Moving to Belgium is stepping into a country small in size but immense in complexity… and in quality of life. With a dynamic job market, generous social security, a top-tier healthcare system, and a genuine culture of welcome, the country already attracts over 1.6 million foreigners, representing about 13% of the population. But this appeal has a downside: intricate administrative procedures, heavy taxation, a bewildering institutional system, and three official languages to master.
This practical guide provides all the essential information for preparing your move to Belgium: administrative procedures (visas and residence permits), taxation, housing search, healthcare system, schooling, cost of living, opening a bank account, and language aspects. It helps you anticipate the steps and avoid unpleasant surprises.
Understanding Belgium Before You Unpack
Belgium is both a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area, and is located at the crossroads of France, the Netherlands, Germany, and Luxembourg. Its capital, Brussels, hosts the main institutions of the EU and NATO, which explains the presence of very large international communities, especially in the European districts.
Belgium has approximately 11.5 million inhabitants, a population evolving within a unique institutional framework in Europe.
Flanders, Wallonia, Brussels: Three Realities in One Country
For an expat, understanding the institutional geography is crucial, because many rules (housing, social benefits, regional taxation, family allowances) are decided at the level of the Regions and Communities.
| Region / Community | Main Language | Specifics for an Expat |
|---|---|---|
| Flanders | Dutch | Dynamic job market, cost of housing often lower than in Brussels, strong language requirement for Dutch. |
| Wallonia | French | Generally more affordable housing, specific housing assistance, less language pressure for French. |
| Brussels-Capital Region | French & Dutch (bilingual) | Very high presence of expats, majority of French speakers but a lot of English, higher rents, services widely available in several languages. |
| German-speaking Community (east of Wallonia) | German | Small region, but identical rights (school, social security), more rural atmosphere. |
Brussels is officially bilingual (French/Dutch), but in practice, almost all inhabitants speak French and a large portion is proficient in English, especially within European and international circles.
Visas, Residence Permits and Initial Setup
Before even looking for housing or a school, you must clarify your entry status: are you a citizen of the EU/EEA/Switzerland, do you benefit from a short-stay visa exemption, or are you a ‘third-country national’ (outside EU/EEA/Switzerland)?
Short Stay or Long-Term Move?
The basic rule depends on the planned duration of your stay and your nationality:
– EU/EEA/Swiss/Monaco Nationals
No visa required to enter or to work, but obligation to register at the municipality if you stay more than 90 days.
– Nationals of Schengen visa-exempt countries (United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, etc.)
Visa-free stays possible for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, certain business trips, or family visits. For longer stays, a long-stay visa is required.
– Nationals of visa-required countries (e.g., India, China)
Visa required even for a short stay.
For any stay exceeding 90 days (work, studies, family reunification, retirement), non-EU/EEA nationals must apply for a long-stay Type D visa before arrival.
Main Types of Visas and Residence Permits
Even though terminology may evolve, the general framework is relatively stable.
Overview of the main residence permits and work authorizations for non-EU/EEA nationals wishing to stay in Belgium.
Short stay (up to 90 days within 180) for tourism, business, family visits, short study periods, or medical reasons.
Long stay (over 90 days) for salaried work, higher education, family reunification, retirement stay, or au pair stay.
Combined permit (residence + work) for stays over 90 days. The application is generally submitted by the employer.
Mandatory for practicing a self-employed activity as a non-EU/EEA national.
Designed for highly qualified non-European workers, subject to diploma and salary conditions.
There is no specific “digital nomad” visa per se, although certain forms of remote work may be tolerated within the framework of a short stay.
Documents, Timelines, and Expected Costs
Applications are generally submitted to the Belgian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Failing that, a designated embassy in a neighboring country handles it. The process involves:
– choosing the correct visa type,
– filling out the form,
– making an appointment,
– submitting the documents and, often, an interview.
Typical requirements include:
– valid passport,
– ID photos,
– proof of medical insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000,
– proof of accommodation (booking, lease, invitation letter),
– proof of sufficient financial means (reference amounts: €95/day if staying in a hotel, €45/day for budget accommodation; for students: at least €803/month, amounts indexed to €835/month for certain academic years),
– specific documents depending on the purpose (employment contract, university admission letter, marriage certificate, etc.).
