
Belgium sits at the heart of the European Union. Its capital, Brussels, hosts major European and international institutions. The country has approximately 11.8 million residents as of early 2025.
Five reasons to relocate to Belgium
- Strategic location in Europe. Positioned between France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, Belgium provides quick access to major European capitals.
- International job market. Brussels serves as a major hub for European institutions, NGOs, and multinational corporations.
- High-quality public services. The healthcare system, transportation, and infrastructure maintain excellent standards.
- Multicultural society. Over one-third of residents have foreign origins, making integration easier for newcomers.
- Balanced lifestyle with a comfortable quality of life and work-life balance.
Your setup journey
Guide in 13 steps. Click any step below to jump directly to the section you need.
01Where to live in Belgium?
Choosing where to live depends on your priorities, as each area has its advantages and constraints. Your decision should consider your career plans, budget, and lifestyle expectations.
- The capital Brussels is highly multicultural, hosting European institutions and major international companies.
- Antwerp and its port are known for their dynamic economy and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
- Ghent and Leuven are vibrant student cities known for innovation.
- 尝颈猫驳别 is a French-speaking city with strong industrial and cultural character, currently undergoing renewal.
- Charleroi is a former industrial center now in transformation, with a more accessible cost of living than major cities.
- Namur offers a calmer atmosphere with often more affordable housing.
- Border regions are attractive for those working in Luxembourg, France, or the Netherlands.
02Visas and formalities in Belgium
Relocating to Belgium involves several administrative steps. Here are the essential formalities:
- Visas, work permits, and residence permits. While EU citizens don't need these, non-EU nationals must obtain them before arrival.
- Anyone staying longer than 3 months must register with the local municipality (commune/gemeente).
- You'll receive a national number (num茅ro national/rijksregisternummer), essential for tax and social security purposes.
- For health insurance, enrollment with a Belgian mutuelle (health insurance fund) is mandatory.
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- Entry and residence conditions in Belgium
- Getting a driver's license in Belgium
- How to buy a car in Belgium
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03Working in Belgium
Belgium offers strong employment opportunities across various sectors. Here's what you need to know:
- In-demand sectors include engineering, IT, construction, healthcare, and hospitality.
- The country faces talent shortages in financial services, real estate, education, public services, manufacturing, energy, and IT.
- The regulatory framework is generally entrepreneur-friendly. Business registration is streamlined through guichet d'entreprise/ondernemingsloket counters and centralized via the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises.
- Self-employment is booming. In Flanders, most SMEs operate without employees, reflecting the rise of freelancers and micro-entrepreneurs.
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04Finding accommodation in Belgium
Here are the key points to remember:
- It's always recommended to start by renting upon arrival. Rents are higher in Brussels than in Antwerp, Charleroi, Leuven, or 尝颈猫驳别.
- Lease agreements are mandatory and typically run for 9 years, with shorter options available (1 or 3 years).
- You'll generally need to provide a rental deposit equivalent to 2 or 3 months' rent.
- Property purchase is open to foreigners, though registration and notary fees are relatively high.
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05Cost of living in Belgium
Here's an estimated monthly budget for 1 person living in Brussels
Rent for 1-bedroom apartment in city center | 鈧1,000 to 鈧1,200 |
Rent for 1-bedroom apartment outside center | 鈧850 to 鈧950 |
Utilities (electricity, heating, water) | 鈧120 to 鈧180 |
Internet and mobile phone subscription | 鈧60 to 鈧85 |
Groceries | 鈧250 to 鈧350 |
Meal at a local restaurant | 鈧15 to 鈧20 |
Public transport pass | 鈧50 to 鈧60 |
and an estimated monthly budget for a family of 4, also in Brussels
Rent for 3-bedroom apartment in city center | 鈧1,800 to 鈧2,000 |
Rent for 3-bedroom apartment outside center | 鈧1,500 to 鈧1,700 |
Utilities (electricity, heating, water) | 鈧200 to 鈧300 |
Internet and mobile phones (2 lines) | 鈧75 to 鈧110 |
Groceries | 鈧700 to 鈧900 |
Mid-range restaurant meal (2 adults + 2 children) | 鈧80 to 鈧100 |
Public transport passes (2 adults) | 鈧100 to 鈧120 |
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06Healthcare in Belgium
Belgium maintains a high-quality healthcare system, accessible to residents and funded through social security contributions.
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07Banking and taxes in Belgium
Opening a bank account is straightforward upon arrival with a passport, address, and sometimes a national number. Many banks offer online account opening.
Loans and credit are accessible to expats with stable income and residency status. Banks typically require an employment contract or income history in Belgium.
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08Higher education in Belgium
Belgium welcomes numerous international students each year. The country offers education recognized for its quality and affordable cost compared to other European nations.
- Universities. The country hosts several prestigious institutions, including UCLouvain, University of 尝颈猫驳别, Ghent University, and KU Leuven.
- Languages of instruction. Courses are taught in French, Dutch, or German depending on the region; increasingly, programs are offered in English.
- Tuition fees vary by nationality and chosen university, generally lower than in other Western European countries.
- Admission requirements depend on your original degree; certain programs (medicine, engineering, arts) are highly selective.
- Student life is vibrant and well-developed: strong international presence, student-specific housing, and active associations.
Studying in Belgium can be an opportunity to earn a recognized degree while thriving in a multicultural environment.
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09Schooling your children in Belgium
Belgium offers education renowned for its quality and accessibility. Education is compulsory from ages 6 to 18, similar to many European countries.
Public education is free and accessible to all, with high academic standards.
Instruction is provided in French, Dutch, or German depending on the region. Some schools offer bilingual programs.
Numerous international schools operate in Brussels and major cities, tailored for expat children.
Belgium stands out for its structured education system, diverse offerings, and facilities adapted to each student's needs.
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10Moving to Belgium
Properly preparing your move is a key step in your relocation. Planning ahead for formalities and organizing the transport of your belongings will greatly facilitate your settlement. Here are our initial tips:
- Choose your transport method carefully: truck, sea freight, or air freight depending on distance and volume.
- Prepare necessary documents: inventory of belongings, passport, visa, or residence permit if applicable.
- Regarding customs: EU citizens face no special formalities; others may encounter certain taxes and controls.
- If bringing a pet: vaccination and veterinary documents will be required.
- Consider taking out moving insurance: you can never be too careful.
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11Daily life in Belgium
Belgium combines local traditions, cultural diversity, and quality of life. Daily life is marked by a healthy balance between professional and personal time.
In terms of safety, the country is generally secure, though some major cities experience issues related to petty crime.
Work schedules follow European standards (35 to 40 hours per week).
Gastronomy holds a central place in Belgian culture: beer, chocolate, fries, regional specialties鈥攅njoy yourself!
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12Leisure and activities in Belgium
Make the most of your free time in Belgium. Find information on cultural and sporting activities, and leisure options for the whole family to discover during your time living here.
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13In brief
Belgium is an attractive destination for expats thanks to its strategic position in Europe, international job market, and quality of life. A successful relocation to Belgium relies on thorough preparation, adaptation to local realities, and openness to cultural diversity.
Join the 大咖福利影院 community today to connect with other expats, share your experiences, and find all the answers to your questions about life in Belgium.
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