Two kinds of per diems are available to employees of Belgian companies: the domestic per diem, for trips within the country, and the foreign per diem, for trips taking place outside of the country.

Domestic daily allowance

Employees can receive a daily lump sum based on the duration of their business trip and an additional amount for lodging. The amount paid for lodging is higher if they stay in a hotel and lower if they stay with a friend or relative.

The daily allowance amount for business trips within Belgium is €21,22 starting with March 1st, 2025.

The following conditions must be met:

• the business trip lasts at least 6 hours;

• the employee must be travelling to a location more than 25 km from the centre of the commune where they reside;

• the employee does not receive any other compensation for meal costs.

The maximum monthly daily allowance is 16 x €21,22 = €339,52.

Overnight allowance

For overnight trips in Belgium, a lodging allowance of €159,17/night can be paid.

The following conditions must be met:

• the employee must be travelling to a location more than 75 km away;

• the hotel cost is not being otherwise reimbursed.

Source: https://www.minfin.fgov.be/myminfin-web/pages/public/fisconet/document/706d2340-4d65-4c85-a7e4-9d0d8eee6013 

Foreign daily allowance

When employees are travelling abroad for business, they may also be entitled to a per diem. The maximum tax-free amount of this per diem varies by country and based on the following categories:

• Category 1 (Short trips) - trips of 30 days maximum

• Category 2 (Long trips) - trips of more than 30 days

Accommodation rates published by the government serve as a maximum rate. In case of an overnight stay, the accommodation costs will be reimbursed upon presentation of proof of payment.

Meal deductions – foreign trips

The lump sum allowances employees are paid to cover their business travel expenses abroad are composed as follows:

• 35% - lunch

• 45% - dinner

If either of these meals is not paid for by the employee themselves, the appropriate deduction (35% or 45%) should be made to their daily allowance.

Meal deductions do not apply to 1/2 rates - i.e. for the first and last day of travel.

Meal vouchers

A meal voucher amounts to a maximum of €8.00 per day worked. The employer contributes a maximum of €6.91, and the employee pays a minimum of €1.09.

If the employee receives a meal voucher for the day, the daily allowance should be reduced with the meal voucher value.

Source: https://bosa.belgium.be/fr/themes/travailler-dans-la-fonction-publique/remuneration-et-avantages/allocations-et-indemnites-15