USAG BENELUX Pam 27-3
Belgian Laws and You
Headquarters, 21st Theater Sustainment Command
Northern Law Center
Unit 21420
APO AE 09705
DSN 314-423-4868
COM +32 65-44-4868
[This page intentionally left blank.]
BELGIAN LAWS AND YOU
*This pamphlet supersedes USAG BENELUX Pam 27-3, dated 1 November 2009,
which is obsolete.
FOR THE COMMANDER
OFFICIAL: JOSEPH P. MANNING
Deputy to the Garrison Commander
______________________________________________________________________
Summary: This pamphlet provides a quick reference for some common Belgian law
issues. It provides an overview of many of the common Belgian laws that apply daily to
military personnel, members of the civilian component, and their family members living
in Belgium.
Applicability: This pamphlet applies to United States (US) Servicemembers, civilian-
component employees, and family members stationed in Belgium who receive legal
support from the Northern Law Center.
Supplementation: Organizations will not supplement this pamphlet.
Records Management: Records created as a result of processes described by this
regulation must be identified, maintained, and disposed of according to AR 25-400-2.
Record titles and descriptions are available on the Army Records Information
Management System website at https://www.arims.army.mil.
Proponent: The proponent of this pamphlet is Headquarters, 21st Theater
Sustainment Command, Northern Law Center, Unit 21420, APO AE 09705, DSN 314-
423-4868 (Commercial +32 65.44.4868).
Suggested Improvements: Suggestions to improve this pamphlet must be sent on a
DA Form 2028 (Recommended Changes to Publications and Blank Forms) to USAG
BENELUX, ATTN: Admin Services Division, Unit 21419, APO AE 09708-1419, DSN
314-361-5617.
Distribution: Distribution of this publication is made IAW USAG BENELUX Reg 25-51,
Block D, plus 5 copies to the ASD. This publication can be downloaded from:
https://portal.eur.army.mil/sites/imcom-e/usag/benelux/dhr/Lists/USAG%20benelux%20Publications/AllItems.aspx.
1 May 2015 USAG BENELUX Pam 27-3
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction: Belgian Laws and
You,
page 1
Chapter One: Family Law
1-1 Marriage, page 2
1-2 Births, page 2
1-3 Adoption, page 3
1-4 Vaccination, page 3
1-5 Visa Requirements In Belgium For
Family Members, page 3
1-6 Divorce, page 4
1-7 Liability Of And For Minors, page 6
1-8 Deaths, page 6
Chapter Two: Leases
2-1 Leases Generally, page 7
2-2 Leasing Quarters, page 7
Chapter Three: Other
Contractual Matters
3-1 Basic Principles: Your Contracts,
page 11
3-2 Sales Contracts, page 11
3-3 Leasing Personal Property, page 12
3-4 Remedy For Defective Merchandise,
page 12
3-5 Binding Effect Of Purchase And
Service Orders, page 12
3-6 Repossession And Turnback of
Property, page 12
3-7 Independent Contractors, page 12
3-8 Insurance Contracts, page 13
3-9 Some Final Considerations, page 16
Chapter Four: Fiscal Matters
4-1 Customs And Value-Added Tax,
page 17
4-2 Road Tax, page 20
4-3 Local And Municipal Taxes, page 21
4-4 Income Taxes, page 21
Chapter Five: Administrative
Matters
5-1 Privately Owned Vehicles, page 22
5-2 Accident Reporting, page 24
5-3 Identification Documents, page 25
5-4 Change of Residence, page 25
5-5 Rationed Or Controlled Items,
page 26
5-6 Commissary And Post Exchange
Purchases, page 26
5-7 Running A Home-Based Business
Or Obtaining Off-Post Employment
In Belgium, page 27
5-8 Being A Good Neighbor, page 28
5-9 Liability for Animals, page 28
5-10 Organ Donation, page 29
5-11 Civilian Misconduct, page 29
5-12 Unauthorized Wireless Devices,
page 30
Chapter Six: Belgian Courts
6-1 Organization, page 32
6-2 Court Jurisdiction, page 33
6-3 Court Procedures, page 35
6-4 Police Reports (Procès Verbal),
page 35
6-5 Default Judgments, page 35
6-6 Execution of Judgments, page 36
6-7 Attachment Orders (Saisies
Conservatoires), page 37
6-8 Service of Court Process, page 37
6-9 Court Costs, page 37
6-10 Attorney Representation, page 38
6-11 Attorney Fees, page 38
6-12 English-speaking Attorneys,
page 38
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Chapter Seven: Belgian Criminal
Law and Procedure
7-1 Individual Rights, page 39
7-2 Rules of Detention And Arrest by
Belgian Authorities, page 40
7-3 Searches, page 40
7-4 Alcohol-Abuse Test And The Belgian
Traffic Code, page 41
7-5 Trial Safeguards, page 42
7-6 Trial In Abstentia, page 42
7-7 Confinement, page 43
7-8 Transactional Fines, page 43
7-9 The Belgian Traffic Code, page 43
7-10 What to Expect if You Violate
Belgian Law, page 46
Chapter Eight: Retirees
8-1 Retiring In Belgium, page 48
8-2 Retiree Council, page 48
Chapter Nine: Legal Assistance
9-1 Functions of the Legal Assistance
Office, page 50
9-2 Generally, page 50
9-3 Specific Services, page 51
9-4 Lawsuits In US Courts, page 54
9-5 Lawsuits In European Courts,
page 54
Contact Information, page 55
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Introduction
BELGIAN LAWS AND YOU
Bonjour et Bienvenue en Belgique! (Hello and welcome to Belgium!)
At the crossroads of Germanic and Latin cultures, Belgium has been a battlefield for
famous generals from Caesar to Marlborough to Wellington to Patton. This diverse
culture developed over nearly two millennia of occupation by Roman, Spanish, German,
Austrian, French, and Dutch forces.
Living in Belgium should be fun and exciting. Here you will find a different culture,
many interesting places to visit, and new people of many nationalities. You will
experience many differences from the familiar way of life you left in the United States.
One of the most important differences you may encounter is the Belgian legal system.
Fortunately, the everyday rules are not difficult. Taking a few minutes now to review the
information here may save you countless headaches and money later.
We have prepared this pamphlet on selected Belgian legal issues to provide basic
information on general legal matters that you may face daily. Please take the time to
familiarize yourself with its contents now and remember to refer to it later. As US
citizens and members of the Force, we enjoy the privileges and protections of the North
Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA). At the same
time, we are obligated to observe Belgian laws.
Of necessity, this information is general in nature and does not specifically address
all situations. Please keep this in mind as you review this pamphlet. Our general
treatment may not answer your specific questions, or your situation may involve
additional issues that are not completely covered. Please contact the Northern Law
Center, Legal Assistance Office, DSN 423-4868 or commercial (0)65.44.4868 to
schedule a consultation with a US Army Legal Assistance Attorney or a Belgian Legal
Advisor if you have questions or concerns that are not addressed in the pamphlet or if
you need legal advice.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this pamphlet is
meant to provide general information on personal legal
affairs and preventative law to members of the USAG
BENELUX community. The information here is NOT LEGAL
ADVICE. Please contact our office to see an attorney for
legal advice based on your specific legal matters.
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Chapter One
FAMILY LAW
1-1. Marriage.
a. Marriage is essentially a matter of contract and requires the capacity to
contract. All military personnel are subject to military regulations when marrying
overseas. Military personnel should consult their chain of command or servicing
personnel center to ensure applicable regulatory requirements are satisfied.
b. Whether a person has such capacity to contract, and therefore to marry,
depends upon one’s personal status. In Belgium, the law of the individual’s nation
determines personal status. For US citizens, you look to the law of the individual’s
domicile. The question of where a person is domiciled, however, is not always easily
answered – a Servicemember’s home of record is not necessarily his domicile. Doubts
about domicile and residency should be resolved with an attorney. For questions
pertaining to this matter, please call the Legal Assistance Office.
c. In Belgium, US personnel desiring to marry should consult the Legal Assistance
Office to obtain an information paper on the process. The individuals will be required to
submit to a medical examination, produce copies of birth certificates, certificates of
residence, certificates of legal freedom to marry, parental consent (if appropriate), and
other documents. Once all the documents have been compiled and translated, they
must be presented to the Civil Status Office in the commune (city hall) where the
marriage will occur. Military personnel at SHAPE (or elsewhere in Belgium) are
considered to reside in Mons. A civil ceremony will be held at the commune. A
religious ceremony, though not required, may be held after the civil ceremony.
1-2. Births.
a. Births of Americans in Belgium must be registered with the US Consulate and
at the commune of the town in which the birth took place within 15 calendar days of
the birth. Failure to register the birth with the commune is a violation of Belgian law and
could result in a criminal citation and fine. Late registration with the commune can
occur only after approval of the Belgian Court of First Instance (Tribunal de Première
Instance), which may refuse to allow the registration until a fine is paid. It is also
important to ensure that all names on the Belgian birth certificate are correct because
any changes will require court action to correct.
b. US Consulate registration is as important as the Belgian birth registration,
because, without it, questions can arise later as to the nationality of the child. Although
citizenship is not determined by registration with the US Consulate, registration is strong
evidence of citizenship. A child born to a US Servicemember in Belgium will be a
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natural US citizen. Registration with the US Consulate will provide proof of this
citizenship. The child will not be considered a citizen by Belgium, unless one of the
parents is a Belgian citizen. The United States does not recognize dual citizenship.
c. You can consult the SHAPE Healthcare Facility (Bldg 410, 423-5820) for
assistance on the steps needed to register a birth.
1-3. Adoption.
a. The Northern Law Center (NLC) provides only limited services with respect to
adoption – principally liaison work. No office of the US Forces may act as an adoption
agency or obtain children for adoption. Additionally, Belgian adoption agencies
frequently place applicants on waiting lists for several years before granting them
custody of a child.
b. No adoption in Belgium is automatic – it is the sovereign prerogative of the
Belgian courts to make the final decision as to whether any adoption is in a child's best
interests.
1-4. Vaccination. Unless exempted for good medical reasons, every newborn child
must be inoculated against poliomyelitis (better known as polio) before the age of 18
months. Proof of inoculation must be presented to the commune in which the child
resides. The failure to do so is a criminal infraction punishable by a maximum of one
month of confinement and/or a fine.
1-5. Visa Requirements In Belgium For Family Members.
a. Belgium is part of the Schengen Area, which is comprised of 26 European
countries, encompassing most, but not all of the European Union, that have abolished
passport and other types of border control along their common borders. All of the
countries in the Schengen Area have a common visa policy for foreign nationals
entering their territory.
b. Family members listed as dependents on a Servicemember’s orders can stay in
Belgium with the Servicemember for the duration of that Servicemember’s tour and will
be issued a no-fee passport prior to . For any family member of a Servicemember not
listed on orders, only a valid passport is required to enter Belgium legally, if the family
member is a citizen of the United States. These family members are permitted to stay
in Belgium using only their passport for 90 days during any 180-day period. Once a
family member exceeds the 90-day limit without an appropriate visa, he or she is in
Belgium illegally and could face fines and difficulties in obtaining visas to the Schengen
area in the future. If you would like for your family member to remain in Belgium for
longer than 90 days in any 180-day period, it is recommended that you contact the
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closest Belgian Consulate as soon as possible before the trip to arrange for a visa of the
appropriate length.
c. If the family member is not a citizen of the United States, then the family
member may be required to have a valid passport and a pre-issued visa. To check the
visa policies for citizens of specific countries, visit http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-
affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/visa-policy/index_en.htm. Be aware that
the visa policy for the Schengen Area can be affected by the type of passport (i.e.,
standard or biometric) used and that the list of countries that do not require a pre-issued
visa for entrance to the Area can potentially change on very short notice. If you have
questions about what is required for a family member or other person to visit you in
Belgium, especially if he or she is not a citizen of the United States or of a Schengen
Area member state, please contact the Legal Assistance Office for specific information.
1-6. Divorce.
a. It is generally not in the best interest of a US citizen to get a divorce in Belgium
if the parties have children or if they do not agree on all the terms of the divorce.
However, getting a divorce in Belgium might be a good option in the following two
scenarios:
(1) There is no alimony or child support at issue and both parties agree on
everything, including division of property.
(2) The parties are planning to stay in Europe for a long period of time after
the divorce.
b. There are two types of divorce in Belgium: divorce by mutual consent and
irreconcilable disunity.
(1) Mutual Consent. Divorce by mutual consent can be obtained when both
of the spouses show the desire to bring their marriage to an end. This is allowed only
when the couple has been married for at least two years and they have made provisions
for the determination of mutual accounts or property, each party's residence, care of
children and any relevant alimony arrangements.
(2) Irreconcilable Disunity. A divorce in Belgium can also be granted on the
basis of irreconcilable disunity. According to Belgian law, the grounds for a divorce on
this basis are related to de facto separation. This does not require the agreement of
both spouses. It may be imposed on one spouse by the other if they have been
separated for twelve months and there is no mutual agreement or for six months if there
is a mutual agreement.
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c. Divorce in Belgium has many effects on personal relations, the division of
property, the custody and support of children, and the obligation to pay alimony that are
different than in the US.
(1) Personal Relations. A divorce breaks the bond of marriage for the future.
Consequently, the ex-spouse may no longer use the name of the other. An exception to
this rule can be made in special conditions, such as a when one spouse has a business
or trade name.
(2) Division Of Property. Only the spouse obtaining the divorce is considered
the faulty party and, therefore, loses the right to any property that could be obtained
from the other spouse, such as rights to the other spouse’s pension or other earned
benefits.
(3) Children. Each of the spouses must contribute, in proportion to his or her
ability to do so, to the costs of housing, keeping, caring for, and providing education for
the children. This contribution is usually made in the form of maintenance, which is
fixed by a court. This contribution lasts until the children reach the age of majority,
which in Belgium is 18 years old, or, if their education is not complete at the time they
turn 18, until it has been completed.
