

World Robotics Report 2017 WORLD-CLASS R&D INFRASTRUCTURE R&D WORLD-CLASS WORLD-CLASS R&D INFRASTRUCTURE Source: Source:

or 2014 Federal Public Service Finance Belgium Federal R&D ASSETS Tax rulings IP for commercialization Tax R&D Tax credit R&D Tax depreciation Accelerated subsidies exemption Tax contract R&D contract Tax rulings for Tax rulings for Tax PROPERTY y 2012 commercialization IP commercialization Innovation Indicat ve INTELLECTUAL s , Manheim, ch Innovation income deduction Innovation income n

Investment deduction patents, licenses patents, deduction Investment y INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY Community Innovation Sur 13 and researchers for workers R&D BELGIAN R&D CENTER R&D PROECT pean Economic Resear R&D STAFF or 2015, in innovation ALE, ly dwide for qualit dwide for collaboration ACTIVITIES rl rl 80% payroll tax exemption 80% payroll R&D PROECT R&D er for Euro Tax-free innovation premium Tax-free Tax rulings R&D for contract Tax Highest-scoring nation global Wo scientific research centers Wo between industries and universitie In Europe for cooperatio between science and SMEs Tax rulings R&D for contract Tax

Cent BELGIAN R&D CENTER R&D BELGIAN Tax rulings IP for commercialization Tax th th th W, st Special executives tax status for foreign THE RANKINGS TELL THE T AS BELGIUM IS 4 6 9 1 Sources: ZE Innovations Indikat Bloomberg Innovation Index 2017 R&D STAFF exemption 80% payroll tax for R&D-workers premium innovation Tax-free Special tax status for foreign and researchers executives R&D ASSETS credit R&D Tax depreciation Accelerated subsidies exemption Tax University ofUniversity (KUL) Belgium’s flourishing innovation industry is buttressed by a favorable tax regime. According to the According flourishing industry innovation regime. tax by a favorable is buttressed Belgium’s Belgium offers an inno- for the Belgian tax package worldwide R&D ranked first in 2017. OECD, to the sche- According scheme deduction applicable income to net earningsvation from innovation. earningsnet from company’s a of 85% to up from exempted is innovation corporate on, taxati- me, deductions investment on top of the comes This measure tax an effective in 4.4%. rate of resulting such as an R&D in R&D, Belgium offers and organizations investing to companies and tax credits tax credit. of a refundable way by 4% to 6%, by allows overall that R&D costs to be reduced tax credit centers and other organizations benefit research tax an R&D payroll from companies, Additionally, aca- paid to researchers, wages tax on up to 80% of the payroll them to recover allowing incentive, taxation Belgium also grantsaccess to an attractive demic staff and other highly skilled personnel. This allows for a de- temporarily in Belgium. and managers scheme for executives foreign employed from duction certainfor (tax-free allowances employees qualified of income taxable the allowances) and for an exclusion from performed to work outside Belgium related of income Belgian taxation exclusion).(travel FOR R&D REGIME FOR R&D TAX FAVOURABLE INNOVATION INVESTING ACTIVITIES INVESTING

pean

ey 2012 rv or 2015 er for Euro or 2014 , Manheim, Cent W, ALE, AS BELGIUM IS ALE, AS BELGIUM ZE Sources: Economic Research Innovation Indicat Innovations Indicat Community Innovation Su Bloomberg Innovation Index 2017 THE RANKINGS TELL THE RANKINGS THE T n In Europe for cooperatio SMEs between science and nation Highest-scoring n globally in innovatio Worldwide for quality scientific research centers Worldwide for collaboration between industries and universities th th th st 4 1 6 9 12

