The Belgian Scene
Many British expatriates are particularly shocked to discover that, unlike the UK, Belgium can already levy succession duty on half the family assets when the first spouse dies, unless there is a full declaration of separation in the marriage contract. There is no automatic inter-spouse exemption from succession duty, and as a result should one of you die whilst living here, Belgian succession duty could be payable on half your joint estate.
Holding your assets through a joint life second death investment policy can avoid this risk on a large part of the joint assets provided the policy is correctly structured and contains certain legal clauses. We can help you to shelter your assets from this risk and even if you have come to Belgium already owning a policy issued in another jurisdiction we can advise you on the clauses that should be added to avoid this risk.
Holding your assets through a joint life second death investment policy can avoid this risk on a large part of the joint assets provided the policy is correctly structured and contains certain legal clauses. We can help you to shelter your assets from this risk and even if you have come to Belgium already owning a policy issued in another jurisdiction we can advise you on the clauses that should be added to avoid this risk.