(4) The Obligation To Pay Maintenance Or Alimony To The Other Spouse. If
the couple cannot agree on spousal maintenance, the court may grant the spouse who
has obtained the divorce an allowance from the other spouse's assets and income, the
total amount of which should allow the person to live under conditions equivalent to
those they had enjoyed while living together.
d. Petitions for divorce, separation or annulment in Belgium are filed with the judge
for the most recent conjugal residence or the defendant's domicile. The spouses must
introduce at trial court a petition with the details of their mutual agreement. The request
must be signed either by both spouses or by one spouse and a lawyer or notary. If the
spouses can prove that they have lived apart for more than six months, the divorce will
be granted. Otherwise they must appear again after an interval of three months.
e. In Belgium, it is possible to appeal against a decision concerning divorce,
separation or annulment. An appeal against a granting of divorce may be brought
within one month of the decision of the trial court to the court of appeal. However, once
a divorce has been granted it becomes final after one month, if no appeal is lodged.
f. Special issues are presented when there is a divorce between two spouses who
do not live in Belgium or who have different nationalities. If one spouse is not a Belgian
national, that spouse may still file a divorce petition in Belgium, but only if he or she has
lived in Belgium for at least one year before the filing. If one spouse now lives outside
Belgium, a petition should be filed in the country where the couple last lived together,
provided one spouse still lives there. Where a couple is filing a joint application this
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may be done in either of the countries where one of the spouses lives. If there is no
mutual agreement the spouse who files may do so in the country where the other
spouse is living. Alternatively, a petition may be filed in the country of which both
spouses are nationals.
g. It is important to remember that obtaining a divorce is not necessarily the end of
the process. A person seeking a divorce should also consider the consequences if one
party does not comply with the divorce decree and how the decree will likely be
enforced. If a divorce decree is issued by a US court, it will be easier to enforce it in the
United States than a Belgium court decision rendered in a foreign language, and vice
versa.
h. Depending upon individual circumstances, divorcing US citizens will usually find
it better to obtain a divorce from a court in the United States. Before filing for a divorce,
you should consult with a Legal Assistance Attorney or a Belgian Legal Advisor to
ensure that you are making the best decisions for your situation.
1-7. Liability Of And For Minors.
a. Capacity Of Minors To Contract. Whether or not a minor can enter into a
binding contract depends on the law of his or her home state. Even if the minor does
not have the capacity to enter into a contract under the law of his or her home state, the
contract may still be binding if the other party to the contract could reasonably assume
that the minor had the implicit consent of his or her guardian to enter into such a
contract (e.g., purchase of a book, of a sandwich, or of some clothing).
b. Civil Liability For Minors’ Torts Or Legal Wrongs. As a general rule, parents are
liable for the torts or legal wrongs of their minor children. Unless they can prove that at
the time of the commission of the tort another adult person had the responsibility for the
minor's actions (for instance, a teacher or grandparents), the parents will be liable. If
another person is responsible, it is that third party's personal negligence which a court
will consider to be the proximate cause of the tort. If your child is involved in an
accident of any kind, seek legal assistance immediately.
1-8. Deaths. Deaths must be registered at the local commune. Although failing to
do so is not a criminal infraction, the remains can neither be removed from the
commune in which the death took place nor be interred until the death has been
registered.
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Chapter Two
LEASES
2-1. Leases Generally. A lease is a contract in which the lessor (landlord or
owner) puts at the disposal of the lessee (tenant or customer) an item (e.g., house,
apartment, car, TV, etc.) for a specific period of time and the lessee agrees to make
periodic payments (usually rent) for the use of the item. While the parties may agree to
other terms and conditions, generally speaking, it is the obligation of the lessor to
provide the item in question for the specified period of time. The item must be in a
usable condition and must remain so for the duration of the contract. Conversely, the
lessee is obligated to make specified payments in a timely manner and use the property
in accordance with the terms of the lease. Further, the lessee must protect the
condition of the item and return it at the expiration of the lease in the same condition as
it was received, minus fair wear and tear.
2-2. Leasing Quarters. The USAG BENELUX Housing Office offers a standard
lease incorporating provisions that are closer to standard leases in the United States,
meaning that most of the provisions discussed below will not apply to leases obtained
through the Housing Office. The information contained in this section is primarily
intended for individuals choosing not to use the standard SHAPE lease, as well as to
explain some unique Belgian lease requirements.
a. Selected Features of Belgian Leases.
(1) Duration Of Leases. Property leases in Belgium normally last nine years.
A lease may also be made for a set period of time up to three years, in which case
termination is only possible with the consent of both parties. Under a typical Belgian
nine-year lease, termination is possible based on the following:
(a) The tenant may terminate a lease by giving three months' advance
notice to the landlord and payment of an indemnification equal to three, two, or one
month of rent, depending upon whether the termination occurs in the first, second, or
third year of the lease.
(b) The landlord may terminate the lease with six months' advance
notice if he or a member of his family wishes to occupy the premises. Landlords
desiring to do building work may also end the lease after three years or six years with
six months' advance notice. In addition, the landlord may terminate a lease after three
or six years, with six months' advance notice and payment of an indemnification
amounting to nine months’ rent, if the lease is terminated after three years, or six
months’ rent, if the lease is terminated after six years.
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(2) Lease Assistance. In most cases, the USAG BENELUX Housing Office
(Housing Office) (Bldg 209, 366-6387) will assist you with your lease. In negotiating
leases, be especially careful about the duration language of the lease. When entering
long-term leases, remember that events may occur which make continued residency
impossible (e.g., reassignment or death). When such events occur, you or your family
may be forced to break the lease and pay damages to the landlord. Conversely, in the
case of year-to-year leases, there is the danger that your landlord will not extend the
lease on the existing terms.
(3) Security Deposits. Most landlords will require from one to three months
rent as a deposit to cover possible damage to the premises during occupancy under the
lease. This deposit cannot be used as rent, so do not plan on paying the deposit and
using it for your last month’s rent. Under Belgian laws governing leaseholds, the tenant
must put a deposit in a bank account in which neither the landlord nor tenant have
access (a so-called blocked account). The tenant is entitled to any interest on the
account. Once blocked, the only way the tenant can draw upon or close the account is
with the signature of the landlord. An alternative to the blocked account is to have a
bank issue a letter guaranteeing against damages, meaning that in the event of damage
to the premises for which the tenant can be held liable, the bank pays the landlord (up
to a specified amount). To be released from such a guarantee, the tenant must furnish
the bank with a release from the landlord. Not every bank offers this service.
(4) Rent Indexing. The Belgian government controls rent indexing. Under no
circumstances should you, the tenant, accept a clause without understanding how and
when rent can be raised and whether the increase complies with governmental controls.
Contact the Housing Office for specific information on indexing.
(5) Inspection of the Premises. In the first month of the lease, a landlord may
conduct an inspection of the contents and condition of the premises. It is this
inspection, when matched against the condition of premises and its contents when the
lease is terminated, which supports or refutes claims for damages. Tenants should
therefore conduct the inspection very carefully. Note such things as cracked tiles,
windows, tubs, walls, stained surfaces, scratched floors, and chipped furniture. Rules
regarding inspections and the condition of the premises differ in Brussels and other
areas that are not near Mons, so consult with the Legal Assistance Office if you have
specific questions or concerns. Under Belgian law, there is a presumption that, in the
absence of an inspection, buildings under lease were received by tenants in the same
condition as when the tenants vacated them. If the landlord presents adequate
evidence to the contrary, the presumption fails. In most cases, a representative of the
Housing Office will conduct the inspection in privately-owned quarters.
(6) Sweeping Chimneys and Maintaining Central Heating. Most leases
require the tenant to sweep the chimneys annually. Even if the lease is silent on this
point, it is still a good practice to have the chimney swept annually. Chimneys used
solely as exhaust for central heating units can become a fire hazard when dirty. Keep a
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receipt for any chimney cleanings as it can be used as evidence of due care in the
event of fire. Belgian law requires that central heating systems be maintained annually.
(7) Charges For Services. Leases of apartments usually have a provision
dealing with charges associated with apartment living. These charges may be paid
monthly or periodically and cover the cost of a number of services common to all
tenants of a building (e.g., concierge service, garbage removal, cleaning hallways, etc.).
The payment can be significant and subject to periodic change. Every tenant should
understand fully what services are covered and whether the charge is subject to change
without consent.
b. Terminating Your Lease. Terminating a lease legally in Belgium is more
complicated than in the United States. As a general rule, the tenant customarily notifies
the landlord before the first calendar day of the month before the month the tenant
intends to terminate. For example, if the lease contract provides for a one month notice
requirement, to terminate on 1 November, you must notify your landlord no later than 30
September. If you do not notify the landlord by the first of the month, the notice will be
deemed to be effective only from 1 November, meaning you will owe the landlord rent
for the month of November. Tenants anticipating orders requiring a move in November,
therefore, should be prepared to notify the landlord before 30 September even though
they have not received orders by that date. If you fail to do so, and you notify late (e.g.,
on 3 October), you could be liable for an extra month of rent. For matters of proof,
you should give written notice by Belgian registered mail.
(1) Tenants who intend to notify the landlord without orders in hand have to
balance the risk of early termination against late termination. In other words, because
there are limits to the temporary living allowances (TLA) available upon reassignment
from SHAPE (10 days for US Servicemembers), tenants may find themselves staying in
a hotel without government reimbursement if they terminate their leases too early. That
means they will pay money out-of-pocket to stay in a hotel when they could have paid
their landlord less money out-of-pocket (i.e., an extra month of rent) to stay in their
rented accommodations. The best way to balance TLA entitlements and termination
dates is to discuss the problem with the landlord. Let the landlord know about the TLA
problem and ask if you can extend your lease – at the last minute, if necessary – until
ten days before the departure date listed on the orders. When doing this, you should
document any verbal agreement in writing, via letter, email, or text message and you
should do so in a language that your landlord understands.
(2) You should, for your own protection, specify in the lease that it shall
terminate upon reassignment, death of a family member, finding more adequate
premises, or other factors that may cause you to want to end your lease. To cover all
contingencies, of course, you may negotiate a lease granting the right to terminate at
any time for any reason. However, the chances of finding a landlord who will accept
such a lease in Belgium are extremely poor. At a minimum, insist upon a lease that
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terminates upon reassignment (even within Belgium) or death of a member of the
family. The standard SHAPE lease has such a provision.
c. Registering Your Lease. Belgian law provides that all written leases must be
registered. When registered, the private lease contract becomes a matter of public
record, protecting the interest of the tenant upon sale by the landlord. Unrecorded
leases are not binding upon new owners of the premises, meaning a lease could be
terminated suddenly upon the landlord’s sale of the property. Registering the lease is
the responsibility of the landlord, but you should confirm registration of the lease to
protect your interests. The expense of registering your lease may be reimbursable if
you receive a move-in housing allowance (MIHA). Be sure to check with the Housing
Office or Finance for specific information on whether MIHA will cover this expense.
d. Rent Refunds. Rents in Belgium are typically paid in advance. Tenants who
vacate the leased residence before the end of the month normally will not receive a
partial rent rebate even though the landlord rents the property to someone else. You
may, of course, occupy the premises until the end of the month. If you quit or
permanently leave the premises, however, your right to occupy under the lease is
extinguished and a refund is not normally available. Additionally, most Belgian leases
will require a full month of rent be paid for the first month, even if you only occupy the
residence for part of the month. Leases negotiated through the Housing Office, though,
usually include a clause that will require that the first and last months of rent will be
prorated.
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Chapter Three
OTHER CONTRACTUAL MATTERS
3-1. Basic Principles: Your Contracts.
a. A contract is a legally enforceable agreement between two or more competent
parties to do or to refrain from doing something. Forewarned is forearmed: Under
Belgian law, oral contracts are binding and enforceable to a much greater extent
than under US law. Exercise the utmost caution before making any oral
agreement with a Belgian businessman or contractor.
b. The expectations of the contracting parties, namely that each party will fulfill
their promise under the contract, is similar to those under US legal principles, but actual
enforcement of contracts in Belgium is not. More specifically, if one party does not
honor his or her obligations, the other party may not void the contract, but must seek
enforcement through a civil suit. Only after a judge decides that one party cannot fulfill
his contractual obligation may he authorize cancellation of the contract and allow
damages to compensate the innocent party for any resulting loss.
c. In general, the validity of a contract does not depend upon the use of any
particular form or document. In certain cases, just as in the United States, oral
contracts are valid and are generally more likely to be enforced in Belgium. Be aware,
however, that proving its existence, and more particularly its terms, will be very difficult
– perhaps impossible – without some writing setting out the agreement. Once a writing
evidencing the contract has been shown to exist, testimony that qualifies or modifies the
written terms of that document will seldom be admitted.
d. In contractual matters, ignorance of the laws, the language, or the meaning of
words is seldom an excuse for nonperformance. A rule of thumb should be that one
should not agree to the terms of a proposed contract, much less sign it, when there is
the slightest doubt as to the exact nature of the obligations involved. Resolve all doubts
with legal counsel prior to signing or agreeing to a contract. You may have the contract
reviewed at the Legal Assistance Office.
3-2. Sales Contracts. Although there are too many types of sales contracts to
cover here, be aware that your signature on an order form is legally binding. You may
have a right to cancel within seven days in exceptional circumstances, but you may also
be required to pay a substantial penalty to the seller for doing so. Additionally, no party
may cancel a sales contract without the agreement of the other contracting party. You
should consult with the Legal Assistance Office as soon as possible if you require
assistance with a sales contract.
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3-3. Leasing Personal Property.
a. Penalty Clause. You can lease virtually anything in Belgium (e.g., TVs, cars,
furniture, electrical appliances, etc.). The lease terms often vary as much as the nature
of the items themselves. You should, however, pay particular attention to the duration
of the lease and the conditions under which you may cancel the contract. It is quite
common, for example, to find a “penalty clause” which becomes effective should you
cancel the lease short of the full duration. Be certain you understand the nature of the
penalty, if any, before signing a lease. Furthermore, insist that your lease allows
cancellation before the scheduled termination date if you are reassigned.
b. Option To Purchase. Some commercial firms lease property and also grant the
lessee an option to buy (e.g., an automobile lease). Periodic payments under these
leases are usually applied to purchase price, but the lessee must take steps to exercise
the option. In such a case, be aware of the date by which you must make your election.