© Rob Stevens

Belgium´s universities are among the world’s most world’s the among are universities Belgium´s has seven Belgium institutions academic innovative. innovative most in the Reuters ranking of Europe’s With of only a population 11 million universities. uni- 100 innovative top it can boast more people, capitaper sities countryother ver- any than Eu- in according The University of (KUL), Leuven rope. charts to top the European continues in to Reuters, Belgium’s this, For terms patents. of innovation and its systematic on oldest university valorization relies spin-offsnumerous its its and research, scientific of framework for close collaboration companies. with de Bruxel- Libre Université Gent (33), Universiteit Université Brussel Universiteit (47), Vrije les (42), de Liège Université Catholique de Louvain (54), Antwerpen(86) and Universiteit in (96) allfeature universi- the 2018 Reuters list of most innovative num- on the Their ranking is based ties in Europe. the percentage ber of patent applications submitted, and the commercial patent submissions, of approved research. influence of the university’s ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE ACADEMIC INVEST IN BELGIUM IN INVEST WORLD-CLASS R&D INFRASTRUCTURE 15 Ablynx is a pioneer in the discovery and development of nanobodies, Ablynx in the discovery is a pioneer of nanobodies, and development frommedications antibodies that come based on camels and llamas. is a spin-off of theThe Ghent-based company Flanders Institu- te for Biotechnology Leading (VIB). organizations and scientists from the world around a hotspot for make Belgium the life sciences one Sanofi, Ablynx by was recently acquired and health industries. in which will result worldwide, manufacturers pharma of the largest of the medicines. the commercialization of an acceleration Miracor MedicalSA is a medical device developingdis- company heart the severe to improve diseases and ruptive to treat solutions develops Miracor the PiCSO (Pressure-controlled clinical outcome. Intermittent Coronary a tech - Sinus Occlusion) Impulse System, nology clinical platform to improve designed of patients outcome function. cardiac with impaired SaaS most powerful Showpad platform is the world’s for sales and Bridging marketing, and sales between gap the success. marketing quic- more revenue Showpad to generate more enables companies want to sell buyers the way marketing sales and kly empowering by sales intelligent experience, Showpad buyer better a delivers buy. to and a scalablecontent analytics-powered platform that is smarter sales enablement. than traditional collaborative fintech innovation platformEuropean a is B-Hive infrastruc- and market insurers that brings major banks, together challen- innovation common on they work Together, players. ture The and build bridgesges to the start-up and scale-up community. aim is to put Brussels map as the smart the on gateway to Europe by the digital transfor- the opportunitiesand leverage on offered formation the financial services industry. in Louvain-la-Neuve 14 China Belgium Technology Center Center Technology China Belgium

Collibra makes it easy for data citizens to find, understand and understand and Collibra makes it easy for data citizens to find, trustorganizational the theydata decisions business make to need Collibra solutions, data governance Unlike traditional every day. traditi- the down platform cross-organizational a is breaks that Collibra freeing access. the data so all users have data silos, onal VUB at the was foundedas a spin-off mid 2008 STARLab from capital, venture by backed is company The UniversityBrussels. of and Incubation Innovation including the Brussels Imagination, angels. and business Brustart (GIMB), Fund, Technology China-Belgium the Locatedheartthe in Europe, of by invested science park is the first comprehensive Center (CBTC) will serveThe CBTC as the platform for Chine- China in Europe. se enterprises companies’ while helping European to enter Europe the cooperation is to facilitate Its objective entrymarket in China. - A universi and EU companies. Chinese between and innovation ty and industry platform cooperation has been developed around 5 university zones where and 300 public and private re- CBTC, established. well centers are search Belgium has a blooming start-up scene. In fact, Belgian start-ups In fact, start-up a blooming Belgium has scene. of new two-thirds with rate the highest success in Europe, have In- survivingcompanies years. first five than the pivotal for longer capital to Belgian is increasingly its way finding ternational venture start-ups. START-UP FRIENDLY FRIENDLY START-UP INVEST IN BELGIUM IN INVEST WORLD-CLASS R&D INFRASTRUCTURE the ideal the ideal services. for testing for testing conditions in Anderlecht products and products Belgium offers offers Belgium Coca-Cola Innovation Center Innovation Center Coca-Cola 17 16 CHIQUITA CONNECTS WITH CONSUMERS CHIQUITA con- smoothie concept ‘fruit launching its Before in a bottle’ mar- test ideal its as Belgium selected Chiquita tinent-wide, AmericanThe fruit also chose Belgium to test company ket. and interac- direct more to create a new concept marketing To of fruits with consumers relationships tive and smoothies. Chiquita enlisted Insites Consulting, carry out the research, To aim? The firm Ghent. in headquartered research market a ideas and can consumers share where a community create and innovation marketing numerous generating feedback, insights for Chiquita.