Visa fees are non-refundable and vary:
| Visa Type | Indicative Amount |
|---|---|
| Schengen Visa (type C, adult) | €90 |
| Schengen Visa (child 6–12 years) | €45 |
| Schengen Visa (under 6 years) | Free |
| Long-stay visa (type D) | Approx. €180 |
The visa refusal rate for Belgium was recently around 25%, highlighting the importance of a complete and coherent application.
Processing times are generally 15 to 30 days for short stays, but can be longer for long-stay visas. Only Belgian diplomatic missions are authorized to accept or refuse a visa application.
Registration at the Municipality: A Mandatory Step
Once you arrive, the next step is to register with the municipality (gemeente) of your place of residence. This is where your administrative status is concretely determined.
Deadlines vary depending on the type of stay:
– Type C Visa (short stay): Declaration of arrival at the municipality within 3 days if staying with a private individual.
– EU/EEA citizen staying with a private individual: Notification within 10 days and issuance of a certificate (Annex 3ter).
– Type D Visa (long stay): Mandatory registration within 8 working days to apply for an electronic residence card.
The municipality typically requests: passport or identity card, visa or proof of entry, lease or proof of accommodation, employment contract or university enrollment, health insurance certificate, possibly proof of financial means.
A police home visit is common to verify the reality of your residence. Depending on your status, you will receive a specific residence card (card A, B, K, L, etc.), with varying rights and validity periods.
Taxation: What Every Expat Absolutely Must Know
Belgium has the – justified – reputation of being one of the countries in Europe with the highest income taxes. But in return, it offers a comprehensive social system (healthcare, unemployment, pensions, family allowances, etc.) that foreigners can also benefit from, subject to conditions.
When Do You Become a Belgian Tax Resident?
In principle, you are considered a tax resident if:
– your main home (family domicile) is located in Belgium, or
– your center of economic interests is located there, or
– you spend at least 183 days in the territory during the year.
Registration in the National Register creates a presumption of tax residence, which you can contest in very specific cases. Once a resident, you are taxed on your worldwide income. Non-residents are only taxed on their Belgian-source income.
Tax authorities generally presume that a work or residence permit holder is a resident, unless proven otherwise.
Income Tax: A Progressive Scale
Personal income tax follows a progressive scale, identical for residents and non-residents, to which municipal surtaxes are added.
The main points:
The Belgian taxation system applies progressive federal rates, ranging from 25% to 50%, based on income brackets. Taxable income is determined after deduction of social contributions and certain professional expenses. A tax-exempt quotient (a non-taxable amount) is applied, with possible increases for dependent children. For married couples or legal cohabitants, a joint tax return is generally required, although professional income is taxed separately.
Municipalities levy a municipal surtax on the federal tax due, with rates that can go up to 9% (on average around 7%). Non-residents pay a federal surtax of 7%, same principle but without municipal variation.
Tax Returns, Deadlines, and Penalties
The tax year coincides with the calendar year. You declare your income for year N in N+1. Key deadlines, as a guide:
| Type of Return | Channel | Usual Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Residents – paper form | End of June | |
| Residents – online (Tax-on-web) | MyMinfin | Mid-July |
| Complex cases (self-employed, foreign income) | Online | Until October (approx. mid-October) |
| Non-residents – paper | Around November 10 | |
| Non-residents – online | Platform | Around November 25 |
The Tax-on-web portal (MyMinfin) offers pre-filled returns that you can correct. If you do not receive the form by early June, you must request it, under penalty of sanctions.
Delays or omissions result in fines (€50 to €1,250) and, more importantly, tax surcharges (from 10% to 200%), plus late payment interest (4%).
Special Tax Regime for Expatriates
For certain qualified foreign workers (executives, specialists, researchers), a special regime for inpatriates came into effect in early 2022. It targets profiles recruited abroad or seconded to Belgium by an international group, subject to conditions:
– Not having been subject to Belgian tax during the preceding 60 months,
– Previous residence located more than 150 km from the Belgian border,
– Minimum annual gross income of €75,000 (except for researchers).