3-4. Remedy For Defective Merchandise. All sellers must deliver what they
promise. Unless a written guarantee covers the item sold, once you, the buyer, pay the
purchase price and accept delivery, the seller is not responsible for any noticeable
defect. Remember the maxim “caveat emptor” (buyer beware). Buyers must beware in
Belgium even more so than in the United States.
3-5. Binding Effect Of Purchase And Service Orders. A purchase or
service order is fully binding upon the buyer and, after acceptance of the order by the
seller, is also fully binding upon the seller. Because the seller usually prepares such
orders and uses pre-printed forms, the buyer is often disadvantaged by the terms of an
order. Often, the forms stipulate that the buyer will pay punitive damages if he does not
complete performance (i.e. pay for the order when agreed). The forms also usually
state that the seller is exculpated or forgiven for failures to perform (i.e. because of
undue delay of delivery, no matching color, etc.), meaning that a buyer may have little
or no recourse if the seller does not fully live up to the terms of the order. Read and
understand each form before signing.
3-6. Repossession And Turnback of Property. Some sales contracts have
a provision that the seller (or financing agent) retains a lien over any property until a
buyer pays in full. Such property may neither be sold nor exported without the
financier’s or seller’s consent. Sale or exportation before consent or completion of
performance (i.e., full payment) is a criminal offense.
3-7. Independent Contractors.
a. When contracting with an independent contractor (e.g., repairmen, mechanics,
plumbers, electricians, etc.), request an estimate (devis) before ordering the work.
Although very few contractors will commit themselves in advance (because they do not
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know exactly how much time will be spent on the work), the estimate may serve as a
foundation for a civil suit over an exaggerated bill.
b. Unless otherwise stated in the contract or purchase order, there is no specific
time requirement for the delivery of an item or the performance of a service by an
independent contractor. Normally, the keeper of an item to be repaired is responsible
for its loss, unless he can prove that the loss is due to someone else’s negligent act or
the contract exculpates him from such responsibility. Like a finance company, an
independent contractor has a lien over the items placed in his workshop for the payment
of his fees.
c. As for any dispute about the performance of a contract (e.g., inflated bill,
unsatisfactory work, etc.), the only remedy except mutual agreement on a settlement
between the parties is through a civil suit involving the Trade Court or a Justice of the
Peace.
3-8. Insurance Contracts. By its nature, an insurance contract is nothing more
than a wager. You bet that a specified event will occur, and the insurance company
bets that it will not. If you lose the bet (i.e., the event does not occur), you forfeit the
premium; the company does not refund it. If you win the bet and a loss occurs, the
insurance company must compensate or indemnify you and, potentially, third parties.
As always, pay particular attention to exceptions and situations which are excluded from
coverage. You should also know the duration of the contract and reasons for
cancellation. Covered below are several types of insurance policies:
a. Fire Insurance
.
(1) Occupant's Responsibilities. Although Belgian law does not require you
to have fire insurance, the great majority of leases require the tenant to insure the
premises against loss or damage due to fire. Indeed, in the absence of other proof,
Belgian law presumes that the occupant or tenant of a building is responsible for
damage by fire. In other words, it is often a contractual obligation to have fire
insurance.
(2) Amount Of Coverage. Whether furnished or unfurnished, quarters should
be insured against loss. When choosing the amount of coverage, remember these two
very important things:
(a) First, any insurance you buy for fire or water damage to the
premises usually covers only the landlord's property; you must buy additional insurance
(usually called renters’ insurance) to cover the replacement of your property within the
premises.
(b) Second, and often more important, you should purchase insurance
in an amount sufficient to reconstruct the property, rather than merely an amount equal
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to its market value. When a loss occurs, the landlord will expect you, the tenant, to
replace the home exactly as it was, for example, to replace the burnished wood floors,
the antique fireplaces, or whatever else it takes to create an exact replacement of what
was lost or damaged. The cost to replace can be substantially higher than the market
value of the premises. Failure to insure for the replacement value has the disastrous
consequence of leaving the tenant uninsured for the difference between replacement
and market value that can often be several hundred thousand euros. The problem can
be compounded further if the home has appreciated in value since the date of initial
coverage.
(3) Consider this cautionary tale of a US family living near SHAPE who
underinsured the rental house they were living in. They purchased insurance based on
the market value, €50,000, and not the replacement value of their house, €100,000.
When a loss occurred in their home due to fire, they breathed a sigh of relief when the
appraisers told them that the fire caused only €25,000 worth of damage. They assumed
that their insurance would cover the loss completely since they had a policy limit of
€50,000 and a loss of only €25,000. The insurance company disagreed, however.
Even though the family had a €50,000 policy-limit, the insurance company would pay
only a fraction of that amount to cover the loss. Because the family only insured one-
half (€50,000) of the €100,000 replacement cost of the home, the company would pay
for only half of the fire damage – €12,500. The family paid the additional €12,500 out of
their own pocket to repair the house.
(4) Combination Policies. Fire insurance policies are very often combined
with other types of insurance coverage (e.g., damage caused by water, storm,
explosion, theft, glass breakage, etc.). The policies can differ significantly from one
company to another. Pay close attention to the extent of the coverage and excluded
risks. Seek the advice of an attorney if you do not understand what the policy says.
b. Vehicle Insurance.
(1) Compulsory Insurance. Every vehicle owner must have unlimited
coverage against damage or injury to third parties. Members of the insured’s family
living under the same roof are considered third parties only if the insured entered an
extended insurance contract ("R.C. plus" or “civil liability plus”). Such additional
insurance became mandatory for all contracts on 1 January 1989, and usually costs an
additional three percent above the standard premium.
(2) Duration. Belgian vehicle insurance policies usually cover a one-year
term. To stop or cancel your insurance contract, you must send a registered letter to
the insurance company at least three months before the end of the coverage period.
Failure to do so will likely result in automatic renewal.
(3) Combination Policies. In addition to liability coverage, you may purchase
additional types of coverage (e.g., collision, comprehensive, and legal aid, etc.).
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Belgian companies calculate the premium for collision coverage using the “book value”
of the car. For minor damage, the insurance company will reimburse for necessary
repairs. Should the cost of repairs exceed the book value of the vehicle at the time of
the accident, the insurance company has the right to “total” the vehicle and pay only the
book value of the car. When taking out collision coverage on an older vehicle,
remember that its book value may be significantly lower than its replacement cost. If a
vehicle is financed, the financing agreement may require collision coverage without
regard to the age of the vehicle. Note that collision coverage does not have to be
written by the same company which writes the policy for liability coverage.
c. Personal Liability. Under both Belgian and US law, courts may order persons to
compensate others for personal injury or property damage caused by that person’s
negligence. Negligence is defined as failure to use the degree of care that a reasonable
and prudent person would display under the circumstances. In the past, for example,
courts have found the following to be negligent:
(1) Driving while intoxicated;
(2) Driving with bad tires;
(3) Driving without a valid driver’s license; and
(4) Driving a vehicle which has not passed or could not pass the Contrôle
Technique (CT) automobile inspection.
d. Head Of Household Policies.
(1) Family Insurance. Family insurance is a cheap form of comprehensive
coverage indemnifying third parties for damage or injury that a member, servant, or pet
of a household causes.
(2) Employee Insurance. Persons employing domestic servants must insure
those servants against injuries which occur as a result of employment. The scope of
coverage includes, but is not limited to, in-home accidents and accidents occurring
while en route to or departing from the home.
e. Recommendations Regarding Insurance.
(1) You should not sign any contract with an insurance company which
refuses to furnish a full and complete text of the policy before you sign the agreement.
(2) For your own protection, ensure that the following clauses are included in
any insurance contract:
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(a) Automatic termination of the policy upon departure from Belgium,
with reimbursement of a partial premium for unused insurance. Such reimbursement
should be without any withholding or extra charge for administrative costs.
(b) Automatic termination of the policy in case of a change in the risk
covered (e.g., sale of the car in case of automobile insurance, or change of residence in
case of fire insurance).
(3) If possible, purchase coverage on your residence from the same insurer
who covers the landlord.
3-9. Some Final Considerations.
a. Currency Fluctuations. Virtually all contractual arrangements made in Belgium
require payment in euros. In the absence of a contract provision to the contrary, any
fluctuation in the value of the dollar vis-à-vis the euro will not be cause for modification
or cancellation of the contract.
b. Signing Contracts. Signing contracts in an unknown language is foolhardy. If
the party with whom you deal is reputable, but unable to furnish a copy of the contract in
English, that seller should wait while you seek adequate legal counsel. If the seller
refuses to wait, take your business elsewhere!
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Chapter Four
FISCAL MATTERS
4-1. Customs and Taxes.
a. Household Goods And Personal Effects.
(1) Initial Importation. The NATO SOFA allows members of a force and its
civilian component duty-free importation of household goods and personal effects,
provided that the member or his or her dependents import those articles pursuant to
their initial arrival in Belgium. Were a dependent to arrive later than that of the member
(e.g., under non-concurrent travel orders), those items brought or shipped by the
dependent also enter duty free.
(2) Later Importation. While stationed in Belgium, members of a force or
civilian component may import items from another country. Whether this will be duty-
free or not depends upon the ultimate exportation of the items from Belgium and certain
formalities. Address specific questions to the SHAPE Customs/VAT Office, (Bldg 210,
366-6292 – US Community Services).
(4) Value-Added Tax (VAT). The VAT (which is also sometimes abbreviated
as TVA for its French spelling) is like a sales tax, except that it is factored into the the
cost of producing a product or service, instead of being added to the cost at the time of
sale. Except for some local purchases discussed below, purchases of goods and
services in Belgium are subject to VAT. The amount of VAT depends upon the item or
service. As a general rule, most items are taxed at 21% of their value, while the tax rate
at restaurants is 12%, and more essential items, such as foodstuffs, books,
pharmaceuticals, newspapers, and hotel accommodations, are taxed at a reduced rate
of 6.5% of their value. For the percentage applicable to the merchandise in question,
ask the merchant or a customs official.
(3) VAT Refunds. SHAPE members may be eligible for a refund of the VAT
they pay, but only for certain items. In broad terms, items exempted from VAT include:
durable goods such as furniture, bicycles, personal computers, lawn mowers, and
electrical appliances (e.g., microwaves, washing machines, dishwashers, etc.). Items
not exempted from VAT include non-durable products (e.g., food and drinks), items to
be installed in or on a house (e.g., flooring, sinks, alarm systems, kitchen cabinets, etc.),
leisure items (e.g., cell phones, musical instruments, sports equipment, cameras, etc.),
personal items (jewelry, clothing, beauty products, etc.), or services (e.g., hotel bills,
bank or notaire fees, cable bills, etc.). The full list of VAT exemptions can be found at
http://shape2day.com by clicking on Newcomers, Customs and VAT in Belgium, then
Exempted Goods. The SHAPE Customs/VAT Office (Bldg 210, 366-6292 – US
Community Services) also maintains a current list of VAT-free items. You should visit
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this office before making any major purchases that maybe VAT-exempt or if you have
any questions. VAT-exempt purchases are only for personal use. VAT-exempt
purchases must be exported from Belgium when you leave and you may not sell these
items in Belgium without paying the VAT to the Belgian authorities.
(4) Procedure For VAT Reimbursement. It is important to know how to
submit the forms to receive the appropriate refunds when eligible. To receive a VAT
refund for eligible exemptions, there is a specific procedure to follow. First, make sure to
get an invoice (une facture) issued to the sponsor when buying the item; a sales receipt
will not be accepted, and the invoice must include the VAT number, the store address,
and a description of the goods bought. Next, the VAT Form 151 (previously Form 1510)
must be filled out in the sponsor’s name. The form be found online at
http://shape2day.com/tva-vat.aspx. Note that the form will only be accepted if it is
printed as a two-sided document on a single page. Two original forms are needed, filled
in with the corresponding information from the invoice. The crucial piece of information
on the form is the VAT number, which is nine digits in Belgium. After completing this
documentation, take the two copies of the VAT form to be stamped, dated and signed
by the US National Military Representative (USNMR) or corresponding official. Next,
take the two stamped VAT forms, as well as the invoice, to the SHAPE Customs/VAT
Office (Bldg 210, Room 103 – US Community Services). That office will approve and
stamp the Form 151 and give the SHAPE member a sealed copy of the form. This
sealed form must be returned to the store where the purchase was made. The
merchant will then reimburse you for the VAT and keep the form. Be aware, though,
that SHAPE members do not qualify for exemptions during the last six months of
their stay. Also, the goods must be used in Belgium while the SHAPE member is living
in Belgium. Although this general procedure works most of the time, there are more
details, rules, and exceptions that could apply to your specific situation. Any questions
should be addressed to the SHAPE Customs/VAT Office.
b. Privately-Owned Vehicles (POV). The NATO SOFA, Article XI, expressly
authorizes members of a force or civilian component to import POVs duty-free into
Belgium on a temporary basis. As with household goods and personal effects, the duty-
free exemption is temporary, meaning that it is contingent upon your ultimate
exportation of the vehicle. Consequently, should you dispose of a POV imported under
this provision, you can expect to pay duty, depending upon the type of importation
document covering the POV and the status of the person to whom the POV is given,
traded, or sold. Before transferring ownership of any POV which entered Belgium duty-
free, consult the Vehicle Registration Office (Bldg 210, 423-4148). SHAPE members
may also, under some circumstances, purchase new cars exempt from VAT. Again,
consult the SHAPE Vehicle Registration Office for details.
c. Returning Residents.
(1) Nonsensitive Items. Persons who temporarily reside in Belgium, like
other residents, may import items (limited by number or value) into Belgium on a duty-
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free basis. Limitations depend upon the origin of the items in question. Items from
countries in the Schengen Area are duty-free during travel within this area, as long as
they were taxed when they were bought and are for personal use (i.e., not for any type
of resale or trade). As of the date of this publication, the 26 countries comprising the
Schengen Area are: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland,
France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg,
Malta, the Netherlands (Holland), Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain,
Sweden, and Switzerland. Note that the United Kingdom and Ireland are not members
of this area and operate their own customs regimes that are very different from the
system used in the Schengen Area.
