Understanding Meal Vouchers in Belgium 

Belgium is known for its rich culture, historic cities, and, of course, it’s delicious cuisine. But for employees working in Belgium, there’s another food-related benefit that’s just as important: meal vouchers, or “maaltijdcheques.” These vouchers are a popular perk in many Belgian workplaces, providing employees with a financial allowance specifically for meals. If you’re new to Belgium or just starting a job here, it’s essential to understand how meal vouchers work and what benefits they offer. 

What Are Meal Vouchers? 

Meal vouchers are a form of employee benefit in Belgium, designed to subsidize the cost of meals for employees. Instead of receiving a higher salary (which would be subject to taxes and social contributions), employees receive meal vouchers, which are exempt from taxes under certain conditions. These vouchers can be used in a wide range of establishments, including supermarkets, restaurants, and some online food delivery services. 

How Do Meal Vouchers Work? 

Meal vouchers are typically provided electronically through a card, similar to a debit or credit card. Employers load a specific amount onto the card each month, based on the number of days the employee has worked. The value of the vouchers is determined by the employer but is usually between €4 and €8 per day. Of this amount, the employer covers the majority, while the employee typically contributes a small portion (e.g., €1 or €2 per voucher). 

For example, if you work 20 days in a month and your employer provides meal vouchers worth €6 per day, you’ll receive €120 in meal vouchers for that month. 

Tax Benefits of Meal Vouchers 

One of the key advantages of meal vouchers is their tax-exempt status. As long as the value of the vouchers does not exceed the legally allowed maximum (which is adjusted periodically), they are not considered taxable income. This makes them a cost-effective way for employers to provide additional compensation to their employees without increasing their tax burden.  

Where Can You Use Meal Vouchers? 

Meal vouchers can be used in a variety of places, making them a flexible benefit. Common places where meal vouchers are accepted include: 

• Supermarkets: Most major supermarket chains in Belgium accept meal vouchers, allowing you to buy groceries. 

• Restaurants and Cafés: Many dining establishments, from fast food to fine dining, accept meal vouchers. 

• Online Food Delivery Services: Some food delivery platforms also accept meal vouchers as a form of payment. 

It’s important to note that meal vouchers are meant for purchasing food and drinks, so they cannot be used for non-food items and restaurants, supermarkets and food delivery services are not obligated to accept meal vouchers as a means of payment. 

Expiry and Limitations 

Meal vouchers in Belgium usually have an expiry date, often around 12 to 15 months from the date of issue. If you don’t use them within this period, they will expire, and the balance will be lost. Therefore, it’s essential to keep track of your voucher balance and use them regularly. 

Additionally, there might be some limitations on how you can use the vouchers. For instance, some establishments might not accept alcoholic beverages or certain non-food items. 

To summarize 

Meal vouchers are a valuable benefit for employees working in Belgium, offering both financial and practical advantages. By understanding how they work, where they can be used, and the associated tax benefits, you can make the most of this perk and enjoy your meals in Belgium even more.