Tax identification numbers in Belgium

You’ll need to have a tax identification number in Belgium if you’re planning on working in the country. Discover more about the Belgian tax numbers for business and the related procedures in this guide.

The Tax Identification Number (TIN) in Belgium is also known as the National Register Number or National Number (NN). The government gives National Register Numbers to all residents including temporary residents. You need one in order to work in Belgium, pay Belgian taxes, or register for social security in Belgium.

This guide to Belgian tax identification numbers will cover the following areas:

There is also a further information section at the end of the guide with useful websites with more information on tax numbers in Belgium.

Belgian tax numbers: the Belgian National Register Number (NN)

The Belgian NN is a multi-purpose identification number which acts as a Belgian tax identification number, a national register number, and a social security number. It is for tax administration, social security, as well as public records in Belgium. The Belgian government issues the NN through the Federal Public Service department.

The Belgian National Register Number is on Belgian ID cards, social security cards, and passports. It is a unique 11-digit number consisting of the holder’s date of birth (first six digits) then three digits to differentiate people born on the same day (odd numbers 001-997 for men, 002-998 for women) and a final two digits calculated on the previous nine digits. Belgian businesses also get a Belgian NN. This is a 10-digit number primarily for tax purposes as well as public records.

Who needs a Belgian National Register Number?

As the Belgian NN is a general registration number, it’s a requirement for everyone living in Belgium. In fact, Belgian citizens have the number on their passport or Belgian ID card; permanent and temporary residents have it on their residence cards or residence documents. You will also need a Belgian National Register Number if you visit Belgium short-term and take up employment. This will be a temporary or provisional NN.

Businesses registered in Belgium also need a Belgian National Register Number, which serves as a business tax number in Belgium. This is issued with the company documents when the business registers with the Belgian authorities.

Every Belgian aged 12 or over receives it on their Belgian ID card. Non-nationals resident in Belgium also receive it with their residence permits. See our guide to Belgian citizenship to see who qualifies.

How to apply for a Belgian National Register Number

The Belgian National Register Number is automatically issued as part of other documents; it isn’t something that you have to apply for separately in most cases. You can also see our guides for information on Belgian passports, social security in Belgium, and registering as a temporary resident in Belgium. You can also check out our guides to starting a business in Belgium and paying taxes in Belgium for information on company registration and taxes.

If you haven’t received a Belgian National Register Number or an identity document containing a Belgian NN, or if you want to make an enquiry about the how to get a Belgian tax number, the best place to contact is your local municipality (commune/gemeente) which is responsible for registering foreign residents and issuing identity cards and residence permits. This is done at the local town hall. Information on local municipalities and where to find your local town hall is also available here.

As your Belgian National Register Number is provided as part of various other documents, there is no separate fee that needs to be paid to obtain the NN. 

Requirements for a Belgian National Register Number

The documents required for an NN application will depend on what you are applying for. Exact requirements for a Belgian National Register Number will usually depend on the local municipality you are making your application through. If you are applying for a Belgian residency permit or Belgian work permit, you will typically need to provide valid ID, a work permit or proof of reason for staying in Belgium, proof that you can support yourself during your stay, proof of accommodation, a medical certificate and a certificate to show that you do not have a criminal record. If you are setting up a business in Belgium, you will need to follow certain steps such as making sure you have obtained the necessary business permit if required, registering your business and opening up a business bank account.

Using your Belgian National Register Number

As the Belgian National Register Number is a multi-purpose identity number, you will need it to carry out many transactions in Belgium, including things such as:

• renting or buying property in Belgium
• working in Belgium
• accessing social security in Belgium
• paying taxes in Belgium
• starting up a business in Belgium
• obtaining credit in Belgium, including taking out a mortgage or a mobile phone contract
• buying a car or applying for a driving license in Belgium
• opening a bank account in Belgium
• setting up utilities or communications in Belgium

For some of these transactions, you will need to provide your Belgian NN. However, for others you may just need to provide your Belgian ID or residence permit containing your NN.

Useful resources

• Belgian Federal Public Service, which is responsible for managing the National Register as well as issuing Belgian ID cards and residence permits through the Directorate-General Institutions and Population
• Belgium’s national government
• Belgian social security website
• The Belgian Directorate-General for Foreigners
• Belgian tax administration
• Information on electronic ID cards in Belgium
• Website where you can check whether Belgian identity documents are valid or not
• Information on Belgian municipalities