Belgium´s location at the crossroads of three major European cultures - cultures major European of three Belgium´s location at the crossroads population multicultural and Anglo-Saxon - and its Roman Germanic, and services for testing products to offercontinue the ideal conditions be- - multinatio Many market. the wider European them on introducing fore for Belgium in facilities testing maintain Coca-Cola, and H&M like nals, and 50% power purchasing With 60% of Europe’s market. the European can tested products easily within a 500 km radius, population of Europe’s customers. to European find their way specialized offer companies state-of-the-art testing facilities Additionally, at strategic research test facilities Belgium boasts for all of industries. kinds infrastructures demonstration and R&D plants, pilot numerous centers, centers to help a variety of industries test and scale up their innovations. TEST MARKET FOR FOREIGN COMPANIES INVEST IN BELGIUM IN INVEST INVEST IN BELGIUM CAPITAL HUMAN PRODUCTIVE AND SKILLED Volvo XC40 production Volvo CarsGhent, 18 © Belgaimage US Dollars per hourworked

S GERMANY DENMARK FRANCE NETHERLANDS UNITED S BELGIUM IRELAND Board,US Conference 2017 PER HOURWORKED LABOR PRODUCTIVITY degree, placing Belgiumwell above theOECDaverage. (3rd).of itshealth infrastructure 35%ofthe labor force hasat least one higher education 2ndintheworld,um ranks thankstoitshuge expenditure education andtheeffectiveness percentage ofitsGDPasBelgium. Investment ofoverall &Development, Interms Belgi- invests asmuch intheworld perpupilasa shows thatnocountry One ofthoseindicators ting ofbothdomestic andinternational workers. measures theattraction, laborforce retention skilled consis- anddevelopment ofahighly businessesandtheeconomy for long-term valuecreation. toachieve tencies necessary It the world’s 3rd-most talented workforce. ranking, Initsyearly IMDassessesthecompe- According to the IMD World Competitiveness Center, Belgium continues to be home to thestablebusinessclimate. dialogue underpins working inchanging andeagernesstolearn conditions.as itsversatility Aculture ofsocial inmultiple languages.cy force, attractive ofthelabor assetsare Other theflexibility as well countries. andproficien- system factors oftheeducational contributing are Key the quality The Belgian workforce is one ofthemostproductive intheEU, aheadwell ofneighboring WEDEN TATES S GERMANY DENMARK FRANCE NETHERLANDS UNITED S BELGIUM IRELAND NOR LU WEDEN XEMBOURG WA 63 67 67 67 68 69. 70.5 7 5.9 Y .4 .5 .9 .1 TATES 5 19 63 ,1 67 67 67 68 ,4 ,5 69, ,9 70,5 5 7 5,9 92,9

96,4 SKILLED AND PRODUCTIVE HUMAN CAPITAL HUMAN PRODUCTIVE AND SKILLED INVEST IN BELGIUM der wage gapis19.1%. that ofwomen. IntheEuropean Union, gen- themedianmonthly wage ofBelgianmenis3.3%higherthan The medianmonthly faster than in Belgium.pay gap between men and women closing Furthermore, according totheOECD, nowhere isthe intheworld membersofexpats. family for tractive employment opportunities groups, lobbying companies, andothers, lawfirms many offers at- Belgium, home tonumerous international institutions, advocacy international staff. Expatsmakeupmore than10%ofthe workforce. for labormarketBelgium hasavibrant withampleopportunities FOR FAMILY MEMBERS AMPLE EMPLOYMENTOPPORTUNITIES guages. inEnglish, ofproficiency high level alongside theirnational lan- to EF’s 2016EnglishProficiency Index, studentshave reached a by whom most Belgians for multilingualism is a given. According areGerman officiallanguages inBelgium. spoken Englishisfluently whospeak their language fluently.find locals French, and Dutch tures -Germanic, Roman andAnglo-Saxon. easily will Visitors atthecrossroadsBelgium islocated ofthree majorEuropean cul- A MULTILINGUAL HOSTCOUNTRY 20