Maximum percentage of gross salary an employer can reimburse as tax-exempt net allowances under this regime.
Note: beneficiaries remain subject to the classic Belgian tax residence rules; they are not automatically considered non-residents.
Other Taxes to Know About
Belgian taxation is split between the federal and regional levels:
The standard VAT rate in Belgium, with reduced rates of 12% and 6% for certain goods and services.
For expats who retain assets or income abroad, Belgium imposes reporting obligations (real estate outside the country, foreign legal structures subject to the “Cayman Tax,” securities accounts, stock options, etc.). Employees of European institutions benefit from an exemption on their salaries but must still file a Belgian tax return.
Special Case for Americans and International Agreements
U.S. citizens and green card holders remain subject to U.S. federal tax on their worldwide income, even while living in Belgium. They must continue to file a return (Form 1040), potentially accompanied by:
– Form 2555 (Foreign Earned Income Exclusion),
– Form 1116 (Foreign Tax Credit),
– Form 8938 (Statement of Specified Foreign Financial Assets),
– FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) for foreign accounts exceeding a certain threshold.
A bilateral tax treaty between the United States and Belgium avoids double taxation, combining exclusion mechanisms and tax credits. A totalization agreement also allows for avoiding paying social security contributions in both countries when certain conditions are met (e.g., secondment of less than 5 years).
Social Security, Healthcare, and Social Benefits
One of Belgium’s major assets for an expat remains the robustness of its social state. The country spends over 10% of its GDP on healthcare and has a comprehensive social security system covering illness, unemployment, disability, work accidents, occupational diseases, pensions, and family allowances.
Social Contributions: Who Pays What?
Everyone who works in Belgium contributes to social security:
– Employees:
– Employee contribution: 13.07% of gross monthly salary,
– Employer contribution: approximately 25–27% of that same salary.
– Self-Employed:
– Contributions of about 21% of net income, with annual ceilings and a system of provisional installments adjusted afterward.
– Special Social Security Contribution:
– An additional contribution, with a maximum annual amount around €731, modulated based on household income.
These contributions are tax deductible when calculating income tax.
Exact rights depend on status (employee, self-employed, civil servant) and sometimes international conventions between Belgium and the country of origin.
A Highly Efficient Healthcare System
Belgium combines public and private hospitals within a single system, funded by social contributions, taxes, and co-payments made by patients. All residents must join a mutual health fund (mutualité / ziekenfonds) or the public CAAMI/HZIV fund.
To access the healthcare system, follow these typical steps. First, you need your national register number obtained during municipal registration. Then, your employer will handle social security registration if you are a salaried employee, while self-employed individuals must go through a social insurance fund. Next, you affiliate with a mutual health fund using your national number. Finally, you receive a card (eID or ISI+) used for reimbursements.
The system works primarily on a reimbursement basis: you pay for the consultation, then the mutual fund reimburses a portion (often 50 to 75%). Annual ceilings for out-of-pocket expenses, based on income, protect households from excessive costs.
Some Cost Benchmarks Before Reimbursement
– General practitioner consultation: approximately €26.50 to €50.
– Specialist: around €32 to €100.
– Dentist: €30 to €80.
– Emergency room: €100 to €200.
– Hospital overnight stay in a private room: €300 to €600.
Most residents opt for complementary hospitalization insurance (private) to cover what is not covered by the compulsory scheme: private room, medical fee supplements, certain dental or optical care, etc.
Social Benefits: Unemployment, Illness, Family, Housing
The Belgian social system extends well beyond healthcare. For an expat who contributes, rights are largely aligned with those of Belgians, subject to international conventions and affiliation conditions.
Without going into all technical details, a few examples illustrate the generosity (and technicality) of the system.
– Unemployment: a salaried worker having worked a certain number of days during a reference period can receive an allowance, usually calculated as a percentage of the last salary (approx. 65% then 60% for the first months, with caps).
– Maternity Leave: approx. 15 weeks for salaried women, with high compensation (82% then 75% of salary, subject to a cap).
– Family Allowances: paid until the age of 18 (or longer if studying), with base amounts varying by region and social supplements for low incomes. In Brussels, for example, the basic allowance for a child born after 2020 is around €153/month.
