The C-151 is the EU exemption certificate for VAT and excise duties. In Belgium it applies where an E-Certificate is not possible: purchases in another EU member state, the purchase of a car and specific official purchases. Who uses it, who signs it and how Diplomatic Card helps.
The Certificate 151 is the exemption certificate for VAT and excise duties used within the European Union. It confirms that a purchase is made by, or for, a person or organisation entitled to the exemption.
In Belgium most exempt purchases of diplomats and Missions are validated electronically by FPS Finance with an E-Certificate: at the checkout of 550+ connected stores, through VAT-Refund and through Peppol. The C-151 remains the paper route for the cases below.
Diplomatic Card does not process private refunds for purchases abroad. The Support Desk can tell you what to do.
For purchases in Belgium you do not need a C-151: pay 0% at the checkout in a connected store or use VAT-Refund.
Missions send all their invoices to Diplomatic Card. Where a C-151 is needed, you download it prefilled from the Client Portal, sign and stamp it and send it to the tax administration; then you return the approved form to Diplomatic Card.
Official use for Missions →Military personnel and staff or members of international organisations who hold a C-151 let Diplomatic Card handle the VAT refund on their invoices: register online, then e-mail each approved C-151 with the invoice. We request the VAT from the retailer. The service covers the refund only, without card, app or 0% at the checkout.
C151 service →The EU exemption certificate for VAT and excise duties. In Belgium it is used where the electronic E-Certificate is not possible, such as purchases in another EU member state or a car.
No. In 550+ connected stores you pay 0% VAT at the checkout with the Diplomatic Card, and invoices from other stores go through VAT-Refund with an E-Certificate. The C-151 is for the exceptions.
Your Mission or organisation countersigns it before it goes to the General Tax Administration of FPS Finance for approval.
Not for private purchases of diplomats in another EU member state: these follow the C-151 procedure directly. The Support Desk can tell you what to do.
Yes. The C-151 is prefilled in the Client Portal, free of charge.
Yes. The C151 service handles the VAT refund on your invoices, with no yearly fee, as Fast VAT Refund or Basic.
More answers in the FAQ or from our Support Desk, Monday to Friday 9:00 to 17:00, +32 2 402 30 93, info@diplomaticcard.be.
For purchases in Belgium, diplomats pay 0% VAT at the checkout in 550+ connected stores and use VAT-Refund everywhere else, with one card and one app. Register in a few minutes; we check your entitlement with FPS Finance first.
