Cultural Differences to Know Before Moving to Belgium

Published on January 17, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Relocating to Belgium isn’t just a change of country: it’s entering a world where three official languages coexist, where people often feel European before they say “Belgian”, and where social codes vary from one city to another, sometimes from one neighborhood to the next. For a newcomer, these nuances make all the difference between a difficult move and a successful integration.

One Country, Three Regions, Three Languages… and Multiple Identities

Understanding Belgium begins by accepting that there isn’t a single “Belgian” culture, but several layers of overlapping identities: regional, linguistic, European, and only then national.

Belgium is structured into three main regions and three linguistic communities:

– Flanders in the north: Dutch-speaking region (Dutch is spoken here, often referred to as “Flemish” in daily life).

– Wallonia in the south: French-speaking region, with a small German-speaking community in the east.

– Brussels-Capital Region: Officially bilingual French–Dutch, but predominantly French-speaking in everyday life.

From a linguistic standpoint, the distribution is roughly as follows:

Community / Language	Approximate Share of the Population
Flemish (Dutch speakers)	~55–59 %
French speakers	~40 %
German speakers	~1 %
Other native languages	A few % (English, Turkish, Arabic, etc.)

This mosaic isn’t just administrative: it influences politics, schools, the media, workplace relationships… and even topics to avoid during drinks. The border between Flanders and Wallonia is more than a line on a map: it’s a historical fracture fueled by decades of linguistic and economic tensions.

English: A Survival Language, Not a Path to Real Integration

Belgium ranks among the most English-proficient countries in Europe. In the English Proficiency Index 2021, it placed 6th out of 112 countries, behind the Netherlands, Austria, Denmark, Singapore, and Norway. In Brussels, where over a third of the population is of foreign origin, English has established itself as a language of work and socialization in many international circles.

However, English does not replace the local languages. Outside major cities, and even in some urban public services, speaking only English limits your autonomy and complicates procedures (administration, school, healthcare). English helps you survive; French or Dutch help you integrate.

Region	% of inhabitants speaking Dutch	% speaking French	% speaking English
Flanders	Dominant language	~59 %	~53 %
Wallonia	~19 %	Dominant language	~17 %
Brussels	~59 %	~95 %	~41 %

Concretely, a Flemish person will often have learned French and English in school, while a Walloon will have focused more on French and English, with a weaker level of Dutch. Many young people end up bridging the gap… in English.

Which Language to Speak, and Where?

This reality translates into daily interactions. Here are some useful guidelines:

– In Flanders, it’s delicate to spontaneously approach someone in French. English is often better accepted if you don’t speak Dutch.

– In Wallonia, starting in French is the norm; Dutch is seldom used outside border areas.

– In Brussels, common practice is to start in French, especially in shops. But many Brussels residents switch without difficulty to Dutch or English.

A reflex appreciated throughout the country is to learn at least a few phrases in the language of the region. Even hesitant, this effort is generally seen as a sign of respect.

Greeting, Using Formal “You”, Being on Time: Politeness Codes

One of the frequent pitfalls for newcomers lies in the micro-codes of daily life: how to say hello, what distance to keep, when to use the informal “you”, how to handle being late. On these points, Belgium is halfway between Northern European reserve and Latin warmth.

Handshake or Kiss: A Geography of Gestures

For a first meeting or in a formal context, the handshake remains the norm across the country. It should be brief but firm, accompanied by your name and a simple “pleased to meet you” (in French) or “aangenaam” (in Dutch).

Things become more complicated once a relationship develops:

Another subtlety: You generally greet each person present, upon arrival and departure, at least with a handshake or a pronounced nod. Ignoring someone in a small group can be perceived as an insult.

Formal “You”, Informal “You”, and Titles

In the professional sphere and with acquaintances, the formal register is maintained:

– in French: “vous” + Monsieur/Madame + last name;

– in Dutch: “u” + Meneer/Mevrouw + last name.

The switch to the informal “you” or first name happens upon explicit invitation (“May we use the informal ‘you’?”) or implicitly (the other person starts using the informal “you” with you). In the workplace, this shift is quicker in some start-ups or creative fields, slower in public institutions or traditional sectors.

Punctuality and Planning Ahead

Punctuality is a cardinal value, both at work and in private life. Arriving late to a dinner or meeting without warning is felt as a lack of respect. If you are more than a few minutes late, a message or call is expected.

