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01 Why via insurance? 02 Branch 21 03 Branch 23 04 Tax benefits
01

Why invest via an insurance investment product?

Investing directly in equities or funds exposes your returns to Belgian withholding tax and offers little estate planning flexibility. Insurance investment products (Branch 21 & 23) combine performance, advantageous taxation and optimised wealth transfer.

No withholding tax

Returns and capital gains generated within a Branch 23 contract are generally not subject to the Belgian 30% withholding tax. A major advantage over direct fund investment.

Simplified transfer

Freely designate one or more beneficiaries. Upon death, the capital is paid directly to them, outside the estate, under the specific tax rules for life insurance. Integrated estate planning.

Total flexibility

Single or regular contributions, partial surrenders possible, fund switching without tax costs. The contract adapts to your investment horizon and the evolution of your financial situation.

Asset protection

Capital invested in a life insurance contract benefits from enhanced protection against creditors. An additional safeguard appreciated by business owners with professional exposure.

02

Branch 21 — Security & guaranteed return

Branch 21 is a life insurance product with a guaranteed interest rate, complemented by a non-guaranteed annual profit share. Ideal for investors wishing to preserve their capital while benefiting from a stable and predictable return.

Guaranteed capital and interest

The minimum interest rate is contractually guaranteed by the insurance company. Your capital cannot decrease. A profit share may be added each year based on the insurer's results.

Tax exemption after 8 years

If the contract remains in force for at least 8 years and 1 day and the death cover is at least 130% of the premium, the interest is exempt from withholding tax on exit. A significant tax advantage over the long term.

Partial or full surrender possible

Unlike a classic term deposit, a partial surrender is possible at any time (with a possible surrender penalty depending on contract conditions). Liquidity preserved when needed.

Ideal for: precautionary savings, estate planning

Particularly suited to business owners wishing to build up a secure long-term savings plan, pass capital on to their loved ones, or prepare for retirement without market risk.

Key characteristics

Capital 100% guaranteed
Return Guaranteed rate + profit share
Market risk None
Premium tax 2%
WHT on interest 30% (0% after 8 years)
Recommended horizon ≥ 8 years
Profile Defensive to balanced
03

Branch 23 — Performance & diversification

Branch 23 is a life insurance contract linked to investment funds. The return depends on the evolution of the financial markets: equities, bonds, real estate, mixed or sustainable funds (ESG). No capital guarantee, but higher return potential over the long term — and particularly advantageous taxation in Belgium.

Defensive

Bond funds

Investment in government and corporate bonds. Limited volatility, regular return. Ideal for the defensive part of the portfolio or an investment horizon of 3 to 5 years.

Low risk Moderate return
Balanced

Mixed funds

Combination of equities and bonds according to a target allocation (e.g. 60/40). Good diversification, moderate risk. The choice of most investors with a 5 to 10-year horizon.

Moderate risk Balanced return
Dynamic

Equity funds

Exposure to global equity markets (Europe, US, emerging markets). High return potential over the long term. Suitable for investors accepting short-term volatility.

High risk High potential return
Sustainable

ESG & impact funds

Funds selecting companies based on environmental, social and governance criteria. Responsible investing aligned with your values, without sacrificing performance.

Variable profile Impact & return
Fund switching without tax impact

You can change the allocation between funds at any time (switching) without triggering taxation. Reorient your portfolio based on market developments or your objectives without tax penalty — an advantage impossible with direct fund investment.

Our method & our portfolios
04

Tax benefits of investments via insurance

The difference in tax treatment between direct investment and investment via insurance is substantial in Belgium. Over a long-term horizon, the tax saving can represent several tens of thousands of euros.

Direct investment
Branch 21
Branch 23
Entry tax
0%
2%
2%
WHT on dividends / interest
30%
30% → 0% after 8 years
Generally 0%
Capital gains tax
0% (equities) / 30% (interest)
Included in WHT
Generally 0%
Fund switching
Taxable (realisation)
No tax impact
No tax impact
Transfer / estate
Inheritance tax
Outside estate (beneficiary)
Outside estate (beneficiary)
Capital guarantee
No (depends on asset)
Yes
No
Return profile
Variable
Low to moderate
Moderate to high

On a portfolio of €100,000 invested over 15 years with an average annual return of 5%, the tax saving of a Branch 23 contract (0% WHT) compared to a direct investment subject to 30% withholding tax on dividends can represent more than €20,000 in additional net gains.

How experlife builds your portfolio

A structured 4-step approach for an investment aligned with your objectives

01

Analysis of your situation

Complete wealth review, identification of your objectives (retirement, succession, supplementary income), investment horizon and risk tolerance. Every strategy is built to measure.

02

Product and fund selection

Choice between Branch 21 and/or 23 according to your profile. For Branch 23, selection of funds from a wide range of managers (equities, bonds, mixed, ESG) with performance and cost analysis.

03

Implementation & monitoring

Contract subscription, beneficiary designation, first contribution. Regular monitoring of performance and allocation. Recommended switching based on market developments.

04

Continuous optimisation

Annual portfolio review, adaptation to the evolution of your tax and financial situation. Coordination with your other assets (pension, property, stock options) for a coherent strategy.

Grow your capital intelligently

experlife selects the best insurance investment solutions for you and builds an investment strategy tailored to your profile and objectives.

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