Reduced VAT at 6% in Belgium: a long-awaited decision welcomed by the art market
Belgium has just announced a long-awaited measure: the VAT rate on the sale of artworks, antiques, and collectibles will now be set at 6%.
This change comes as part of the partial abolition of the margin scheme imposed by the European Union, which required Belgium and all member states to revise the tax rules applied to professional sales.
Faced with the risk of switching to the full standard rate, the sector mobilized to defend a reduced rate, in line with those applied in neighboring countries. The new rules aim to comply with EU requirements and prevent unfair competition between member states with different VAT rates.
This decision, championed by the Finance Minister, Mr. Jan Jambon, reflects strong industry lobbying and ensures that Belgium remains competitive compared to its European neighbors.
The decision had been awaited for years. It puts an end to a period of uncertainty and avoids a shift to a 21% rate, which would have severely hurt galleries, artists, and art fairs—such as Brafa and Art Brussels—as well as the entire Belgian cultural ecosystem.
Read the full article published by La Libre Belgique on August 7, 2025: Download the article in PDF