Belgium’s Pension System: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding the Belgian pension system is crucial for anyone living and working in Belgium, particularly expats. This guide provides a detailed overview of the system, eligibility requirements and recent changes, helping you safeguard your financial future.

The Three-Pillar System

The Belgian pension system is structured around three pillars:

• State Pension: A public pension scheme available to employed individuals, the self-employed, and civil servants.
• Occupational Pension: Pension plans offered by employers.
• Private Pension: Individual pension arrangements.

Eligibility for Pensions in Belgium

Generally, residents over 65 are eligible for pensions in Belgium. However, this age is likely to increase as the government addresses the financial strain caused by an aging population. Approximately 30% of Belgians are over 65, a figure higher than the European average of 28%.

Pension Amounts in Belgium

Average pension amounts vary significantly based on employment status:

• Employees: €1,100 per month
• Civil Servants: €2,600 per month
• Self-Employed: €900 per month

Applying for Your Belgian Pension

The application process differs depending on your country of residence:

• EEA, Switzerland, or the United Kingdom: Submit your application to the local social security authority. More information is available on the Your Europe website.
• Other Countries: If you do not have a social security agreement with Belgium, you must submit your application in person in an EEA country where you last worked. If Belgium was your last place of employment, contact the following organizations:

For Employees and Civil Servants

Federal Pensions Service (FPS):

Tour du Midi
1060 Brussels
Belgium
info@sfpd.fgov.be
Phone: 1765 (toll number) or +32 78 15 17 65 (from abroad)
Federal Pensions Service Website

For the Self-Employed

National Institute for the Social Security of the Self-Employed (INASTI/RSVZ):

Quai de Willebroek, 35
1000 Brussels
Belgium
info@rsvz-inasti.fgov.be

Supplementary Pensions

Belgium also offers supplementary pension schemes, which can provide additional income during retirement. New rules regarding these pensions are periodically implemented.

Survivor’s Pension

Survivor’s pensions are available to eligible dependents.

Resources

For more information, visit the Expatica guide to pensions in Belgium and the CMS expert guide.