– Housing Assistance: moving and rental grants in Wallonia, rent and relocation allowances in Brussels, rental or renovation premiums in Flanders, subject to income conditions.
Local public services, such as CPAS/OCMW (Public Centers for Social Welfare), complement these schemes: anyone living in Belgium is entitled to a basic social assistance to lead a dignified life, although strict limits apply to people with irregular status or asylum seekers.
Housing: Rental Market, Contracts, and Protections
Finding housing in Belgium is generally easier – and cheaper – than in metropolises like Paris, London, or Amsterdam, especially if you’re willing to expand your search beyond the hyper-center of Brussels.
Rental Market: Rent Levels and Trends
The Belgian rental stock is comfortable, generally well-heated but rarely air-conditioned. Most rentals are unfurnished (sometimes down to the light fixtures and fitted kitchen) and long-term leases are the norm.
Some ballpark figures:
| Type of Housing | Average Monthly Rent in City Center | Rent Outside Center (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom – major cities | €800–1,100 depending on city | €700–900 |
| 3 bedrooms – center | €1,250–1,550 | €1,050–1,300 |
In Brussels, rents are among the highest in the country:
– Studio: €500–800 (unfurnished), more if furnished.
– 1 bedroom: €700–1,100.
– 2–3 bedrooms: €1,000–1,800, or more for houses or sought-after neighborhoods.
– Furnished/serviced apartments: significant markup (often €800–1,200 for a studio, €900–1,500 for a one-bedroom, €2,000 and up for three bedrooms).
Conversely, cities like Liège, Namur, Mons, or Charleroi have significantly lower rents, while remaining well-connected.
The main channels for property search are platforms like Immoweb, Zimmo, and Immovlan, as well as many Facebook groups or specialized relocation agencies.
3–6–9 Year Leases, Guarantees, and Tenant Rights
Belgium strictly regulates tenant-landlord relationships, with rules varying slightly by Region.
The most common types of contract:
The standard lease for a primary residence is 9 years. The tenant can terminate it at any time with 3 months’ notice, but penalties apply for early departure during the first three years (3, 2, then 1 month’s rent). Index-linked increases based on prices are possible. A short-term lease (up to 3 years) is less flexible and has specific penalties; if extended beyond 3 years, it automatically converts to a 9-year lease. Very short leases (less than 6 months), intended for temporary stays, generally offer little possibility for early exit without significant financial consequences.
Rental guarantees (security deposit) are highly regulated:
| Region | Common Legal Ceiling | Specifics |
|---|---|---|
| Flanders | Up to 3 months’ rent | Often deposited into a blocked account in the tenant’s name. |
| Brussels | In principle max. 2 months’ rent for recent leases | Possibility of public assistance (housing fund) for the guarantee. |
| Wallonia | Tendency comparable to Brussels | Local loan systems to cover the guarantee. |
The deposit must be placed in a separate blocked account, generating low interest, and can only be released with agreement from both parties or a court decision.
A detailed condition report is made upon entry (and exit), often by an independent expert whose fees are shared. It serves as the basis for the return of the deposit at the end of the lease.
The tenant must also:
– take out fire insurance (approx. €8–10/month),
– handle routine maintenance (boiler, minor repairs, etc.),
– pay charges and utilities (water, gas, electricity, waste, internet).
Tenants benefit from significant protections: prohibition of arbitrary eviction, need for a serious reason for termination by the landlord, right to notice, mediation by tenant associations or, as a last resort, by a justice of the peace.
Cost of Living: Realistic Budget for an Expat
According to several international comparators, Belgium ranks among the most expensive countries in Europe, without reaching the levels of Switzerland or Luxembourg. Estimates converge around the following amounts (including housing):
| Household Profile | Estimated Monthly Budget (with rent) |
|---|---|
| Single person | Approx. €1,750–2,000 |
| Couple | €2,500–3,200 |
| Family of 4 | €4,300–4,600 |
These averages vary greatly depending on the city, desired standard of living, type of housing, and school (local or international).
Housing, Utilities, Internet
Rent remains the largest expense. Utilities come next:
– electricity + gas + water + waste for 85 m²: €150–300/month (often around €200),
– fixed internet: approx. €50/month,
– generous mobile plan with data: around €20/month.
