Expat Finance Guide: Banking & Costs in Ghent

Finance Overview

The cost of living in Ghent scores 3.0/5, with a personal security rating of 4.0/5. Explore banking, taxes, and financial planning for expat families below.

Belgium operates a complex progressive tax system that ranks among the highest in Europe in terms of overall tax burden. Ghent, located in the Flemish region, follows the federal Belgian tax framework with some regional variations. The Belgian tax system is generally considered less favorable for high-income earners compared to neighboring countries like the Netherlands or Luxembourg, but it does offer specific advantages for certain types of expatriates through special tax regimes. The system taxes worldwide income for residents, with extensive tax treaty networks to mitigate double taxation.

Quick Stats

Cost of Living

3.0 /5

Security Score

4.0 /5

Weather Score

3.0 /5

Cost Items

Want to See Your Numbers?

Get personalized finance costs, timelines, and checklists for your family in Ghent.

Free to start. No credit card required.

Practical Tips

Open an account with Argenta bank in Ghent

they offer free accounts without minimum income requirements and have English-speaking staff

Get the UiTPAS cultural pass immediately

provides significant discounts on activities and accumulates points for free events

Seek guidance from a local Servicepunt if you need help understanding administrative payments.

they offer support for residents in navigating social services and financial administrative tasks.

they offer essential health coverage and assistance with local administrative processes.

Useful Links

Belgian Tax Office (FOD Financiën)

Official federal tax authority website with information on income tax, tax return filing, and tax obligations for new residents in Belgium.

›

KBC Bank International Clients

Major Belgian bank with dedicated expat services in Ghent, offering account opening, investment advice, and digital banking in English.

›

ING Belgium Expat Services

International bank with specialized expat financial services, including account setup before arrival and multicurrency accounts for newcomers to Ghent.

›

National Bank of Belgium

Belgium's central bank providing financial system information, economic indicators, and regulatory guidance relevant to new residents.

›

City of Ghent - Local Taxes

Official municipal resource explaining local taxes in Ghent, including waste collection, property taxes, and other fees residents must pay.

›

Explore Other Guides

Immigration Guide Housing Guide Education Guide Healthcare Guide Transport Guide Pets Guide

Finance Guides in Belgium

Antwerp

Bruges

Brussels

View all 140+ city guides →

Frequently Asked Questions

The cost of living in Ghent depends on your lifestyle and family size. Create a free ReloPlanner account to get a personalized budget breakdown covering housing, education, healthcare, and daily expenses.

Opening a bank account in Ghent typically requires proof of identity, proof of address, and your visa or residence permit. Use ReloPlanner’s step-by-step guide for detailed instructions.

Plan Your Entire Move to Ghent

Access step-by-step guides, personalized budgets, and expert tips for finance and 6 other relocation categories across 140+ cities.

Free to start. No credit card required.

Data verified: March 2026

This was the general picture

Your move to Ghent looks nothing like this

This guide covers Ghent for everyone. Your plan covers your origin country, your kids' ages, your budget, your dog — with real costs, a sequenced task list, and the things most families don't find out until it's too late.

Build your personalised plan — free →

Takes 2 minutes to set up