(2) Sensitive Items. There are no limits on what private persons can buy and
take with them when they travel between Schengen Area countries, as long as the
products are for personal use and are not for resale. Taxes (VAT and excise) are
included in the price of the products in the Schengen Area country of purchase and no
further payment of taxes can be due in any other Schengen Area country. However,
special rules apply in the case of goods subject to excise duty, such as alcoholic
beverages and tobacco products. If a private person purchases such products in one
Schengen Area country and takes them to another, no excise duty has to be paid if the
goods are for personal use and transported by the person. Several factors are at play
when determining whether the items are for personal use; however, there are
presumptive limits, above which there is a presumption that the goods are not for
personal use. The presumptive limits for personal use for goods transported between
Schengen Area countries are contained in Table 4-1 on the next page. Items from non-
Schengen Area countries may be imported duty free by every individual who is 17 years
of age or older upon re-entry into Belgium, for personal use only, up to the quantities
indicated in Table 4-1.
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Selected Items
Presumptive Limits for
Personal Use within the
Shengen Area
From non-
Shengen
Countries
Tobacco Products*
Cigarettes
800
200
Cigarillos
400
100
Cigars
200
50
Pipe tobacco
1 kilogram
250 grams
*
Each of these amounts represents 100% of the total allowance for tobacco products
and any combination of those products must not exceed 100% of the allowance in the
aggregate. E.g., 100 cigarettes + 50 cigarillos = 100% of the allowance for a person
entering from a non-Shengen country
Alcoholic Beverages**
Distilled/spirituous beverages
exceeding an alcohol content of
22%
10 liters
1 liter
Distilled/spirituous beverages
with an alcohol content of 22%
or less, sparkling wines, and
liquor
20 liters
2 liters
Wines (still)
90 liters
4 liters
Beer
110 liters
16 liters
**Each of these amounts represents 100% of the total allowance for alcoholic
beverages and any combination of those products must not exceed 100% of the
allowance in the aggregate. E.g., 2 liters of wine + 8 liters of beer = 100% of the
allowance for a person entering from a non-Shengen country.
Fuel
Contained in any means of
motor transport
95 milliliters
The fuel contained
in a standard fuel
tank of a vehicle
Contained in a portable
container
0.375 liter
10 liters
Other Goods (including perfume, coffee, tea, electronic devices, etc.)
Air and sea travelers
n/a
€430
Other travelers
n/a
€300
Table 4-1
4-2. Road Tax. The NATO SOFA has no exemption from road taxes, but an
agreement between SHAPE and the Belgian Government exempts members of SHAPE
from the road tax on one vehicle if it is properly registered. All other vehicles are taxed
regardless of registration. Such tax, if due, is based upon the CV rating of the vehicle,
which is calculated using the horsepower rating and engine size of a vehicle. If you own
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two or more cars while in Belgium, you will receive an exemption from the road tax for
the vehicle that would be taxed at the higher rate, regardless of the order in which the
vehicles were purchased or registered.
4-3. Local And Municipal Taxes.
a. The NATO Status of Forces Agreement exempts US military and most civilian-
component personnel from Belgian income taxes (see paragraph 4-4 for more
information). The same treaty exempts personal property of US personnel (such as
radios, televisions, and satellite dishes) from taxation. If you receive a tax statement
from the Administration des Impôts sur les Revenus (the Belgian counterpart of the
Internal Revenue Service), the Directeur des Radio/Television Redevances (Radio and
Television Tax Office), or the Deputation Permanente du Conseil Provincial du Hainaut
(Satellite Tax Office) requesting that you pay taxes, you should visit the Central
Processing Facility and request that a tax-exemption letter be prepared for you. This
letter will remind the relevant office that under the NATO Status of Forces Agreement,
US Servicemembers and civilian-component personnel are exempt from these taxes.
b. On the other hand, US personnel are obligated to pay certain county and
municipal fees for services. A few examples of these include fees for Enlevement des
Immondices (garbage pickup), Tri de Dechets/Recyclage (fee for processing recycled
waste) and Egouttage (sewage/wastewater removal). If you have any questions
regarding whether you are obligated to pay a fee, contact the Housing Office or the
Legal Assistance Office for advice. Above all, do not simply ignore bills that arrive
in the mail. Failure to address the issue could lead to fines and penalties as well
as seizure of your personal property by a court bailiff.
4-4. Income Taxes. Under the NATO SOFA, pay and salary received from the US
Government by Servicemembers and DoD civilian employees stationed in Belgium are
not subject to Belgian income tax. Income derived from the following sources, however,
is subject to Belgian taxation: any employment on the local economy, self-employment
(even if goods or services are provided only to US personnel), and employment with US
employers in Belgium (other than the US Government or one of its agencies or
instrumentalities, or a US contractor with NATO SOFA status).
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Chapter Five
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
5-1. Privately Owned Vehicles. Once again, status has a considerable effect on
rules and regulations which apply to POVs. Persons at SHAPE have certain privileges
not available to other US personnel stationed in Europe. Most of these provisions apply
to SHAPE members only, and not to retirees or US embassy personnel.
a. Registration. Every SHAPE member must present an application accompanied
by proof of membership at SHAPE, proof of vehicle ownership, and proof of valid
insurance to register a POV at SHAPE. Additionally, if a vehicle is more than three
years old, it will need to be inspected by a Controle Technique and have a certificate
issued that it has passed inspection prior to registration.
b. Customs Documents. Under the NATO SOFA and SHAPE-Belgium
agreements, members of SHAPE may import their vehicles for personal use into
Belgium without paying import duties (see paragraph 4-1b above). Contact the SHAPE
Customs/VAT Office (Bldg 203, Room 103, 366-6292) for the most current details.
c. Driver's License. To operate a SHAPE-registered vehicle, the operator must be
in possession of a SHAPE driver’s license. This license is valid only in Belgium.
Therefore, individuals wishing to drive in other European countries must also get a
Belgian driver’s license or International Driver’s Permit (IDP) (see paragraph 5-1c(4) for
more information).
(1) Two US/Belgian agreements govern SHAPE driver’s licenses for SHAPE
members and their families. One agreement (an exchange of notes between the United
States and Belgium) allows US citizens temporarily residing in Belgium to drive with a
license issued by any state in the United States. The term “temporarily residing” is,
however, somewhat restrictive. Persons residing in Belgium who possess Belgian
identity cards are not temporary residents if they have been in the country at least six
months. Therefore, it is especially important for all dependents and civilian-component
members to obtain their SHAPE driver’s licenses prior to being in Belgium for six
months. Failure to obtain a SHAPE driver’s license by that time may result in a
challenge of the US license by Belgian police authorities.
(2) Permanent residents (those not covered by the SOFA) should obtain a
SHAPE or Belgian license. Pursuant to the Geneva Conventions (to which both the
United States and Belgium are signatories), individuals may obtain a Belgian license by
presenting a valid US license at the appropriate commune (city hall), paying the
appropriate fee, and passing a test.
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(3) In the event that members of SHAPE or family members do not possess
a valid US license, they must undergo driver training before the Belgian Government will
issue them licenses. Such training includes both a written and road test.
(4) Members of SHAPE wishing to drive in other countries may obtain an
International Driver’s Permit (IDP). If you did not obtain an International Driver’s
License prior to departing the United States, you can visit the Driver’s Testing Division
(Bldg 220, 366-6603) to obtain information on where and how to obtain an IDP through
a Belgian issuer. This office will also assist you in filling out the necessary paperwork.
The cost for an IDP is currently €21 and most IDPs are issued within a week from the
time the application is submitted. Applicants should be prepared to present a valid US
driver’s license and a passport-size photograph. An IDP is recognized or honored in all
EU nations. If traveling outside of the EU, you should consult with the Northern Law
Center or the US Embassy in the country you are visiting to see if an IDP is valid for
driving in that country. Remember, an IDP is just a translation of your US driver’s
license and is not valid for driving without possession of your US driver’s license.
d. POV Technical Inspection. All SHAPE-registered vehicles more than three
years old must pass Controle Technique annually. In order to determine the age of your
vehicle, look at the registration document, and you will find the date the vehicle was first
registered. If you have difficulty understanding your registration document, bring it to
the Vehicle Registration Office (VRO) (Bldg 210, 423-4148) for assistance.
(1) A technical inspection must also precede the sale of any used car in
Belgium, including SHAPE-registered vehicles. The seller is responsible for conducting
the inspection, which is valid for two months. When buying a used car, pay nothing until
a current certificate showing successful completion of technical inspection is produced.
If a car does not pass the technical inspection after a person has purchased a car, this
is generally not grounds for rescinding the sale.
(2) Any POV which has undergone substantial modification or alteration or
has undergone repairs to the chassis, steering, brakes, or suspension due to a traffic
accident must be re-inspected prior to being operated on public roads. In the event that
your vehicle requires such repair, be sure to conduct the inspection before operating the
vehicle. Failure to do so subjects the owner to a substantial fine.
e. Safety Equipment. All POVs now registered under the Belgian or SHAPE
system must have the following safety equipment:
(1) Warning triangle;
(2) First-aid kit;
(3) Seat belts;
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(4) Fire extinguisher marked "Benor"; and
(5) A reflective safety vest for all occupants of the vehicle to be worn for
visibility in case of accident or breakdown.
f. POV Export. Whether the export of the POV is to another European country or
the United States, the POV owner must clear the SHAPE Vehicle Registration Office
(VRO) (Bldg 210, 423-4148), located in the Central Processing Facility. Belgian license
plates may be retained until the owner registers the car elsewhere, at which time the
owner must destroy the Belgian license plates and return the registration certificate
(carte grise) to the VRO. At the border (in case of export by land) or through shipping
agencies (in case of export by sea or air), the owner must also clear with the customs
officials. Failure to clear either VRO or customs officials will result in a substantial
penalty.
g. POV Theft Or Destruction In Belgium. In order to avoid being assessed
customs duties and fines, immediately report the theft of a POV to the Belgian
police and to the insurance company. When SHAPE members have their POVs
stolen or destroyed, they may be responsible for customs duties. The rationale behind
this seemingly harsh rule is that there is little or no proof that the owner did not export
the POV from Belgium. The lack of proof gives rise to suspicion and possible demand
for payment of customs duties. Naturally, in cases of destruction by force or accident,
the remains of the POV would be available to show that its value is essentially zero,
which could result in no assessment of duties. Conversely, in the case of a reported
theft, there is no proof that the POV was not removed from Belgium. In that case,
liability for duties can be avoided only if the theft is promptly reported to the Belgian
police. At the same time, the insurance company should be notified and supplied with a
copy of the complaint (plainte) made in conjunction with the Belgian police.
h. Sale Of POV As Junk Or Scrap Metal. The sale in Belgium of a POV as junk
requires the clearance of the customs document, the BENELUX Form 4, and the return
of the vehicle registration (carte grise).
i. International Identification Symbol. International law requires that POVs
operated in countries other than the country of registration bear a symbol on the back of
the POV showing the country of registration. For Belgium the symbol is a black "B" on a
white oval disc. However, current license plates issued at SHAPE have a “B” affixed, so
no additional sticker is required. Should you wish to drive outside Belgium after your
POV has been delivered from the United States but before your SHAPE plates have
been issued, you must affix a decal or sticker bearing the letters "USA" to the rear of
your vehicle.
5-2. Accident Reporting. The Judge Advocate Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the
Northern Law Center serves as liaison between the United States Representative for
Belgium (Commander, USAG BENELUX) and the Belgian judicial authorities. In that
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capacity, the OIC makes requests for waiver of criminal jurisdiction for all accidents
involving US personnel in Belgium. Accordingly, the Northern Law Center must be
aware of any and all accidents. In addition to any reporting requirements set forth by
SHAPE, any US person attached to SHAPE must file Form 550-50-A-R with the NATO
SOFA Branch Civil and International Law Division, Northern Law Center (Bldg 318, 423-
5480). Failure to notify the Northern Law Center may result in the Belgian authorities
investigating the accident, which sometimes works to the detriment of those involved.
Refer any questions on this matter to the Chief, International Law Division, Northern
Law Center (Bldg 318, 423-5480).
5-3. Identification Documents.
a. Military Personnel. While stationed in Belgium and subject to the NATO SOFA,
military personnel must have a valid US military identification card and must carry it at
all times. This identification card must be presented to host-country authorities upon
demand. Military regulations require that Servicemembers possess a pass, border-
crossing document, or similar military document, such as TDY orders, to cross any
international border. Within most of Europe (not including the United Kingdom or
Ireland), your military identification card is often sufficient for travel, but you should
travel with both your passport and military identification any time you are traveling
outside of Belgium. At a minimum, a US passport (and perhaps a visa) is required to
travel to a non-NATO country. A passport is also required to enter the United Kingdom
and Ireland when in a leave status because those countries are not members of the
Schengen Area and they have a customs and immigration regime different from the
Schengen Area countries.
b. Family Members And DoD Civilians. In addition to possessing a passport, all
dependents and DoD civilians must obtain a Belgian Identification Card (Carte d'Identité
du Protocol) while residing in Belgium. This card is normally valid for two years. There
are exceptions, however, which may result in a card being valid for three or five years.
US personnel at NATO, who are supported by the US Embassy, should seek renewals
of these identification cards through the US Embassy. US personnel at SHAPE may
seek renewals from the Belgian Police (Bldg 210, 423-5165). All personnel must
surrender their Belgian identification card immediately before departure from Belgium.
Each sponsor is responsible for surrendering cards that his or her family members hold.
Any cost of of obtaining the card may be reimbursed when settling the Permanent
Change of Station move as a miscellaneous dependent expense, but usually no fee is
involved. Contact the Finance Office (Bldg 212, 423-4687) for more information about
this reimbursement.