Belgium is among the EU countries where energy is relatively expensive, which weighs on household budgets.
Food, Going Out, and Transportation
For food, you can estimate:
– €250–400/month for a single person,
– €800–1,200/month for a family of four, depending on habits (organic, imported products, restaurants, etc.).
This corresponds to the various price reference points mentioned in the article.
– simple inexpensive restaurant meal: €15–20,
– full meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: €60–80,
– draft beer: approx. €4–5,
– cappuccino: €3.50–4.
The major supermarket chains are Carrefour, Delhaize, Colruyt, Aldi, Lidl, with varying price levels.
Regarding transportation:
– single bus/metro/tram ticket: approx. €2.50,
– monthly pass: €50–60 depending on the city,
– fuel: around €1.6–1.7/liter for gasoline.
Public transportation networks (national train SNCB, STIB/MIVB in Brussels, De Lijn in Flanders, TEC in Wallonia) cover the territory well, particularly urban areas.
Working in Belgium: Salaries, Corporate Culture, and Language
The Belgian job market is very internationalized, especially in Brussels and in certain sectors: European institutions, NGOs, consulting, finance, IT, biotech, logistics, engineering, healthcare…
The average gross monthly salary is around €3,800, for a net of approximately €2,500 (varies based on family situation and municipality). The legal minimum wage is above €1,600 gross per month, but many sectors apply higher minima via collective bargaining agreements.
The standard work week is 38 hours, with five weeks of paid vacation per year. Parents benefit from generous parental leave schemes.
Language proficiency plays an essential role:
– In Flanders, Dutch is almost indispensable for most local jobs.
– In Brussels, English and French dominate in international circles, but Dutch remains a major asset.
– In Wallonia, French is dominant, although English is often required in specialized sectors.
Many Belgians are multilingual, but statistics show a gap: in Flanders, a large majority also speaks French and English; in Wallonia, few people are truly proficient in Dutch. In Brussels, nearly 95% of inhabitants speak French, a majority understands Dutch, and a significant portion speaks English fluently.
Opening a Bank Account: Essential for Integration
Belgium has a modern, highly digitalized banking system, with many local and foreign banks. Having a Belgian account greatly facilitates daily life: paying rent and utilities by direct debit, receiving salary, subscriptions, etc.
Why a Local Account is Almost Essential
Even though, in theory, an IBAN from another SEPA zone country should be accepted, some IBAN discrimination practices persist: refusal of direct debit from a foreign IBAN, employers reluctant to pay salaries outside Belgium, etc.
A local account allows you to avoid foreign exchange and withdrawal fees abroad, set up direct debits for bills (energy, internet, taxes), facilitate obtaining a local mortgage, and build a banking history in the country.
Opening an account in Belgium allows you to avoid foreign exchange and withdrawal fees abroad, set up direct debits for your bills (energy, internet, taxes), facilitate obtaining a local mortgage, and build a banking history in the country.
Types of Accounts and Major Banks
Main types of accounts:
– Basic current account: often free or low-cost, with a Bancontact debit card.
– Premium / Pack account: monthly fees, but includes additional cards, insurance, possibly a credit card.
– Savings account: modest interest, sometimes with blocking conditions.
– Business account: mandatory for the self-employed.
The major “classic” banks:
– BNP Paribas Fortis,
– ING Belgium,
– KBC/CBC (including KBC Brussels),
– Belfius.
Several digital banks (N26, Hello Bank, Revolut, Bunq…) offer international solutions suited to expats. However, it’s important to check if they issue a Belgian IBAN, as not all do.
Opening an account generally requires:
– an ID document (passport or national ID card),
– proof of address (lease, utility bill),
– sometimes a residence permit or proof of income.
More and more institutions allow online opening, sometimes even from abroad, with video verification and use of digital identity tools like itsme. However, some complex cases or non-resident profiles still require a visit to a branch.
Education System and Schooling for Children
For expat families, the school question is central. Belgium can boast of a generally high-performing education system, with academic levels above the OECD average in science, mathematics, and reading.
