The enhanced “thematic” investment deduction is a tax incentive designed to encourage companies to make strategic investments with a positive environmental impact. In Belgium, this scheme targets two main types of project:
- Investments in environmentally-friendly research and development,
- “Thematic” investments which support initiatives that contribute to the ecological transition.
From investments made in 2025 (fiscal year 2026) the regime applicable to thematic investments will evolve to better meet European environmental objectives.
“Thematic” Investment Deduction: What’s new in 2025
Several key changes are worth noting:
- A harmonized rate of 40%, representing a net tax saving equivalent to 10% of the value invested: applicable to SMEs and large companies.
- New investment categories: better aligned with environmental priorities (climate, circularity, biodiversity, pollution).
- Three main themes: Energy, Transport, Climate.
- A two-stage procedure :
- Obtaining a technical certificate confirming the investment’s eligibility.
- Annual administrative and financial monitoring to report on project progress.
Energy efficiency: more stringent criteria
For energy efficiency projects, the conditions are stricter:
- Prior energy audit mandatory.
- Payback period of at least 3 years and IRR ≤ 13% (except for small businesses).
- Replacement or adaptation of existing assets authorized subject to conditions.
- Precise rules governing cumulation with regional subsidies.
The objective is clear: to encourage investments that prioritize environmental impact over immediate financial return.
What types of investment are eligible?
There are 3 investment themes, comprising a total of 12 groups and 21 categories.
- Energy: Energy renovation, renewable energy production (solar panels, cogeneration), industrial efficiency.
- Transport and environmental footprint: Projects that are often more sector-specific, but target concrete reductions in emissions and pollution.
Only expenses capitalized in the company’s assets (CAPEX) are considered eligible investments.
Cumulation with subsidies
Since December 18, 2025 the rule of non-cumulation with regional subsidies has been abolished for all increased deductions.
However, some regional subsidy agreements include no-cumulation clauses. In this case, applying the increased deduction could result in the nullity of the subsidy.
The “Thematic” Investment Deduction: Rewarding Efforts to Reduce Your Environmental Footprint
The “thematic” increased investment allowance is a powerful powerful tax tool to support the ecological transition of businesses. It rewards projects with a real environmental impact, while imposing a rigorous administrative and technical framework.
For companies wishing to invest in energy, transport or the reduction of their environmental footprint, this is an opportunity to opportunity not to be missed.
Would you like to know if your company is eligible? Please do not hesitate to contact us.
