Can I Claim Restaurant and Business Meals as a Business Expense in Belgium?
Partly. Restaurant and catering services carry 12% VAT, and Belgian rules restrict how much of a business meal is deductible. Confirm the current limit before claiming.
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What FPS Finance (SPF Finances / FOD Financiën) says
Restaurant and catering services fall in the 12% intermediate VAT band. The share of a business meal that can be deducted for corporate tax is restricted under Belgian rules, and that limit is not quoted here. Confirm the current percentage and the VAT treatment with FPS Finance or your accountant.
When you can claim
- Meals with clients where there is a genuine business purpose, within the deductible limit
- Catering for a business event, within the limit
When you cannot claim
- The part of a meal above the deductible limit
- Private meals paid by the company
- Meals with no business purpose
Good to know
Pro tip: Write the name of the guest and the business reason on the receipt the same day.
Important: Do not assume VAT on a restaurant bill is recoverable in full. Check the current VAT and deduction rules before you book it.
Related expenses
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