General Structure of Education
Education is organized by the three Communities (French-speaking, Flemish, and German-speaking). School is compulsory from 6 to 18 years old, but almost all children also attend preschool from age 2.5, which is free and very developed.
Overview of the different stages of the Belgian education system, from preschool to secondary school.
Not compulsory but very widely attended, it constitutes the first step of socialization and learning.
Free in public education. Success leads to the Certificate of Basic Studies (CEB) necessary for access to secondary school.
Includes several tracks (general, technical, artistic, vocational). The end-of-studies diploma grants access to higher education.
Enrollment must take place within 60 days of registering at the municipality. There is no strict catchment area system, but some schools are in high demand and operate on a waiting list.
Local Schools or International Schools?
The choice depends on your relocation project and your children’s language.
Public or subsidized schools are free, excluding textbook and activity costs. Teaching is in Dutch, French, or German depending on the linguistic region, fostering strong local integration and immersion. A support system (welcome classes, language support) is provided for non-French or non-Dutch speaking children.
– International Schools:
– very present in Brussels and a few major cities (Antwerp, Mons, Ghent, Tervuren…),
– British, American, International Baccalaureate (IB), European Baccalaureate, etc. programs,
– often high tuition fees (from €6,000 to over €35,000 per year),
– suited for highly mobile families or children not proficient in the national languages,
– sometimes funded for children of European civil servants or international organization staff.
For a long-term stay, local schools offer strong cultural and linguistic integration. For a shorter or highly international stay, international schools remain a preferred choice, often subsidized by certain employers.
Languages: A Central Integration Challenge
With three official languages and an important place for English, Belgium is an ideal playground for polyglots… but also a real challenge for a new arrival.
Which Language to Learn First?
The answer depends mainly on your place of residence and your professional goals:
An overview of the languages needed for daily life, employment, and administration in the different regions of the country.
French is essential for daily life. English dominates in European institutions and some companies. Knowledge of Dutch is a big plus for employment and administrative integration.
Dutch is necessary in almost all public and private contexts. Many Flemish people speak English, but learning Dutch remains essential for administrative procedures and local work.
French is almost exclusive in public space and administration. English is found mainly in international companies.
German is the main language. A good understanding of French is useful in services.
For long-term residence and citizenship, legislation generally requires a minimum level (A2 or higher) in a national language (French, Dutch, or German), coupled with proof of ‘integration’ (employment, training, participation in integration courses).
Where and How to Learn?
Options are plentiful, especially in major cities:
Different paths to study a new language, suited to various needs and budgets.
Alliance Française, Berlitz, Goethe-Institut, or local schools (Amira, CLL). Intensive or evening courses, often very effective but sometimes costly.
French or Dutch courses at moderate cost (€80–200/cycle). Discounts for job seekers, students, and people in precarious situations.
Free language courses linked to professional integration, offered by public employment agencies (Actiris, VDAB, Forem).
Duolingo, Babbel, italki, Preply. A good supplement, but rarely sufficient alone to reach a functional level.
Immersion remains the best method: chatting with neighbors, joining local clubs, watching TV in the original language, reading the press, practicing at work… even if your interlocutor spontaneously switches to English, persevere in the language you’re learning.
Conclusion: A Demanding Move, but a Country that’s “Worth It”
Moving to Belgium as an expat requires dealing with complex procedures, heavy taxation, multiple institutional layers, and a multilingual environment. Nevertheless, the benefits are significant:
– high standard of living, safety, and low crime,
– healthcare and social protection system among the most comprehensive in the world,
– quality education, wide choice of reputable schools and universities,
– geographic centrality in Europe, efficient transportation,
– rich cultural and gastronomic scene, from comics to beers, through chocolate and festivals.
To reduce the stress of the first months in Belgium, carefully prepare your arrival by attending to essential administrative steps: obtain the appropriate visa, complete your registration at the municipality, choose your tax regime, enroll in a health insurance fund, search for housing, and, if necessary, organize your children’s schooling.
Belgium is a country where, with a bit of administrative patience and some language effort, you can build a stable, comfortable, and intensely European life. For many expats, the logistical challenge of the beginning eventually fades behind the conviviality of neighborhood cafes, the ease of travel, and the rather unique feeling of being at the heart of several cultures at once.
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