Frequently asked questions

Yes, there is a tax obligation in Belgium. As soon as you are domiciled in Belgium for more than 3 months, you must file a tax return the following year. Regardless of whether you have worked or not.

You can file your tax declaration via myminfin. You have to log in via itsme or the Belgian ID card and pincode. With the tool ‘tax-on-web’ you get help in filing the tax declaration.

Request early forms via your local tax office or make sure your e-box is activated so you get a digital reminder in you mailbox.

Yes. Most institutions provide English-language support.

The Social Services/Office for Student Affairs offers support for both financial and personal difficulties. You can turn to them for psychosocial support, confidential conversations, or a referral to professional help.

You can consult the criteria under the topic “study grant from the Flemish Community.” For advice tailored to your personal situation, it’s best to contact the Social Services/Office for Student Affairs at your educational institution. They can assist you in applying for a study grant and help you with an advance payment on your study grant if needed.

In some cases,  if you meet all the requirements and depending on your residence permit, extra support is available. The Social Services/Office for Student Affairs can advise you about possible supplementary financial assistance based on your individual circumstances.

A grant to support students with limited financial resources studying in recognized Flemish higher education institutions. To qualify for a study grant, you must meet several conditions f.e. the nationality requirements.

You can apply for a Flemish study grant (studietoelage) through the Mijn Burgerprofiel, an online platform, managed by the Flemish government. The application is available once you are officially enrolled in a recognized higher education institution in Flanders.

You can also apply directly via the e-portal of the service of Study grants.

• You only need to apply once per academic year.
• The application is free of charge and takes about 15–30 minutes to complete.
• You will need:
  • Your national register number (rijksregisternummer)
  • Your bank account number
  • Details about your study program and institution
• If you’re under 18, a parent or guardian must submit the application.
• You may still apply even if you’re not sure whether you meet all the conditions — your file will be assessed automatically.

How much will I receive in child benefits?Amounts vary depending on the family situation and the child’s age. There are also supplements for low-income families or single parents.

International students residing in Belgium temporarily for their studies may be eligible to receive Belgian child benefits for their children, provided specific conditions are met.

You can apply through one of the child benefit payment funds (e.g., Parentia, Infino). Some applications may be initiated automatically.

Yes, if they are working and contributing to the Belgian social security system or have a right to residence and meet certain conditions.

If you fulfill the nationality conditions and get approval of working as a student, you can work for 650 hours per calendar year with reduced social contributions.

You can continue working, but full social security contributions apply.

Attention! Always check with the town hall of the town where you are domiciled. In some situations, there is a limit on the number of working hours for an international student.

Student@work can help you with track remaining hours, download employer certificates, avoid overwork.

Yes, as long as the total hours and limits are respected.

Yes, under certain circumstances.

The student employment legislation in Belgium is different for nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA) and for non-EEA Nationals. You can check the conditions on via this link.