Freedom Score

Emigrating from Belgium to Germany: tax and cost of living

How does Germany score against Belgium? The Freedom Score weighs six dimensions, built on primary government sources.

Net per month€2,632
Per year vs. Belgium+€770

Tax

44/100

Residency

90/100

Cost of living

71/100

Living environment

73/100

Mobility

95/100

Ownership

85/100

Compared by dimension

On an average Belgium income of €49,200 gross per year, you keep €31,585 net in Germany: a difference of €770 per year compared with Belgium.

  • Tax: on this income Germany lands at an effective rate of about 36%, against 37% in Belgium.
  • Passport and mobility: from Germany you travel visa-free to 192 countries.
  • Residency: on our accessibility scale Germany scores 90 out of 100 for obtaining residency.
  • Living environment: banking, internet, safety and healthcare together give Germany a living-environment score of 73 out of 100.

The tax regime in Germany

Germany applies a progressive rate of 14% to 45% on worldwide income. Including the Solidarity Surcharge (Solidaritätszuschlag, 5.5% on tax) and church tax (8–9%), effective burden can exceed 47%. No flat-rate expat regime is available.

Residency and visas in Germany

EU/EEA citizens enjoy free right of residence. Non-EU nationals can apply for residence permits for employment, family or study. After 5 years a Niederlassungserlaubnis (permanent residence) can be obtained.

  • Freizügigkeit EU/EWR (EU Freedom of Movement) · 5 years to permanent residency
  • Blaue Karte EU (EU Blue Card) · €45,300/year · 3 years to permanent residency
  • Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card) · 5 years to permanent residency
  • Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur Beschäftigung (General Employment Permit) · 5 years to permanent residency
  • Aufenthaltserlaubnis für Selbständige / Freiberufler (Self-Employment / Freelance) · 5 years to permanent residency
  • Familiennachzug (Family Reunification) · 5 years to permanent residency
Read the full guide to GermanyTax, residency routes, property rules and quality of life, with sources.

Frequently asked questions

What is the financial difference between Belgium and Germany?
On an average Belgium income it differs by roughly €770 net per year. Your own figure depends on your income and situation; calculate it with the free freedom check.
Is this tax advice?
No. Libaros compares on the basis of primary government sources and provides information. For personal decisions, consult a qualified adviser.
What sources is this based on?
The Freedom Score uses the OECD Tax Database, IATA Timatic, the Henley Visa Index and Eurostat, with direct links to primary government sources.
Order report · €6,99

Figures from primary government sources. Information, not advice.

Sources