5-4. Change Of Residence. Under most circumstances, US civilian-component
personnel or military family members who change their place of residence in Belgium
must notify the Belgian Police at SHAPE (Bldg 210, 423-5165) and the local commune
of that change. Here are three situations requiring some action or notification:
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a. Belgian Identification Card. When US civilian-component personnel or military
family members hold a Belgian identification card, every change of residence must be
shown on the card. The failure to have a card showing a current address can result in a
fine ranging up to €250, in accordance with Belgian law.
b. Notifications To Losing And Gaining Communes. When US civilian-component
personnel or military family members hold a Belgian Identification Card and move from
one local municipality or city to another within Belgium, they must notify the first local
municipality or city and request that their name be removed from the local registry. This
must be done within eight days of the change, or the US civilian-component personnel
or military family members may be subject to a fine in accordance with Belgian law.
The first municipality or city will then instruct the US civilian-component personnel or
military family members to notify the gaining municipality or city of the change. On
occasion, the municipality or city will notify the gaining municipality or city of the change
of residence. In addition, if the US civilian-component personnel or military family
members fail to notify the losing municipality or city of the change, they may be subject
to the payment of several residential fees such as garbage fees and certain utility
charges. On occasion, the municipality or city will hire a property bailiff to collect from
the US civilian-component personnel or military family members payment of delinquent
fees and taxes. The US civilian-component personnel or military family members will be
liable for the bailiff’s fees as well, and they can be quite expensive. Failure to pay these
fees could result in the bailiff forcibly inventorying and levying the property of US
civilian-component personnel or military family members.
c. Belgian POV Registration (carte grise). Each Belgian vehicle registration must
show the current address of the owner. In the event that a vehicle's owner changes
residence without obtaining a corrected registration card, that owner may be liable for a
fine of €125. A corrected registration card is not necessary when the address shown on
the carte grise is SHAPE or NATO, which is normally the case for vehicle registration of
military personnel. In that instance, the Servicemember's official address continues to
be SHAPE or NATO without regard to the actual place of residence.
5-5. Rationed Or Controlled Items. All rationed items, such as alcohol, tobacco,
and gasoline, are for the personal use of the person entitled to the ration and that
person’s family. The sale or gift of such items can result in the suspension or
revocation of privileges, the imposition of a fine, and/or other criminal
punishment.
5-6. Commissary And Post Exchange Purchases.
a. The sale or gift of purchases to persons not entitled to commissary or post
exchange privileges is prohibited, with very few exceptions, by regulation. In the case
of military personnel, a violation of any of these regulations may result in disciplinary
action under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, as well as suspension or revocation
of commissary and exchange privileges. Violations by Department of Defense civilians
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could subject them to disciplinary action authorized under pertinent military regulations
and civilian misconduct regulations, such as the suspension or revocation of privileges.
In addition, all personnel are subject to Belgian criminal prosecution.
b. Exchange patrons are allowed to sell or give purchases to persons not
authorized to make exchange purchases if they consume the items in the home of the
authorized patron. Additionally, exchange patrons are specifically authorized to give, as
bona fide gifts, exchange purchases to anyone authorized exchange privileges and to
persons not authorized exchange privileges, provided that such persons reside in the
United States. No regulation authorizes the gift of exchange purchases to Belgian
nationals. Gifts to local nationals may result in criminal prosecution by the Belgian or
US governments.
5-7. Running A Home-Based Business Or Obtaining Off-Post
Employment In Belgium
a. The Effect On SOFA Status. In any military community, spouses and family
members may want to run a small business from their home or may want to take a job
that is not associated with the US Government or its instrumentalities. In Belgium, there
is no bilateral SOFA or supplemental agreement to the NATO SOFA, like there is in
Germany. Article II of the NATO SOFA requires US personnel to respect host nation
law and Article X, paragraph 2, of the NATO SOFA provides that any profitable
enterprise will be subject to taxation in the receiving state. Additionally, Article XI,
paragraph 7, of the NATO SOFA establishes that no customs exemption will be granted
for a commercial activity. The result of this is that US personnel cannot have both
NATO SOFA status and be engaged in a commercial activity, whether that activity
involves a home business or local off-post non-US Government-related employment. It
also does not matter if the business takes place in US-owned/leased housing or in
privately-leased housing or buildings. US dependents engaging in a commercial activity
lose their NATO SOFA status and are immediately treated as an ordinary resident of
Belgium. Please note that dependents will still retain most privileges as those privileges
come from a sponsor and not from SOFA status.
b. Consequences Of Running A Home Business Or Obtaining Off-Post
Employment. If you decide to run a home business or engage in off-post employment,
and lose your SOFA status, this will result in losing many of the exemptions from
taxation that are enjoyed under the SOFA.
(1) Your home business or employment wages will be subject to all Belgian
and other local taxes, as well as any Belgian regulations and requirements.
(2) You will be subject to visa and work-permit requirements under Belgian
law. You also will lose your Belgian Protocol Identification Card and you will have to
apply for a Resident Belgian Identification Card at your local commune (city hall).
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(3) You will not eligible to take a job with the US Forces in Belgium (i.e.,
AAFES, the commissary, USAG BENELUX etc.)
c. Helpful Resources. If you or your spouse are thinking of starting a home
business here in Belgium be sure and review the costs and benefits of running that
business before starting it. The resources provided below can be helpful in answering
many of your questions.
(1) American Chamber of Commerce in Belgium: www.amcham.be. This
organization assists people starting a business activity in Belgium.
(2) SHAPE Customs/VAT Office (Bldg 210, 366-6292).
(3) The Northern Law Center Belgian legal advisor can provide basic
information concerning visa and work permit issues, and offer referral information for the
appropriate consulate.
(4) For forms and other information on working in Belgium contact the
Belgian Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Office at www.diplobel.be.
Click on travel for forms and other useful documents.
5-8. Being A Good Neighbor. Each community has its own laws, customs, and
unwritten rules which may sometimes appear strange or irrational to a foreigner, but
which are in fact well-founded and adapted to the conditions of the life of the community
they govern. Some of the more common rules in Belgium are:
a. No noise after 2200 hours. After 2200 hours, all persons should lower the
volume of any radio or television. If a party is planned, notify neighbors in advance.
b. Cut thistles before the flowering season.
c. Keep dogs under control; be sure to acquire adequate family insurance
coverage for the damage they can cause if loose (see paragraph 5-9 below).
d. Do not mow your grass or perform other loud yard work on Sundays.
e. Keep the sidewalks around your home swept and clear of debris.
f. Never be afraid of the language barrier. Belgians appreciate your efforts to
speak French or Flemish, even if you are far from fluent.
5-9. Liability For Animals. Owners of animals are responsible for the damage
that their animals do. As is the rule for children, the owner remains responsible for his
pet’s actions unless he or she can prove that, at the time the damage occurred, the
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animal was under the control of another person (e.g., dog trainer, kennel helper, etc.).
Negligence of the victim, however, may exculpate the animal owner or keeper.
5-10. Organ Donation. In Belgium, the organs of individuals who die are
automatically available as donations for persons needing transplants, unless the
potential donor files a written protest with the commune where he or she is registered.
All persons registered in a community for at least six months, including civilian
employees and family members of Servicemembers and civilian employees stationed in
Belgium, are viewed as potential organ donors. Servicemembers on active duty in
Belgium are not potential donors, because they are not registered in a community. To
file an objection to the automatic donation of your organs, you must complete an
objection form, which is available from the Northern Law Center with an English
translation, and file it in the community in which you are registered. Parents may file
objection forms on behalf of their minor children. SHAPE members registered in the
Mons area may file objection forms with the SHAPE Police. Another way of opting out
is by utilizing a living will, also known as an advanced medical directive, that directs that
your organs not be used for transplant purposes. In this case, copies of your living will
should be filed with your medical records and at any nearby hospitals where you could
be treated in case of an emergency. Even if you have a living will, it is a good idea to
file a protest with your local commune if you do not wish to be an organ donor.
5-11. Civilian Misconduct.
a. AE Regulation 27-9, Misconduct by Civilians, establishes policy and procedures
for taking administrative action for misconduct by civilians eligible to receive individual
logistic support and by other persons seeking access to facilities operated by the United
States.
b. Civilians receive individual logistic support on condition of good behavior.
Individual logistic support may be suspended or revoked when civilians commit
misconduct.
c. The Commander, USAREUR, has delegated authority to the Civilian
Misconduct Action Authority (CMAA) to determine appropriate administrative action. (In
peacetime, Belgian authorities exercise exclusive criminal jurisdiction over US civilians
in Belgium for criminal offenses. See paragraph 6-2d(4).) The Deputy to the Garrison
Commander, USAG BENELUX, is the CMAA for Belgium and has further delegated
authority to the Deputy Garrison Manager in Brussels.
d. The CMAA reviews civilian misconduct matters such as shoplifting, fighting, and
any conduct which violates Belgian law, the United States Code, or the rules,
regulations, and directives of military authorities to determine what, if any, administrative
action is appropriate under the circumstances.
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e. The CMAA has broad discretion and may decide to take no administrative
action or impose administrative suspension or revocation of specific privileges. For
example, privileges to the Post Exchange, commissary, or other facilities may be
suspended for abuse or other misconduct in these facilities. In serious cases, the
CMAA may seek withdrawal of command sponsorship and early return of family
members.
f. Before imposing adverse administrative measures such as suspension or
revocation of privileges, the CMAA will notify the accused individual of the intended
administrative action, summarize the facts on which the action is based, afford the
accused individual an opportunity to examine the supporting documentation, and
provide the accused offender an opportunity to respond orally or in writing to the CMAA
within three working days. Oral counseling or letters of warning may be given without
advance notice.
5-12. Unauthorized Wireless Devices. Not all wireless electronics from the
United States are authorized for use in Belgium. Frequencies between 49 and 50 MHz,
between 900-960 MHz, and at 1900 MHz are banned for private use in Belgium. Often
baby monitors, wireless home phones, and speakers from the United States operate on
these frequencies. The Belgian Frequency Management Department actively monitors
frequency disruptions and may come to your house if interference on these frequencies
is detected.
a. Wireless Device Symbols. You can check your wireless devices for compliance
with Belgian regulations by looking for the following symbols:
(1) Permitted in Belgium.
(2) Check operating frequency to see if the device operates at one of
the unauthorized frequencies.
(3) Restricted device (permitted in Belgium).
b. Penalties. Penalties for operating unauthorized wireless devices can include
the following:
(1) Confiscation of the wireless devices;
(2) A fine ranging from €50 to €5,000; and/or
(3) Confinement of up to one year.
c. What To Expect If You Operate Unauthorized Devices. If unauthorized
transmissions are detected at your home, you will be visited by agents of the Belgian
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Institute of Postal Services and Telecommunications (BIPT). They will come to your
door in civilian clothes and ask to confiscate any unauthorized wireless devices. You
should not let them in until you can verify their identity. You can do this by contacting
the Military Police Desk at 423-3334. Remember, though, you are subject to Belgian
laws and you should follow the instructions of the Military Police or local Belgian police.
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Chapter Six
BELGIAN COURTS
The Belgian court system is in many respects not dissimilar to our own. It consists
of administrative courts, judicial courts, and military courts. In this chapter, we focus on
the judicial courts because you will more likely have contact with them than you will with
the administrative or military courts.
6-1. Organization.
a. The highest Belgian court is the Supreme Court (Cour de Cassation). Although
it does not exercise constitutional control over the laws that the Parliament passes, it is
roughly equivalent to the United States Supreme Court. The Belgian Supreme Court
does not try cases; it reviews judgments of lower courts for legal errors. The Belgian
Supreme Court has three chambers, each including two sections. The first chamber
hears civilian and commercial cases, the second hears criminal cases, and the third
hears labor matters.
b. The Belgian judicial system is further divided into five geographic areas:
Brussels, Antwerp, Gent, Liège, and Mons. Each geographic area has one Court of
Appeal (Cour d'Appel) and one Labor Court of Appeal (Cour du Travail). Unlike our
Federal Courts of Appeal, the Belgian Courts of Appeal retry all cases de novo; that is
they rehear and consider cases in their entirety that the lower courts have already tried
without any deference to the lower court’s decision. Each court has civil, criminal, and
youth chambers. The Labor Court of Appeals hears only appeals of judgments
rendered by lower labor courts.
c. The jurisdictional area of each Court of Appeals is, in turn, divided into a
number of lesser judicial districts, that division depending on the size and population of
the area covered. Belgium has 26 districts, each with one Court of First Instance
(Tribunal de Premiere Instance), one Labor Court (Tribunal du Travail) for labor
disputes, and one Trade Court (Tribunal de Commerce) for commercial disputes. In
addition, an District Court (Tribunal d'Arrondissement), composed of the Presidents of
the First Instance Court, Labor Court, and Trade Court, decides which court will hear
cases that do not fit precisely within the competence of any one court.
d. The Court of First Instance has one or more civil chambers, correctional
chambers, and youth chambers. Each Chamber serves as an appellate court for
judgments rendered by Justices of the Peace (Justice de Paix) and Police Courts
(Tribunal de Police). It hears cases de novo.
e. Each judicial district is further divided into several cantons, that division again
depending upon the size and population of the district. Each judicial canton has one
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Justice of the Peace (Justice de Paix). Some, depending on population, possess their
own Police Court (Tribunal de Police). Others have a single judge who hears both
civilian and minor criminal matters.
6-2. Court Jurisdiction.
a. Criminal Matters.
(1) Police Court. This court has jurisdiction over minor criminal offenses
which are punishable by a maximum sentence of seven days confinement and a €125
fine. Trials in this court are without jury and involve trial by a single judge. A Police
Court has special jurisdiction for all traffic violations, including speeding tickets.
Decisions heard in a Police Court must be appealed to the Correctional Court, which is
a chamber of the Court of First Instance.
(2) Correctional Court. This court has jurisdiction over criminal offenses
which are punishable by a maximum sentence of five years confinement (in exceptional
cases, 10 years). Trials in this court are also without jury; either a single judge or a
panel of three judges, depending upon the nature of the offense to be tried, will decide
issues of both fact and law. An appeal from a decision rendered by this court must be
taken before the Court of Appeal.
