Complete guide to VAT refunds for EU, NATO, and UN staff in Belgium. Learn about Certificate 151 processing, eligibility requirements, and how to streamline your VAT exemption claims.
VAT Exemptions for International Organisation Employees
Belgium serves as the de facto capital of the European Union and hosts the headquarters of numerous international organizations. If you work for the European Commission, European Parliament, NATO, or other international bodies, you're likely entitled to VAT exemptions that can save you thousands of euros annually.
With Belgium's standard VAT rate at 21%, understanding and efficiently claiming your exemptions is essential. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about VAT refunds for international organization employees.
Which Organisations Qualify?
Employees of the following types of organizations typically qualify for VAT exemptions in Belgium:
European Union Institutions
- European Commission
- European Parliament
- European Council
- European Central Bank (staff based in Belgium)
- EU Agencies and Bodies
NATO and Defense Organizations
- NATO Headquarters (Brussels)
- Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE)
- NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA)
- Allied Command Transformation (ACT)
Other International Organizations
- United Nations agencies with Belgium presence
- World Customs Organization (WCO)
- Eurocontrol
- Other intergovernmental organizations with headquarters agreements
Understanding Your Eligibility Status
Not all employees of international organizations have the same level of VAT exemption privileges. Your eligibility depends on:
- Employment category – Officials, temporary staff, contractors may have different privileges
- Protocol status – Some positions carry diplomatic-equivalent status
- Organizational agreements – The specific agreement between your organization and Belgium
- Personal circumstances – Belgian nationals may have limited or no privileges
Check with your organization's administration or protocol office to confirm your specific entitlements.
The Certificate 151 Process Explained
The Certificate 151 (E-Certificate) is the official document used to claim VAT exemptions in Belgium. For international organization employees, the process typically works as follows:
Step-by-Step Process
- Make your purchase – Shop at any store in Belgium and request a proper invoice
- Complete Certificate 151 – Fill out the certificate with purchase details
- Organization counter-signature – Your organization's admin/protocol office signs to verify your status
- Ministry of Finance approval – The certificate goes to Belgian authorities for approval
- Send to Nuvoni – Once approved, send us the original certificate and invoice copy
- Receive your refund – We process the claim and refund your Belgian bank account
Visit our Certificate 151 Handling page for more details on how Nuvoni streamlines this process.
Documentation Requirements
For successful VAT exemption claims, ensure your invoices contain:
- Complete invoice number and date
- Your full name (matching your organizational ID)
- Your residential address in Belgium
- Merchant details including Belgian VAT number
- Clear description of goods/services
- Price breakdown showing VAT amounts and rates
Important: Keep original invoices for warranty purposes—you can send Nuvoni a copy along with the original Certificate 151.
What Purchases Qualify?
International organization employees can claim VAT exemptions on a wide range of purchases:
Common Eligible Purchases
- Vehicles – Cars, motorcycles, electric vehicles
- Furniture – Home furnishing and decoration
- Electronics – Computers, phones, appliances
- Household goods – Kitchen equipment, linens, home items
- Personal items – Clothing, accessories, sporting goods
With Nuvoni, you're not limited to specific stores. Shop at any retailer in Belgium—from IKEA to local boutiques.
EU-Wide Purchases
One significant advantage for international organization employees: you can claim VAT exemptions on purchases made in other EU countries, not just Belgium. If you buy goods in Germany, France, or any other EU member state, your approved Certificate 151 can be processed.
Nuvoni is your one-stop solution for VAT exemption claims across the European Union.
Belgian Bank Account Requirement
All VAT refunds must be paid to a Belgian bank account in your name. This is a non-negotiable requirement from the Belgian Ministry of Finance. If you're new to Belgium, opening a bank account should be one of your first administrative tasks.
Why International Organisations Choose Nuvoni
Nuvoni has established partnerships with major international organizations to provide seamless VAT refund processing:
- Convenient Collection Points – Drop-off locations at major organizations eliminate postal hassles
- Integrated Workflows – We work with your existing procurement and admin processes
- Fully Digital Platform – Our digital solution provides real-time tracking
- Volume Processing – Efficient handling for organizations with many claims
- Transparent Pricing – Clear fees with no hidden costs—see our pricing page
Submitting Your Documents
Original Certificate 151 documents are required for processing. Submit them to:
Nuvoni BV
Silversquare Europe
Square de Meeûs 35
1000 Brussels, Belgium
Our reception is open from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM on business days. For larger organizations like the European Commission and NATO, we have dedicated collection points—contact your admin office for details.
Additional Benefits: Fuel Card
International organization employees can also take advantage of our fuel card program. Enjoy VAT-exempt fuel purchases at partner stations throughout Belgium with no upfront VAT payment.
Switching from Another Operator
If you're currently using another VAT refund service and want to switch to Nuvoni:
- Notify your current operator of your cancellation
- Copy info@nuvoni.eu on your cancellation email
- Sign up on our platform
- Begin submitting your certificates immediately
A two-month transition period applies before we can fully process your claims, per Ministry of Finance regulations.
Get Expert Help
Have questions about your specific situation? Our FAQ section covers common scenarios for international organization employees. For personalized assistance, contact our team or book a demo to see our platform in action.
Start Claiming Your Exemptions
You work for one of the world's most important organizations—your VAT refund process should be equally professional. Join thousands of international organization employees who trust Nuvoni for efficient, reliable VAT exemption processing.