21 SKILLED AND PRODUCTIVE HUMAN CAPITAL HUMAN PRODUCTIVE AND SKILLED The federal government is focusing on structural eco- through the so-called “deduction of the group con- nomic reforms to further boost Belgium´s economic tribution”. In practice, Belgian companies will be able • growth potential, creating jobs and reducing the bud- to transfer taxable profits to other Belgian affi- liated GRADUAL REDUCTION OF CORPORATE INCOME TAX RATE BUSINESS-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT get deficit and public debt. Among other measures, companies with the aim of offsetting these profits the nominal corporate income tax rate is being lo- against current year tax losses. The group companies • TAX CONSOLIDATION THROUGH wered from 34% to 25% by 2020 and only 20% for will compensate each other for the tax burden of the DEDUCTION OF THE GROUP CONTRIBUTION SMEs on their first EUR 100k profit. Following the group contribution, as a result of which the tax con- • NOTIONAL INTEREST DEDUCTION tax shift, labor taxes have been reduced by EUR 8bln, solidation will be financially neutral. • DIVIDENDS RECEIVED REDUCTION boosting real income and the creation of private sec- • TRANSPARENT FISCAL RULINGS tor jobs. The notional interest deduction is maintained but as of 2018 it is calculated based on the incremental equi- SMART COMPANY TAXATION ty (over a period of five years) and no longer on the INVEST IN BELGIUM total amount of the company’s qualifying equity. Sim- On 26 July 2017, the federal government reached an plified, the incremental equity equals one fifth of the initial agreement on an important tax, economic and positive difference between the equity at the end of the social reform package. As key components of this taxable period and the fifth preceding taxable period. package, the corporate income tax rate is gradual- ly reduced to 25% in 2020 and fiscal consolidation The 95% dividends received deduction is increased will be introduced. The notional interest deduction to 100% resulting in a full participation exemption. BENCHMARK is maintained. The reform takes effect over a three- Capital gains on shares whose dividends entitle to HEADLINE TAX RATES 35 year period (2018, 2019 and 2020). The tax reform is the dividends received deduction are also exempted. KMPG Tax and Legal Advisers, 2017 30 built on three pillars: budget neutrality, simplification Specific rules apply to capital gains after a restruc- and fair taxation. The standard corporate income tax turing. 25 rate of 33% is lowered to 29% in 2018 and to 25% as FRANCE 20 from 2020. SMEs will see a decrease in the rate to Investors can apply with the Ruling Commission for GERMANY 15 LUXEMBOURG 20% as of 2018 for the first bracket of EUR 100,000 an advance decision on the application of direct or 10 NETHERLANDS profit. As a result, Belgium applies a more advanta- indirect tax laws to a particular situation or transac- 5 * BELGIUM geous headline tax rate than most of its neighboring tion. Transparent fiscal rulings provide a robust basis 0 UK countries. for investment decisions. They are legally binding

and provide an accurate forecast of the tax treatment 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 UK**

FRANCE

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BELGIUM * As of 2019 and for the first time in Belgium’s inco- in areas such as corporate income tax, customs, VAT, * 29,58% now GERMANY * 25% as from January 1, 2020

me tax history, tax consolidation will be introduced transfer pricing, business restructuring, etc. LUXEMBOURG NETHERLANDS

22 23 INVESTMENT INCENTIVES

In Belgium, the three Regions (Brussels Capital Region, Flanders and the Walloon Region) are in charge of attracting foreign in- vestments. Their respective export and investment agencies (hub. brussels, Flanders Investment & Trade and Agence wallonne à l’Exportation et aux Investissements Etrangers) provide a series of incentives and grants for prospective and current investors.

