Complete guide to VAT refunds for NATO and military personnel stationed in Belgium. Learn about Certificate 151, eligibility requirements, and how to claim exemptions on personal and official purchases.
VAT Exemptions for Military Personnel in Belgium
If you're military personnel stationed in Belgium under NATO or bilateral defense agreements, you're entitled to significant VAT exemption privileges. With Belgium's standard VAT rate at 21%, understanding and utilizing these exemptions can result in substantial savings during your posting.
Belgium hosts major NATO facilities including Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Mons and various NATO headquarters in Brussels. Thousands of military personnel and their families are stationed here, all potentially eligible for VAT exemptions.
Who Qualifies for Military VAT Exemption?
Eligibility for military VAT exemptions in Belgium is determined by your status and the agreements between your country and Belgium:
- NATO Military Personnel – Active duty members serving at NATO facilities
- SHAPE Personnel – Military staff at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe
- Bilateral Agreement Personnel – Military members from countries with specific defense agreements with Belgium
- Family Members – Spouses and dependents forming part of your household may also qualify
Documentation Requirements
To prove your eligibility, you'll typically need:
- Valid military identification card
- Orders or documentation showing your assignment to Belgium
- NATO or SHAPE credentials (if applicable)
- Proof of Belgian residence address
Understanding the Certificate 151 Process
The Certificate 151 is the cornerstone of the Belgian VAT exemption system. This official document is required for all VAT exemption claims by military personnel, diplomats, and international organization staff.
How the Certificate 151 System Works
- Make a qualifying purchase – Shop at any Belgian store and obtain a proper invoice
- Complete Certificate 151 – This form identifies you and the purchase
- Organization counter-signature – Your military unit or organization must verify your eligibility
- Ministry of Finance approval – The certificate is submitted for official approval
- VAT refund – Once approved, the exempted VAT is refunded
Learn more about how Nuvoni simplifies this process on our Certificate 151 Handling page.
Minimum Purchase Requirements
Similar to diplomatic exemptions, military VAT exemptions require meeting minimum purchase thresholds. The exact amount may vary based on your specific status and applicable agreements, but generally aligns with the €125.00 (excluding VAT) minimum.
What Purchases Qualify for VAT Exemption?
Military personnel can claim VAT exemptions on a wide range of purchases for both personal and official use:
Personal Purchases
- Vehicles – Cars, motorcycles, bicycles
- Household goods – Furniture, appliances, electronics
- Personal items – Clothing, electronics, sporting goods
- Major purchases – Items for setting up your residence
Official Purchases
- Equipment and supplies for your unit
- Official entertainment and hospitality
- Items for military functions
With Nuvoni, you can shop at any store in Belgium—not just specific tax-free outlets.
Belgian Bank Account Requirement
Like all VAT exemption claims in Belgium, refunds can only be paid to a Belgian bank account in your name. This is a requirement set by the Belgian Ministry of Finance. If you haven't opened one yet, most major Belgian banks offer accounts for international residents.
Special Considerations for SHAPE Personnel
If you're stationed at SHAPE in Mons, there are additional resources and processes available:
- SHAPE community support – Assistance with local banking and administration
- Dedicated processing – Nuvoni has collection points for original documents
- Family support services – Help for dependents navigating the system
Why Military Personnel Choose Nuvoni
Nuvoni is the trusted choice for military personnel seeking efficient VAT refund processing:
- Digital-First Approach – Our fully digital platform minimizes paperwork
- Collection Points – Convenient drop-off locations for original Certificate 151 documents
- Fast Processing – We understand military timelines and posting cycles
- Transparent Pricing – No surprises—check our pricing page
- Expert Support – Our team understands military-specific requirements
The Fuel Card Advantage
Military personnel can also benefit from our fuel card program. Get VAT-exempt fuel at partner stations across Belgium, with no upfront VAT payment required.
Sending Original Documents
For Certificate 151 processing, original documents must be submitted. You can send 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. For larger organizations like SHAPE, Nuvoni has established collection points—ask your admin office for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions specific to military VAT exemptions? Our FAQ section covers common scenarios, or you can contact our team directly.
Start Maximizing Your Savings
Your service abroad shouldn't come with unnecessary financial burdens. Sign up with Nuvoni today and start claiming the VAT exemptions you're entitled to. Book a demo to see our platform in action.