(3) Court Of Assizes. This court has non-permanent special jurisdiction for
the trial of criminal offenses punishable by more than five years confinement. This is
the only Belgian court with a jury. Only matters of law, not of fact, are subject to appeal
from these courts, and then, only to the Supreme Court.
(4) Supreme Court. This is the highest appellate court in Belgium. It reviews
only questions concerning the application of the law; it does not retry cases on the facts.
b. Civil Matters.
(1) Justice Of the Peace. This justice has jurisdiction over civil disputes for
which the amount in litigation does not exceed €1,850, or involving matters such as
disputes between lessors and lessees, farm leases, and ownership of property, without
regard to the amount of money involved.
(2) Court Of First Instance. This court has primary jurisdiction over civil
disputes which are outside the competence of the Justice of the Peace and has
appellate jurisdiction over cases tried by the Justice of the Peace.
(3) Court Of Appeal. This court hears appeals from the decisions that the
Court of First Instance renders.
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(4) Supreme Court. As the supreme appellate court, it is the highest and
final level of appeal from decisions rendered by lower courts in Belgium.
c. Selected Other Courts.
(1) Labor Court And Labor Court Of Appeal. These courts exercise exclusive
jurisdiction in all cases involving disputes between employees and employers, and other
labor problems, such as disputes over social security rights and obligations such as
workers’ compensation and unemployment compensation.
(2) Commercial Courts. These courts exercise jurisdiction in cases involving
disputes between or against tradesmen in matters relating to their businesses when the
amount in controversy exceeds €1,850, or in matters such as bankruptcy. Appellate
jurisdiction over these courts rests with the Court of Appeal.
(3) Youth Courts. These special chambers of the Court of First Instance
exercise exclusive jurisdiction for criminal matters involving children, Belgian or foreign,
who were under the age of 18 at the time of the offense. (In cases involving minor
children between 16 and 18, however, the Youth Court may refer the case to an
appropriate adult criminal court.) In the exercise of such jurisdiction, the Youth Court
imposes only appropriate corrective measures, not criminal sanctions. In making its
decision, the Court considers the gravity of the offense, the age of the minor, and all the
circumstances surrounding the case. The Youth Court is also competent to handle
matters related to the protection of minors (e.g., abandoned children, mistreated
children, adoption, etc.).
d. Belgian And United States Criminal Jurisdiction Over US Military And Civilian
Personnel.
(1) The NATO Status of Forces Agreement defines the legal status of US
military personnel serving or stationed in Belgium. If a US Servicemember commits a
criminal offense, it will fall into one of these categories:
(a) Exclusive US Jurisdiction. This category includes any offense that is
a violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, but not of Belgian law (e.g., absence
without leave, disobeying a lawful order, etc.).
(b) Exclusive Belgian Jurisdiction. This category includes any offense
that is a violation of Belgian law, but not of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (e.g.,
most traffic or parking offenses, violation of Belgian hunting laws, etc.).
(c) Concurrent US/Belgian Jurisdiction. This category includes any
offense that is a violation of both the Uniform Code of Military Justice and Belgian law
(e.g., assault, rape, murder, theft, drunken driving, etc.). In these cases, either Belgium
or the United States will have the primary right to exercise jurisdiction depending on the
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facts of the case. In principle, the primary right belongs to Belgian authorities, but by
exception, it belongs to the United States when the offense occurred in the performance
of official duty or when it involves or affects only US personnel or property of the United
States.
(2) The nation with exclusive jurisdiction may take disciplinary action without
regard to the other nation. Many incidents, however, fall under the concurrent United
States/Belgian jurisdiction category. In such cases, the United States attempts to
maximize jurisdiction. The United States almost always requests that Belgian
authorities waive jurisdiction in favor of the United States. When granted, the United
States may process the case.
(3) Specific US procedures implementing the NATO SOFA criminal
jurisdiction provisions are in AR 27-50, Status of Forces Policies, Procedures, and
Information, and AE Regulation 550-50, Exercise of Foreign Criminal Jurisdiction over
US Personnel. The Northern Law Center coordinates jurisdiction determinations with
Belgian authorities.
(4) US civilians are subject to primary Belgian jurisdiction for criminal
offenses. The United States, however, may take administrative action up to
employment termination for civilian employees and loss of individual logistic support for
family members. (See paragraph 5-11 for a discussion of the Civilian Misconduct
Action Authority.)
6-3. Court Procedures. Belgian court procedures differ greatly from those in a US
court. Normally, a claim for civil damages resulting from a breach of law (for instance, a
traffic accident in which injuries or property damage occurs and the driver is cited for a
violation of the Belgian traffic code) is joined with a criminal action maintained by the
public prosecutor (Ministère Public) in a criminal court. Such a claim may, however, be
pursued separately in a purely civil procedure before a civil court. As in the United
States, the claimant in a civil action bears the burden of proof. Any allegation by either
the plaintiff or the defendant must be supported by evidence presented before the court.
Unlike the well-known rule of US courts, hearsay is very often admissible in Belgian
courts. Further, certain types of evidence, including notarized instruments, official
documents, and other types of written documents, are afforded special weight.
6-4. Police Reports (Procès Verbal).
a. Belgian police officers are under a duty to make written reports (called procès
verbal or PV’s) pertaining to any incident in which they are called. Since a PV is made
for every action taken by the Belgian police officers in regard to an incident or accident,
there may be many PVs in a case.
b. After an investigating officer writes a PV, a copy goes to the local King's
Prosecutor (Procureur du Roi) as the judicial authority. A copy also goes to the SHAPE
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National Representative of the Belgian Police (RNPF), if applicable. The RNPF then
summarizes the PV and sends it to the Northern Law Center for review.
c. The King's Prosecutor advises the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Northern Law
Center about the alleged offense. The OIC responds by announcing the position of the
US Government regarding whether the alleged offense falls under exclusive Belgian
jurisdiction, exclusive US jurisdiction, or concurrent Belgian/United States jurisdiction
and, when appropriate, requests the King's Prosecutor to waive jurisdiction. The King's
Prosecutor determines whether or not a waiver of jurisdiction will be granted and
advises the RNPF thereof. Upon request, the King’s Prosecutor may provide a copy of
the PV to the Northern Law Center.
d. In court proceedings, a PV is evidence of what was said to the attending police
officer. It is also considered evidence of what the police authority observed personally
(i.e., what he saw, heard, felt, etc.). The court considers the PV a written statement by
one, who by virtue of his training and status as a police officer is a privileged witness,
and, therefore, the court affords greater weight to the PV than it gives to the written
statement of a non-privileged witness. Of course, the content of a PV may be
contradicted by any means of proof.
6-5. Default Judgments. In criminal and civil cases, if a party fails to appear at
the hearing, a court will issue a default judgment (jugement par défaut) upon the
request of the party present. A default judgment is valid and enforceable unless the
defendant seeks recourse through normal appellate procedure or through the special
appellate procedure of opposition. If the opposition procedure is invoked, which entails
a rehearing of the case by the same court, the court will fix a date for the rehearing and
issue summonses to the parties. If the opposing party again does not appear, the first
default judgment will be affirmed. The affirmation of the first default judgment may,
however, still be appealed to a higher court.
6-6. Execution Of Judgments. Judgments are executed under the Belgian code
of criminal or civil procedure. If the judgment orders the defendant to pay a specific
amount of money and he fails to do so, the plaintiff in civil cases, or the public
prosecutor in criminal cases, may request that a bailiff execute the judgment by taking
and selling the personal property of the defendant. To do so, however, the judgment
must be final or must be declared subject to execution. The plaintiff is required to
furnish the bailiff a certified copy of the judgment with a certificate from the clerk of the
court showing that the judgment is final or subject to execution. While the bailiff may
attach or seize most of the personal property of the debtor to satisfy a judgment, certain
goods such as clothes and household necessities are specifically exempted. The list of
that exempt property is enumerated in the Belgian Code of Civil Procedure. In addition,
execution of the judgment may be levied upon claims the debtor may have against third
parties. Attachment and garnishment of salaries, wages and pensions, however, is
permissible only to a limited degree. Payments due to a member of the US Forces from
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the US Government, including salaries, are subject to limited garnishment while such
payments are still within the control of the US Government provided proper procedures
are followed.
6-7. Attachment Orders (Saisies Conservatoires).
a. A writ of attachment may be ordered by the court pending litigation of the basic
dispute. Sometimes it is issued even before a formal summons is issued to the
defendant. The alleged debtor may file an objection, but this does not automatically
stay or delay the execution of the writ.
b. In civil matters, Belgian law allows a writ of attachment before a complaint has
been filed and a judgment rendered. To obtain an attachment, the alleged creditor must
produce prima facie evidence that:
(1) He has a valid monetary claim against the debtor.
(2) There is a danger that, without a writ of attachment, execution upon a
future judgment may be frustrated or made substantially more difficult if this special
procedure is not permitted (e.g., because a Servicemember is about to PCS with all of
his or her property).
(3) The claim is for a sum certain, or an exact figure.
c. Because a PCS move generally constitutes a situation where execution upon a
future judgment would be substantially more difficult, US personnel nearing their date of
departure from Belgium may find their property levied despite their good-faith intention
to satisfy the judgment through less burdensome means.
6-8. Service of Court Process. Civil court procedures start by a bailiff delivering
a writ of summons (citation) to appear. The bailiff serves a copy of the original act or
complaint on the defendant either in person (signification a personne) or at his domicile
or residence. In some cases, the bailiff may leave a copy of the order in the defendant’s
mail box. Individuals who do not have a domicile or residence in Belgium receive a
copy of the act by registered mail at the foreign domicile (pli judiciaire).
6-9. Court Costs. Specific Belgian laws determine court costs in both civil and
criminal cases. Attorney’s fees and court costs in any particular case are highly variable
and depend upon the number and identity of witnesses, translators, tests, etc.,
requested by both parties and the court. The more witnesses, tests, or translators
required, the higher the cost to the parties.
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6-10. Attorney Representation.
a. Criminal Procedure. Before a Police Court, an accused may be represented by
an attorney without having to appear personally, except when accused of more serious
crimes (e.g., hit and run, involuntary homicide, etc.). Before a Correctional Court
(Tribunal Correctionnel), an accused must normally make a personal appearance even
if represented by an attorney. In certain instances justified by extenuating
circumstances, such as illness or onerous travel costs, an accused may be represented
by an attorney without having to make a personal appearance, but only with the special
permission of the court. Before the Court of Assizes (Cour d'Assises), the personal
appearance of the accused and representation by an attorney are mandatory. If the
accused does not retain counsel of his own choice, the court will appoint one at the
accused's expense.
b. Civil Procedure. Before all civil courts, parties may argue their case personally.
Those unfamiliar with Belgian court proceedings and the French or Flemish languages
should almost always be represented by counsel. Those unable to employ an attorney
may institute or defend a suit in forma pauperis by filing a request with the Bureau
d'Assistance Judiciaire of the court having jurisdiction in the case and show that they
are unable to pay attorney fees by producing a certified document obtained from the
maison communale of the community in which they reside.
6-11. Attorney Fees. Unlike the practice in US civil courts, Belgian attorneys
cannot charge fees contingent on the successful outcome of the case. Generally
speaking, attorney fees are based on the assessed value of the litigated matter and on
the specific difficulties inherent in the procedures employed. As a matter of general
practice, attorneys stipulate fee arrangements before handling a case, but there is no
fee schedule. While attorney fees are normally due only after completion of the
services, an attorney is entitled to request an advance payment of a reasonable portion
of the fees and expenses to be charged. Individuals believing an attorney’s fee is
excessive may register a complaint with the President of the Bar Association to which
the attorney belongs. The President will then decide the amount the client must pay.
6-12. English-speaking Attorneys. Belgian attorneys are licensed as attorneys
and are members of Bar Associations. They may appear before all courts except the
Supreme Court where only attorneys specially licensed are admitted. You may obtain
assistance in finding qualified English-speaking Belgian attorneys from the Legal
Assistance Office, but the Northern Law Center Belgian attorney may not represent you
in Belgian court proceedings or other legal matters.
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Chapter Seven
BELGIAN CRIMINAL LAW AND PROCEDURE
7-1. Individual Rights. If you are suspected by the Belgian authorities of having
committed a crime, you have several rights.
a. Right To Know. You have the right to know why you are being interviewed or
arrested. If you are charged, always ask for the English translation of the notification of
the charges. Always ask for copies of all papers you sign. You will either receive them
immediately or within 3 months. In exceptional circumstances, the prosecutor can
postpone the disclosure, but it will have to be legally justified (e.g., if it could jeopardize
a pending investigation or if there is a risk of collusion).
b. Right To Remain Silent. You must provide your identity to authorities, but you
do not have to incriminate yourself. You have the right to remain silent and you can
make no statement at all if you wish. You may refuse to answer any question which
would incriminate yourself or a close relative. If giving evidence, you must provide it to
the best of your knowledge and may not obstruct the investigation by leaving out details.
c. Right To An Attorney When You Are Interviewed. You have the right to consult
with an attorney prior to being interviewed for charges punishable with imprisonment of
one year or more. If you are 18 years of age or older you can waive this right. There
are three main exceptions to the right to an attorney when interviewed: the first is a
traffic offense, the second is voluntarily damaging property, and the third is disturbance
of the peace at night. For these types of offenses, you do not immediately have the
right to an attorney.
d. Right To An Attorney When You Are Arrested. After being arrested, the police
will contact the attorney of your choice. The attorney must be registered at the Belgian
Bar Association or European Bar Association. If you do not have an attorney, you will
receive a court-appointed attorney. The attorney has two hours to arrive at the police
station from the time the police contact him or her. You can consult with your attorney
for 30 minutes. You may choose to consult with your attorney over the phone or wait for
your attorney to arrive at the police station. You can request a one-time extension of
the 30 minutes consultation. Two hours after the police have called your attorney, the
interview starts whether the attorney is present or not. If the attorney arrives too late
(after 2 hours) the police interview will be suspended and you will have the right to
consult with your attorney upon his or her arrival for 30 minutes. The attorney is not
allowed to answer questions from the police on your behalf.
e. Right To Request An Investigation. You may ask that an investigative action or
interview be performed. For example, you can request the police to interview a specific
person. You may use documents that are in your possession and demand to include
them in the report.