Another notable difference for many expats: planning. Belgians, especially in Flanders, like full schedules. Dropping by someone’s place unannounced or spontaneously suggesting “shall we meet tonight?” can be surprising, even disconcerting. Invitations are often made several weeks in advance, for a specific time slot.

Speaking Without Causing Offense: Communication, Sensitive Topics, and Body Language

In terms of communication, Belgium differs from its direct neighbors. Compared to the Dutch, Belgians seem more nuanced, less abrupt; compared to the French, they favor sober logic over grand flights of rhetoric.

Reserved but Direct When Necessary

Belgians are generally described as reserved, especially during initial contacts. They talk little about their private lives or intimate subjects with people they barely know. This partly explains why nearly half of the expats surveyed find Belgians “distant” and why, according to an InterNations study, only 25% find it easy to befriend locals.

In essence, communication remains fairly direct: a “no” is a “no”, there isn’t the same culture of the “polite yes” as in other countries. Simply, this refusal is often expressed in a calm tone, without drama. Disagreements are ideally settled with rational arguments, not by raising one’s voice.

Communication in a professional context

What to Talk About… and What’s Best to Avoid

To break the ice, some topics garner consensus:

– gastronomy (beers, chocolates, waffles, restaurants, regional specialties);

– sports, especially soccer and cycling;

– exhibitions, concerts, festivals, cinema;

– the city or neighborhood where you live, differences between regions.

On the other hand, some themes should be handled with care, especially with people you don’t know well:

– Belgian politics and, even more so, tensions between Flanders and Wallonia;

– religion and personal beliefs (even though the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and prohibits discrimination, society remains marked by a Christian majority around 64%, but also by a strong agnostic and atheist current);

– income, wealth, assets;

– physical appearances.

Physical Distance, Gestures to Avoid, and Noise Level

The standard interpersonal distance is about an arm’s length. You stand face to face, maintain eye contact, smile, but avoid grabbing your interlocutor’s arm or insistently slapping them on the back, especially in the north.

Some gestures are poorly perceived:

– pointing at someone with your finger;

– keeping your hands in your pockets during a conversation;

– snapping your fingers to call a waiter;

– keeping your sunglasses on your nose while talking to someone;

– talking very loudly on public transport or in the street.

Also note: the “OK” gesture formed with the thumb and index finger rather means “zero” in Belgium, not “perfect”.

Social Life: How to Make Friends in a Reserved Country

For many expats, the greatest difficulty isn’t the weather or bureaucracy, but creating lasting bonds. Belgium indeed combines two realities: a significant density of expats (about 13% of the population, up to 37% in Brussels) and a local population known for being cautious in relational investment, especially with people who might leave again.

Patience, Regularity, and Shared Activities

Expat accounts converge: it takes time, regular presence, and a bit of perseverance to move from the stage of “good acquaintance” to that of friend. A few concrete paths emerge from field experiences:

Many find that meeting week after week in the same group (sports, classes, volunteering) naturally creates affinities.

Separating Professional and Private Life

Another subtlety: the clear boundary between the professional and private spheres. “After-work” evenings are not a systematic institution, and it’s not so common to become close with colleagues. Calling a colleague in the evening or on the weekend for a work-related question is also very frowned upon, and the law strictly regulates the right to disconnect.

Work: Hierarchy, Meetings, Work-Life Balance

Settling in Belgium for work means getting to grips with a subtle corporate culture, which changes depending on whether you’re in Flanders, Wallonia, or Brussels.

A Flatter Hierarchy in Flanders, More Marked in Wallonia

In many Flemish organizations, the structure is relatively horizontal: people discuss, co-decide, and expect managers to listen to opinions and delegate. Authority exists, but it’s exercised more through competence and consultation than through unilateral orders.

In Wallonia, companies are on average a bit more hierarchical: the role of the boss or senior executive is more formal, the title (and sometimes the office size) retains symbolic value. However, teamwork and employee participation are far from absent.

Brussels, where international institutions, large corporations, NGOs, and start-ups coexist, mixes these cultures in varying proportions depending on the sector.

Meetings, Decision-Making, and Negotiation

The way of working often surprises expats used to very fast-paced environments: in Belgium, people prefer to take their time. Important decisions are subject to lengthy preliminary discussions, often involving several hierarchical levels and departments. The search for compromise and consensus takes precedence over abrupt decision-making.

In meetings:

– arrive on time, ideally a few minutes early;

– follow a clear agenda;

– start with a short moment of small talk (weekend, weather, sports, restaurants);

– argue with facts and data, not slogans.