Strategic transformation plans, R&D, eco-friendly initiatives, ex- port projects, recruitment and training can all benefit from incen- tives and grants administered by the regional agencies. SMEs are eligible for additional support. EASE OF SETTING UP A BUSINESS

In the 2018 World Bank Doing Business Index Belgium ranks 5th in the EU for ease of starting a business. In four days anyone can set up any

LABOR COST REDUCTION BUSINESS-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT type of company following a straightforward procedure, which includes registration with a notary public/execution of a notary deed, submission Changes to taxation laws have resulted in several labor cost reduction initiatives. In addition, re- of a business plan and registration with the Crossroads Bank for Enter- ductions to social security contributions (SSC) rates, fringe benefits and tax shifts greatly reduce prises. employers’ tax burdens and simplify the overall tax code. All employers in the private sector and employees who are fully subject to Belgian social security can benefit from a structural reduction of The principal form of business organization in Belgium is the private SSC. In addition to this, employers can benefit from a lifelong exemption of SSC for a first employee limited liability company (SRL/BV). Very large organizations can adopt hired (period 2016-2020) and temporary SSC reductions for the next five employees hired. There the form of a limited liability company (SA/NV). Individuals and com- are also several target group reductions on SSC applicable to certain categories of employees: older panies can also work together as a partnership (SNC/VOF). Foreign

INVEST IN BELGIUM employees, young and unskilled employees, unemployed former employees. investors are free to operate through any form of business entity re- cognized under Belgian law (typically a BV or a branch). Branches are Companies can enjoy a fiscal advantage for employees working in shifts, at night, or in a continuous governed by the same rules as Belgian companies with regard to their regime. The employer is exempted from paying part of the payroll tax that he or she has deducted management and operations in Belgium and are subject to the standard from the employee’s wages. This exemption amounts to 22.8% of the total taxable wages, including corporate income tax rate. the bonuses for working in shifts or night work. For continuous work this exemption amounts to 25% of the total taxable wages, including the bonuses. In four days, There are also numerous advantages for employing anyone can set up any type expatriates. For instance, no tax and no social se- curity contributions are paid on expatriate allo- • STRUCTURAL AND SPECIFIC of company following wances and reimbursement of expenses. These are REDUCTIONS OF SOCIAL SECURITY a straightforward procedure. deductible from corporate tax. In addition, foreign CONTRIBUTIONS executives themselves are given a tax-free expa- • FISCAL ADVANTAGE FOR EMPLOYEES triate allowance as well as a reduction in cost of WORKING IN SHIFTS, AT NIGHT OR IN A CONTINUOUS REGIME living expenses. These executives are also reimbur- sed for non-repetitive expenses on an unlimited • NUMEROUS BENEFITS FOR EMPLOYING EXPATRIATES basis, including installation costs, moving expen- ses and school fees. If they perform work outside of Belgium, these workdays are tax-free.

24 BUSINESS-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT € € € €

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Cushman Wakefield, & Industrial Q4 2017 Snapshot Market PRIME INDUSTRIAL RENTS, LOGISTICS LOCATION Belgian cities offer a wide selection of modern and affordable office spaces. Brussels has around 13.3 around Belgian cities million Brussels has offer a wide selection m² spaces. of modern office and affordable with building re Projects permits of which 1.3 million m² is currently market. available on the of office space, to start ready are Most construction developers in office stock. potential increase as impressive an soon present willing tenants are to commit. as prospective COMPETITIVE CORPORATE MARKET REAL-ESTATE EURO 200 € 180 € 160 € 140 € 120 € 100 € 80 € 60 € 40 € 20 € 0 € INVEST IN BELGIUM IN INVEST EXCELLENT QUALITY OF LIFE Belgium second ranks worldwide primaryfor its education and its system management schools 29 A TRUSTWORTHY HEALTHCARE SYSTEM A TRUSTWORTHY HEALTHCARE 24/7 access and easily healthcare system. Belgium has a reliable accessible medi- of number high a and medicationto pharmacyto thanks rotation and Dutch to only French strength add cal doctors who speak English, and the claim the best in Europe, in Belgium is among that healthcare worldwide Belgium ranks second to when it comes even in the world. infrastructurebuilding healthcare needs of the population that fulfils the 2016). Yearbook Competitiveness (IMD World A LEADING EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM A LEADING EDUCATIONAL OF AND LARGE CHOICE SCHOOLS INTERNATIONAL in- at the many Belgium to take up positions to expats move Many organizationsternational and corporations in Belgium. headquartered As these to quality they expect access education. Bringing their families, schools international remain canpositions be quite transient in nature, to the most obvious who want their children choice for expat parents Expats follow country’s their home curriculum during abroad. their time can choose from schools of outstanding international range for a broad their children. thirteen out of Schools located European in Belgium and a are Five Schoolsixth European for 2,500 pupils will open in Brusselsin the near British and American curricula can be found internati alongside - future. Several also offer universities at various ones schools. and European onal and Dutch to French in addition programs, master English language educational system of the most outstanding in is one Belgium’s ones. the world. 28