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e. Other Rights. During the time that you are in custody, even if it is only a short
time, you may ask for food and water, if needed. You may also ask for toilet breaks and
for medical attention, if needed. You may also ask the police to call a relative, friend or
advisor of your choice. The Belgian authorities may deny this request, but only if they
can legally justify the denial.
7-2. Rules Of Detention And Arrest By Belgian Authorities.
a. If you are detained or arrested by the Belgian authorities, you can choose to
provide a statement in English. If it is necessary, you may even request to write your
statement in English. The Shape Federal Police will type your statement directly into
English for you. For other languages, the prosecutor will appoint a sworn translator.
b. Restrictions may be placed on your movements by a Belgian judge while you
are under suspicion of a crime. If you wish to travel outside of these restrictions, such
as leaving Belgium for vacation or Temporary Duty (TDY), the Northern Law Center will
seek the permission of the judge to enable you to do this. It is extremely important,
however, that you make sure that the proper permissions have been received before
you go outside of the restrictions.
7-3. Searches.
a. Of The Person By Police. Belgian police authorities can search a person
whenever they reasonably suspect he or she possesses any weapon, instrument,
and/or fruits of a crime. A limited search of the person (colloquially called a frisk or pat-
down) must be predicated upon reasonable suspicion that the person has committed or
is about to commit a crime. With regard to suspected criminal acts, unless authorized
by an order from a court, there may be no search inside a person's body by examining
bodily cavities or by withdrawing bodily fluids against his or her will. Such searches
include blood tests, stomach pumping, and the like. Note that special rules apply to
blood tests directed as a result of a violation of the Belgian traffic code, such as
suspected drunken driving whether or not an accident is involved (see paragraph 7-6
below).
b. Of The Person By Customs Officials. Customs officials possess significantly
broader discretion than Belgian police officers. Customs violations are not considered
ordinary crimes, but violations of fiscal laws. Customs officials are therefore not bound
by the rules and procedures that govern the acts of the Belgian police. Customs
officials, for example, can order a person to disrobe and can conduct a body search
against the person's will and without any court order. While the incidence of such
searches is quite infrequent and intrusive searches are usually performed by X-ray, you
should be aware of this virtually unlimited authority.
c. Of Personal Property. Personal property is protected from unlawful or arbitrary
search. Probable cause, however, as that term applies under US criminal law, is not a
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formal requirement of Belgian law. Thus, in certain circumstances, your car, luggage,
clothes, and similar items can be searched without a warrant and against your will.
d. Of Your Residence. An official having a search warrant (mandat de
perquisition) issued by a Belgian Judge of Instruction may search an individual's
quarters. Usually, searches must be conducted between 0900 and 1700. There are
instances, however, when homes are subject to search without a warrant or outside the
normal time. These include when:
(1) a person inside the quarters consents;
(2) there is call for help from the premises;
(3) there is a fire in the premises;
(4) there is flooding of the premises;
(5) there is a crime being committed on the premises; or
(6) police authorities are in “hot pursuit” of a suspect believed to be on the
premises.
7-4. Alcohol-Abuse Test And The Belgian Traffic Code.
a. Driving in Belgium with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05 grams of alcohol
per liter of blood or greater (or 0.22 mg/l breath alcohol or greater) is prohibited.
b. Current penalties.
(1) Drivers caught while driving with breath alcohol 0.22 mg/l but less than
0.35 mg/l face immediate suspension of their driving privileges for three hours and a
fine of €125 to €2,500.
(2) Drivers caught with a breath alcohol level of 0.35 mg/l or greater (or who
refuse the breath test or drive during a suspension period) face immediate suspension
of driving for six hours, a fine of €1,00 to €10,000 and imprisonment for two to six
weeks. Repeat offenders face double fines and prison terms.
c. When stopped, you must submit to a preliminary breath test. If the results
are 0.22 mg/l or more, a breath-analyzer test will be administered. You can request a
second breath test. If the result differs from the first, a third test is given. If the third test
differs with both the first and second ones, you will take a blood test. You may demand
a blood test if your breath test is at least 0.35 mg/l, but you will pay for the test if the
result exceeds this limit.
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7-5. Trial Safeguards. The NATO SOFA provides many trial guarantees which
afford US citizens the same protections we enjoy under the US Constitution. These
include the right to a prompt and speedy trial; the right to be informed in advance of trial
of the specific charge or charges; the right to confront witnesses; the right to compulsory
process to obtain witnesses in defense; the right to a competent interpreter when the
accused considers it necessary; and the right to legal representation.
a. Legal Counsel. For Servicemembers, members of the civilian component, and
dependents, the US Government may in some situations hire a Belgian attorney to
protect your legal rights and interests in these cases:
(1) When the act for which you were charged occurred while performing an
official duty;
(2) Where the normally imposed sentence includes confinement, whether or
not such sentence is suspended;
(3) Where an appeal is made from proceedings in which there appears to
have been a denial of your substantial rights; or
(4) Where the case, although not within the criteria established above, is
considered to have a significant impact upon the relations of the US Forces with the
Belgian government or is considered to involve a particular US interest.
If you believe that you are facing criminal charges and your case fits one of the above
criteria, contact the Northern Law Center for assistance in obtaining a Belgian attorney
through the US Government. Of course, in any case, you may retain counsel of your
own choice at your own personal expense.
b. US Trial Observer. Whenever Servicemeber, a Department of Defense civilian,
or a dependent is tried in a Belgian criminal court, an official and certified US Trial
Observer, usually from the Northern Law Center, will attend the trial to observe it for its
conformity with US constitutional and NATO SOFA safeguards. The Trial Observer
does not act as a member of the defense, nor does that person interject himself or
herself into the defense strategy or trial proceedings. The Trial Observer will, when
necessary, advise the retained defense counsel of your rights under applicable treaties
and agreements.
7-6. Trial In Absentia. Under Belgian law it is possible to be tried in absentia, that
is, you may be tried even though neither you nor your representative are in court. If this
happens, the court’s judgment is enforceable and may be executed. Representation by
your counsel alone is possible in some Belgian courts but not all. Some courts,
however, may grant exceptions based upon special circumstances. Serious crimes are
tried before a high court where one may never appear by counsel alone. Should you
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suspect that you may be tried in absentia, contact the Northern Law Center
immediately.
7-7. Confinement. Whether confinement is adjudged depends upon the
circumstances of each case. There have been several cases in which confinement was
adjudged against a US citizen but the confinement was suspended. An individual found
guilty of a serious crime, however, will likely be sentenced to serve confinement in a
Belgian facility. In such cases, US military or consular authorities will visit the individual
at least monthly.
7-8. Transactional Fines.
a. Belgian law authorizes the city police (Police Communale) to impose on-the-
spot fines for minor violations of the Belgian Traffic Code. No one under 18 may be
fined, and anyone may refuse to pay. Refusal to pay a transactional fine, however, will
most likely result in the case in a Police Court for resolution. Further, in cases of
violations by non-residents of Belgium, the police may impound a person’s vehicle for
refusal to pay.
b. For violation of any Belgian penal law, whether the Traffic Code or not, the
King's Prosecutor (Procureur du Roi) may propose a settlement in the case by the
imposition of a transactional fine. Such settlement usually will not be offered if there are
personal injuries or civil damages that have not been paid.
7-9. The Belgian Traffic Code.
The Belgian Traffic Code is a penal statute. As such, violations of it are criminal
infractions, whether the infraction is as minor as a parking ticket or as serious as leaving
the scene of an accident. Being a penal statute, any violation of the Traffic Code
subjects a person accused of an infraction to the Belgian criminal justice system.
a. Procedures In Accidents.
(1) The first driver upon the scene of an accident is obliged to stop and
render assistance, including first aid. All vehicles must contain a first-aid kit and a fire
extinguisher. If the accident caused no physical injuries, vehicles obstructing traffic
must be moved off the roadway. Before doing so, however, it is a good practice to mark
clearly the position of the vehicles. Keeping a piece of chalk in the first-aid kit is
prudent. If the accident caused physical injuries, no vehicle should be moved until the
Belgian police authorities direct such movement.
(2) You should never leave the scene of an accident in which you are even
remotely involved. Individuals in an accident should obtain all pertinent information
concerning it, including the names of everyone involved, names of insurance
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companies, insurance policy numbers, license numbers, makes and models of the
vehicles, accurate location of the vehicles, and place of the accident.
(3) A Word of Caution: Even in the most minor accidents, never try to
settle with the other party or parties involved, particularly if there is any property
damage. The lack of a police investigation could leave you in an awkward position if a
lawsuit is instituted.
(4) Good Samaritan Law: Under Belgian law, you commit a criminal
infraction if you do not stop to render assistance to an injured person. You should
assist only commensurate with your abilities. Injuries resulting from assistance
rendered in excess of your qualifications and ability, or rendered negligently, may be the
subject of a civil suit.
b. Basic Traffic Rules.
(1) Unless otherwise indicated, the following speed limits apply:
(a) 30 km/h in school zones;
(b) 50 km/h in most construction zones;
(c) 50 km/h in towns, cities, and incorporated communities;
(d) 120 km/h on the Autoroutes and other four-lane roads; and
(e) on all other roads the speed limit is 90km/h unless otherwise
indicated.
Maximum punishment for speeding: confinement for one month and/or a fine of up to
€2,500.
(2) At an intersection, the right of way belongs to the driver coming from the
right unless otherwise indicated. Maximum punishment: confinement for one month
and/or a fine of up to €2,500.
(3) Public buses have the right to cut into traffic when departing a bus stop.
Maximum punishment: one month confinement and/or a fine of up to €2,500.
(4) No vehicle may be operated on public roads unless the driver has a valid
driver's license. Maximum punishment: six months confinement and/or a fine of up to
€2,500.
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(5) No change of direction or traffic lane is permissible unless the road is
clear from traffic in front and in the rear. Maximum punishment: one month
confinement and/or a fine of up to €2,500.
(6) On an Autoroute, you may stop along the shoulder or road side only in
case of a vehicle breakdown. Maximum punishment: one month confinement and/or a
fine of up to €2,500.
(7) Use of turn signals is mandatory for any change of direction or for any
lane change. Mere use of the signal does not, of course, authorize the maneuver; the
road must be clear from traffic in both the front and in the rear. Maximum punishment:
one month confinement and/or a fine of up to €2,500.
(8) Use of seat belts is mandatory. Maximum punishment: one month
confinement and/or a fine of up to €2,500.
(9) Vehicles parked on streets at night must have parking lights lit, except in
parking lots. Maximum punishment: one month confinement and/or a fine of up to
€2,500.
(10) Fleeing the scene of an accident is one of the most serious violations
possible. The requirement to stay extends to all persons involved, be they drivers,
passengers, or witnesses (even if they are not occupants of the cars involved).
Maximum punishment: if no injuries occur, six months confinement and/or a fine of
€5,000; if injuries or death occurs, confinement of two years, and/or fine of €25,000.
(11) A vehicle must always keep to the right side of the road. Maximum
punishment: one month confinement and/or a fine of up to €2,500.
(12) A vehicle must always have tire tread of at least 1.6 millimeter in depth
over the entire surface area of the tire. Maximum punishment: one month confinement
and/or a fine of up to €2,500.
(13) Drunk driving or driving while intoxicated. Maximum punishment: loss
of driver’s license (up to five years), six months confinement, and/or a fine of up to
€10,000.
c. Liability in automobile accidents.
(1) A driver is responsible for damages caused by his or her negligence.
(2) An individual is also responsible for damages which a vehicle under his or
her control causes (e.g., explosion of a parked vehicle).
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(3) An owner who lends a vehicle to a third person who negligently causes
damage may be similarly liable if the owner was negligent in lending the vehicle, if the
owner had reason to know the driver was drunk, underage, or without a license.
(4) Insurance is a requirement in Belgium. For the types of insurance
coverage available see paragraph 3-8(b).
7-10. What To Expect If You Violate Belgian Law.
a. If you are a US Servicemember in the SHAPE community and the Belgian
authorities decide to prosecute you for a violation of Belgian law, here are a few things
that you can expect:
(1) A Belgian court bailiff will serve you with a summons giving the court
date. The bailiff contacts military personnel through the Northern Law Center. If you
are a civilian or family member, the bailiff will come to your residence and hand you or a
member of your household the original summons. If no one is home, you will find a
notice in French, Dutch, or German telling you to go to the Central Office of Bailiffs
(Bureau Central des Huissiers de Justice) at the town hall (hôtel de ville) or to the police
station (Commissariat de Police) for the summons. Follow the instructions carefully.
If you do not pick up the summons and go to the hearing, the court can rule
against you, even in your absence.
(2) If your insurance policy includes a legal assistance insurance contract,
your insurance company will provide you an attorney for the hearing if the
circumstances fit the criteria provided by the policy.
(3) Depending on the seriousness of the offense, you may or may not have
to attend the trial. In Police Court, an attorney may usually represent you without your
presence. Consult your insurance company and attorney to determine if you need
someone to represent you. In correctional court, you will have to be present, even
though an attorney represents you. If you do not comply, the court can rule against you
in your absence.
(4) The Belgian court will provide you an interpreter at the hearing. If the
translator is not present at the hearing, notify the court and the judge will postpone the
hearing. You must provide translations of any documents you give to the court. Police
court judgments not involving civil interests are rendered immediately after the plea has
been entered. More complex police court judgments and correctional court decisions
will take longer. In this case, the judge will tell you the date the judgment will be
pronounced. The bailiff will serve the judgment in the same way that you were served
the summons initially. The deadline to appeal a judgment is 15 days beginning the
day following the date on which the bailiff served the judgment.
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b. If you have any question on Belgian criminal procedures, or if you are uncertain
how to pay any fines, contact the Northern Law Center for assistance.
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Chapter Eight
RETIREES
8-1. Retiring In Belgium.
a. Authorization To Stay In Belgium. The conditions to remain in Belgium vary
according to the personal status (nationality) of the retiree or spouse.
