Belgium Salary Changes November 2026: Salary Examples
Workers in Belgium may notice a change in their take-home pay starting in November 2026. New tax withholding rules took effect on November 1, changing how much tax employers deduct from employees’ salaries each month.
As a result, some workers will receive more money in their bank accounts, while others may see their net pay decrease.
The difference depends mainly on your salary, family situation, number of dependent children, and whether your partner has an income.
Tax-Free Income Allowance Increases
One of the main changes is an increase in the tax-free income allowance. This is the part of your annual income that is not subject to personal income tax.
For the 2026 tax year, the allowance increases from 11,170 euros to 11,550 euros per year.
This means less tax may be deducted from some employees’ monthly salaries. For a single worker without children, the increase can mean around 8.47 euros more per month.
Not Everyone Will Receive More Money
Although the higher tax-free allowance can benefit workers, other changes may reduce the amount some people take home.
One important change concerns the marital quotient, a tax benefit for couples where one partner earns much less or has no professional income.
The maximum amount covered by this tax benefit is being reduced. This means couples who depend mainly on one income may pay more tax through monthly salary deductions.
Tax reductions for dependent children are also changing. The impact depends on how many children you have.
Examples: How Much Could Your Salary Change in Belgium?
Figures published by Belgian payroll provider Securex show how different family situations can affect monthly take-home pay.
Example 1: A single parent with one child
A single employee earning 3,200 euros gross per month and having one dependent child could receive 14.47 euros more per month.
Their estimated net salary would increase from 2,384.16 euros to 2,398.63 euros.
Example 2: A married employee with four children
An employee earning 5,000 euros gross per month, with a partner who has no professional income and four dependent children, could receive around 29.90 euros less per month.
Their estimated net salary would fall from 4,231.15 euros to 4,201.25 euros.
These are examples, not guaranteed changes. Your actual salary difference will depend on your personal and family circumstances.
Do the New Rules Also Apply to Pensioners?
No. The changes introduced on November 1, 2026, apply to salaries paid to employees and company directors.
They do not apply to pensions or unemployment benefits with a company supplement under these specific changes.
Will You Pay Less Tax in Belgium?
It is important to understand that the amount deducted from your salary each month is called withholding tax. It is an advance payment toward your final annual income tax bill.
This means receiving more net pay every month does not automatically mean you will pay less tax overall when your annual tax return is calculated.
What this means for you: Check your November payslip carefully. Depending on your income and family situation, you could receive a little more or a little less money than before.