© VisitFlanders, Michael Dehaspe Michael VisitFlanders, © INVEST IN BELGIUM IN INVEST © VisitFlanders, Jan D’Hondt

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING MARKET Belgian Red Devils European School Brussels I Uccle + Berkendael, 1180 Brussels Belgium offers the best of both worlds: a dynamic and cosmopolitan en- FIFA World Cup 2018 European School Brussels II Woluwé, 1200 Brussels vironment with relatively low real estate costs compared to other Euro- European School Brussels III Ixelles, 1050 Brussels pean cities. Different offerings are available to cater to every taste, from European School Brussels IV Laeken, 1020 Brussels maisons maître in the city centers, to modern apartment complexes with European School Mol, 2400 Mol all amenities and lush villas in the green suburbs. International School of Brussels, 1170 Brussels ISF Waterloo International School, 1640 Rhode St Genèse AN OPTIMAL COST OF LIVING

St. John’s International School, 1410 Waterloo EXCELLENT QUALITY OF LIFE The Brussels American School, 1933 This bon-vivant lifestyle does not necessarily come at a high price. The British Junior Academy of Brussels, 1040 Brussels cost of living is lower in Belgium than in most other European countries. British School of Brussels, 3080 In a survey on the cost of living, Brussels has a more affordable cost of British International School of Brussels, 1030 Brussels living than 50% of the OECD cities in the affordability rankings. St Paul’s British Primary School, 3080 Vossem-Tervuren Athénée Ganenou, 1180 Brussels A RICH CULTURAL HERITAGE AND A DYNAMIC LIFESTYLE Athénée Maimonide, 1070 Brussels INVEST IN BELGIUM Internationale Deutsche Schule Brüssel, 1970 Wezembeek-Oppem With its rich cultural life and historical heritage, Belgium is an attractive Japanese School of Brussels, 1160 Oudergem place to live. Historical cities like Bruges, Ghent, Liège, Mons, Namur, Lycée Français Jean Monnet, 1180 Bruxelles Antwerp and Brussels welcome a steady stream of tourists. Belgium is Scandinavian School of Brussels, 1410 Waterloo also home to a wide array of gastronomic restaurants, of which 144 boast Le Verseau International School, 1301 Bierges one or more Michelin stars. With 1,500 different Belgian beer brands on offer, there is plenty to choose from. Premium Belgian chocolates can be found on every corner, from high-end shopping streets to metro stations.

The Ardennes, a green lung in the south of Belgium, offers unparalleled experiences for nature enthusiasts. The thermal city of Spa is also home Gilles de Binche in Binche to the Spa-Francorchamps racing track, one of the most daunting stages © Belgaimage © Belgaimage in the Formula 1 Grand Prix tour.

Church of Our Lady in Bruges 30 31 PRODUCED BY THE LIAISON OFFICE FOR FOREIGN INVESTMENTS

Editor Dirk Achten, Rue des Petits Carmes 15, B-1000 Brussels, Belgium