(1) If the retiree or the retiree’s spouse is a Belgian national, no authorization
is required; the retiree just has to register in the commune (city hall) of residence.
(2) If the retiree or the retiree’s spouse is a citizen of a European Union
country, no authorization is needed provided that one of the spouses has a job or can
show means of subsistence sufficient enough not to become dependent upon the
Belgian social security system. This is done at the time of registration in the commune
of residence.
(3) In all other cases, the retiree must obtain an authorization or visa to stay
in Belgium. The authorization must be requested from a Belgian Consulate in the
country of origin. In exceptional cases only, as determined by the Belgian Ministry of
Interior, the request may be presented to the Ministry of Interior through the Mayor of
the commune of residence.
b. When Authorized To Remain In Belgium.
(1) A retiree is no longer covered by the NATO SOFA and, therefore, is no
longer treated as a member of the Force or of the civilian component. This means that
retirees do not enjoy any SHAPE privileges such as the purchase of tax free cars,
exemption from road tax, tax-free gasoline, access to the SHAPE shopping center and
to the rationed items store, and having a SHAPE-issued driver’s license and license
plates.
(2) A retiree is fully subject to Belgian taxes, except income tax on military
retirement pay in accordance with the US-Belgian Tax Treaty.
c. Subject to conditions and limitations imposed by US regulations, a retiree who
stays in Belgium remains entitled to legal assistance, medical care, use of military
postal facilities, and use of the commissary and post exchange. Note, though, that
these privileges are provided through an agreement between the United States and
Belgium and are not necessarily extended to retirees living outside of Belgium.
8-2. Retiree Council. An officially established Retiree Council provides regular
communication with the USAG BENELUX Commander, and a recognized Association
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of Retired Members of the Armed Forces provides participation opportunities for retired
members in local community affairs. Details are available from the Retirement Services
Office (Bldg 253, 366-6292).
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Chapter Nine
LEGAL ASSISTANCE
There are many agencies and organizations at SHAPE that can assist you. We
encourage you to try those organizations for non-legal problems; if you are having a
problem with your pay, check with your command or finance before seeking legal
assistance. Often your chain of command is the best place to start, and they can help
you get the best assistance quickly. When you need legal advice, however, do not
hesitate to contact the Legal Assistance Office, Northern Law Center (Bldg 318, 423-
4868). This chapter discusses legal assistance services available in Belgium.
9-1. Functions Of The Legal Assistance Office. The Legal Assistance
Office:
a. Furnishes legal assistance and advice to all service personnel, DoD civilians,
their family members, and other eligible individuals concerning US and Belgian laws,
and civil and legal problems in accordance with AR 27-3.
b. Directs the community Preventive Law Program, including participating in the
soldier readiness program and pre-deployment exercises.
c. Directs community Income Tax Assistance services.
d. Provides information on Belgian law practices and procedures, including
preparing and updating USAG BENELUX Pamphlet 27-3, Belgian Laws And You.
9-2. Generally.
a. Legal Assistance Attorneys assist eligible clients with their personal civil legal
affairs. Services are provided in such matters as family law, wills and estates, adoption,
landlord-tenant problems, the preparation and execution of legal documents (e.g., wills
and powers of attorney), federal and state income tax returns, consumer protection, and
most other matters of a civil legal nature.
b. Representation often takes the form of preparing correspondence in negotiating
with other parties. A Legal Assistance attorney cannot represent a client before a US or
Belgian court. Once a matter is before a court, the client usually must retain a civilian
attorney. A Legal Assistance Attorney, however, can provide valuable advice as well as
referral to civilian attorneys in Belgium and in the United States.
c. Authorized Legal Assistance clients in Belgium include Servicemembers and
their family members, civilian employees of the US Government who are US citizens
and their family members, some civilian contractor personnel, retirees and their family
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members, and widows of retired Servicemembers or Servicemembers who died on
active duty. In some circumstances, a Legal Assistance Attorney can assist a foreign
national parent not entitled to legal assistance, but representing a US-citizen minor who
is entitled to services.
d. A Legal Assistance Attorney cannot advise a client about private income-
producing activities or about running a business.
e. Personnel facing actual or potential charges under non-judicial punishment (i.e.,
an Article 15, UCMJ) or before a court-martial should consult defense counsel at the
supporting US Army Trial Defense Services office at Wiesbaden, Germany (537-0692
or 537-0691), the Air Force Trial Defense Services office at Ramstein Air Base (480-
2182) and the Navy Trial Defense Services at (626-3131 or commercial +39
0815683131). In cases involving criminal charges brought by US or foreign civil
authorities, Legal Assistance Attorneys may explain the procedure and assist the client
in obtaining civilian counsel.
f. Appointments are usually required for attorney consultations. Notarizations,
authenticated copies, and powers of attorney are normally available on a walk-in basis.
9-3. Specific Services. Eligible clients may obtain advice/assistance on these
matters from Legal Assistance (among others):
a. Family Law. General advice on the legal and practical meaning of divorce, legal
separation, annulment, custody, paternity, and nonsupport of family members. Please
note that both parties to a domestic relation problem cannot be represented by Legal
Assistance Attorneys from the same office. In the event both parties require legal
assistance, referral of one party to another Legal Assistance Office is often required.
b. Wills And Estates. General advice on estate planning and preparation of wills,
advance medical care directives, also known as living wills, and healthcare powers of
attorney.
c. Adoption And Name Change. Adoption and name change normally require a
court decree in the United States or Belgium. Legal Assistance Attorneys can advise
clients as to procedures and assist in retaining counsel in the United States or Belgium.
d. Indebtedness. Servicemembers facing creditor collection actions should
contact a financial counselor at Army Community Services (ACS) (Bldg 318, 423-5324).
They may also contact a Legal Assistance Attorney for help in dealing directly with
creditors if ACS counselors are unable to resolve issues with the creditors.
e. Landlord-Tenant Relations. The Housing Office (Bldg 209, 366-6387) can
resolve the majority of landlord-tenant issues. However, in the event the Housing Office
is unable to resolve an issue or you need legal advice in dealing with your landlord, a
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Legal Assistance Attorney or Belgian Legal Advisor can assist you in exploring legal
options.
f. Notarial Services. All judge advocates and DA civilian attorneys have the
powers of a military notary public. Most notarial services can be obtained at the Legal
Assistance Office on a walk-in basis with minimal wait times.
(1) A notary public may administer oaths, authenticate true copies of
documents, acknowledge signatures, and perform similar services which expedite the
handling of legal affairs.
(2) Individuals desiring notarial services should remember:
(a) Do not sign any papers until in the presence of the notary;
(b) Do not make any changes in the documents until in the presence of
the notary;
(c) Documents cannot be notarized unless the person whose signature
is to be notarized appears in person before the notary;
(d) Notaries cannot notarize a blank document; and
(e) Notaries will need to confirm your identity before they can
acknowledge your signature – be sure to have proof of your identity with you.
(3) True Copy. Individuals desiring a true copy of a document must present
the original document and allow it to be copied by the notary before it can verified as a
true copy. A true copy is not the same as a certified copy.
(4) Certified Copy. Army Regulation 27-55, paragraph 3-3a(2), prohibits
notaries from certifying copies of official records, except as specifically authorized.
Army Regulation 27-55, paragraph 4-5, authorizes certifying copies in these situations:
(a) The original document is neither a public record nor a publicly
recorded document;
(b) The notary is a designated official in an Army agency, and the
agency prepared or held the document for public review; or
(c) The certified copy will be used for military or federal administrative
purposes (e.g., the Immigration and Naturalization Service, the Veterans’
Administration). This exception requires that the certification state its specific, limited
purpose (for instance, “Certified Copy for DFAS”). Individuals desiring certified copies
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for other than federal administrative purposes must obtain a properly certified copy from
the custodian of the record.
g. Powers Of Attorney. Servicemembers often use a power of attorney to
authorize a spouse or other trustworthy relative or friend to act for them in the
Servicemembers’ absence. The Legal Assistance Office can prepare general and
specific powers of attorney, usually without an appointment.
h. Taxation. The Tax Center offers preparation and electronic filing of most
federal and state income-tax returns.
(1) Federal income tax regulations give overseas taxpayers an automatic 60-
day extension for filing federal income tax returns. Returns filed between 15 April and
15 June must be accompanied by a signed statement that the taxpayer was overseas
on the regular 15 April due date. Taxpayers owing federal income tax after 15 April will
owe interest on the unpaid income tax from 15 April until the tax is paid, even though
they receive the automatic extension. We encourage taxpayers in this situation to file
before the 15 April deadline to avoid paying interest and potential penalties.
(2) State income taxes apply to Servicemembers, based on their state of
domicile. Most States do not have an automatic extension of filing provision but are
generous in granting extensions to Servicemembers stationed overseas who request
extensions before the filing deadline. State and federal income tax advice is available
from Legal Assistance Attorneys or from IRS-certified tax preparers.
(3) The official US pay of military members and Department of Defense
civilian employees stationed in Belgium is not subject to Belgian income tax. Income
derived from the following sources, however, is subject to Belgian taxation:
(a) Full or part-time employment on the local economy;
(b) Self-employment, even if goods or services are provided only to US
personnel; and
(c) Employment with any US employer in Belgium, other than the US
Government, one of its agencies or instrumentalities, or a US contractor with NATO
SOFA status.
(4) International agreements, including the NATO SOFA, generally exclude
the personal property of US Servicemembers from host-nation personal-property taxes.
(5) US Government instrumentalities are exempt from Belgian value added
tax (VAT), but individual US Servicemembers who make purchases on the Belgian
economy are not excluded except in limited circumstances. For example, US
Servicemembers may purchase furniture, radios, videocassette recorders, compact disc
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players, as well as some other items, without paying the VAT. This is done by obtaining
a tax statement from the Belgian Customs/VAT Office (Building 210, 366-6292) before
the purchase. See paragraph 4-1a(3) for more information. List prices on AAFES items
are already VAT exempt.
i. Translations. In certain instances, the Northern Law Center can translate
documents from French and Flemish into English. This service is limited to documents
needed for official purposes, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc.
Certain legal documents must be translated and reviewed by a Belgian Court before the
translation can be considered certified. If you have documents that need to be
translated, please contact the Legal Assistance Office (Bldg 318, 423-4868) to see if
your document can be translated or to receive assistance in obtaining other translation
services.
9-4. Lawsuits In US Courts. US citizens in Europe are subject to court summons
from state and federal courts in the United States. Under the Servicemembers’ Civil
Relief Act, a Servicemember has a right to delay a case if military service materially
affects the Servicemember’s ability to appear in court. The Servicemember is not
exempt from a lawsuit or other legal action nor is a delay guaranteed. A US civilian in
Europe also may request a delay, but there is no law requiring a court to honor the
request even if Government service or a sponsor’s assignment materially affects the
ability to appear in court. Anyone who receives a summons from a US court should
contact a Legal Assistance Attorney immediately. Although the Legal Assistance
Attorney will not be able to represent the individual before a US court, he or she may
provide advice on court jurisdiction, the merits of the case, preparation of a request for
delay, and assistance with referral to a civilian attorney.
9-5. Lawsuits In European Courts.
a. US personnel stationed in Europe and their family members are subject to host-
nation civil and criminal laws and may be brought before a host-country court. Although
host-country courts provide a fair means of settling disputes, the procedures are very
different from the US system. In Belgium, a civil lawsuit may be combined with a
criminal proceeding. Any US individual receiving a Belgian court document should
contact the Northern Law Center for assistance.
b. Legal Assistance Attorneys cannot appear in Belgian courts, but they may help
the client understand the process, attempt to settle a matter before it goes to court, or
refer the client to a Belgian attorney. The client usually must pay for the Belgian
counsel. In limited situations, however, the US Government will pay attorney fees, such
as when the Servicemember or employee is being sued in a case resulting from official
duty performance, or when the US Government decides it has substantial interest in the
outcome of litigation.
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Contact Information
All phone numbers referenced in this pamphlet are DSN, unless otherwise noted. For
commercial dialing, make the following replacements: 423 becomes 065.44, 366
becomes 065.32, and 368 becomes 02.707.
Northern Law Center (Bldg 318)………..………………………………………….423-4868
Administrative Law……………….………………………………………….423-3791
Military Claims Office………………………………………………….…….423-4195
Legal Assistance………………………………………...………………..…423-4868
SOFA Liaison………………………………………………………...………423-3773
Tax Center
1
……………………………………………...……………………423-
4906
USAG Brussels
2
(staffed only on Tuesdays)…………………………......368-9780
US Army Trial Defense Services
Trial Defense Services (Wiesbaden)………...……………..537-0692 or 537-0691
Trial Defense Services (Kaiserslautern)..…….…..483-8397; COM 631.411.8397
Trial Defense Services (Grafenwoehr)….………..475-8861; COM 9641.83.8861
US Air Force Trial Defense Services
Trial Defense Services (Ramstein)…………………………480-2182 or 480-2492
US Navy Trial Defense Services
Trail Defense Services (Naples)………………….…626-3131; COM 0815683131
____________________________________________
Army Community Services (ACS) (Bldg 318)……………………………………423-5324
Customs/VAT Office (Army Community Services) (Bldg 210)……………….…366-6292
Central Processing Facility (Bldg 253)……………………………………………423-7916
Federal Police (Bldg 210)…………………………………………………………...423-5165
Finance Office (Bldg 212)………………………………………………………..….423-4687
SHAPE Healthcare Facility (Bldg 410)……………………………..………….….423-5820
Housing Office (Bldg 209)………………………………………..……………..…..366-6387
1
The Tax Center runs from early February to the middle of June each year. Please contact the Legal
Assistance office outside of these times for tax assistance.
2
Please contact Legal Assistance for appointments at our Brussels office.
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Retirement Services (Bldg 253)……………………………………………….…...366-6292
Transportation (Bldg 220)……………………………………………………..……366-6176
United States National Military Representative (USNMR)…………………….423-4132
Vehicle Registration Office (Bldg 210)……………………………………………423-4148