Commercial negotiations are guided by prudence, logic, and the search for win-win solutions. Aggressive postures, emotional ultimatums, or displays of ego are poorly perceived.

Hours, Vacations, and the Right to Disconnect

The value of free time is deeply ingrained. Most employees work around 38–40 hours per week, with standard office hours. The minimum 20 days of paid vacation add to 10 legal public holidays, and it’s not uncommon to have more depending on the collective agreement or seniority.

– Summer vacations are often taken in long periods (July–August, Easter, the period between Christmas and New Year): it’s difficult to organize major projects at these times;

– late meetings or weekend work remain the exception;

– professional contact outside of working hours is met with strong reluctance, even prohibitions for employers.

In this context, the phrase “you work to live, you don’t live to work” reflects the sought-after balance quite well.

School: A Demanding, Multilingual, and Decentralized System

For expat families, school is a central issue. Belgium does not have a single education system: each linguistic community (Flemish, French, German-speaking) manages its own network, with its own programs, methods, and certifications.

Compulsory Schooling, Freedom of Choice, and Grade Repetition

School is compulsory from ages 5/6 to 18 for all children residing in Belgium, regardless of their administrative status. The common core consists of:

– primary education from ages 6 to 12;

– secondary education from ages 12 to 18, divided into three two-year cycles and tracks (general, technical, vocational, artistic).

Important cultural fact: grade repetition is common and doesn’t carry the same stigma as in other countries. Progression is not automatic; it is based on regular evaluations. Repeating a year is seen as a way to consolidate learning, not as a definitive failure.

Multilingualism, Tracks, and International Schools

Multilingualism is a strong marker of the Belgian system. From the end of primary school, children generally start a second national language (French in Flanders, Dutch in Wallonia) and, later, English. In the German-speaking community, learning other languages sometimes starts as early as age 3.

Upon completing secondary school, students receive a diploma granting access to higher education (universities, university colleges). Belgian universities regularly feature in good international rankings, particularly for sciences, medicine, and engineering.

– local public schools (free, instruction in French, Dutch, or German): ideal for quick linguistic integration, provided you accept an adaptation phase;

– subsidized private schools (often Catholic or with alternative pedagogy): little or no tuition fees, but some form of selection at entry;

– international schools (British, American curricula, International Baccalaureate, European Schools): instruction mostly in English or multilingual, but very high tuition fees (around €6,000 to over €35,000 per year, sometimes more for high school).

For non-native speaking children arriving late, specific reception classes exist: OKAN (in Dutch) or DASPA (in French). They offer intensive instruction in the language of schooling before integration into regular classes. These programs are valuable, but waiting lists are a reality in some cities.

Healthcare: A Generous but Structured System

Expats are often impressed by the quality of the Belgian healthcare system, considered one of the best in the world. It is based on a public-private mix funded by social security, taxes, mandatory contributions, and a co-payment charged to the patient.

Compulsory Health Insurance Fund and Freedom to Choose Your Doctor

Access to care is via registration with a mutualité/ziekenfonds (health insurance fund). These are non-profit organizations managing compulsory health insurance. All offer the same core reimbursement, with differences in additional services (prevention, wellness programs, discounts, etc.).

1. Register at the municipality to obtain a national number. 2. Join a health insurance fund within the legal timeframe (90 days after arrival). 3. Receive your insurance card (eID or ISI+), essential at the doctor’s office and pharmacy.

Co-payments, Caps, and Private Insurance

Healthcare isn’t free, but a system of annual caps (Maximum à facturer) limits your personal expenses based on your income level. Beyond a certain threshold, your medical costs are almost entirely covered.

However, many Belgians (over 80%) take out private complementary insurance to cover:

– a private hospital room;

– a larger portion of the co-payment;

– advanced dental care or glasses/contact lenses;

– certain alternative medicines.

Expats benefit from familiarizing themselves with this co-financing logic: you often pay first, then the health insurance fund and complementary insurance reimburse all or part afterwards.

Daily Life: Consumption, Housing, Services, and Cost of Living

Beyond the major systems, culture is embedded in daily life: shop hours, customer service relationships, housing, prices, tips… All elements that shape the expat experience.

Housing: Tenant Protection and Local Bureaucracy

The rental market is highly regulated. “3-6-9” leases of nine years are common, with three months’ notice for the tenant and decreasing penalties if they leave within the first three years. Security deposits are strictly regulated and must be placed in a blocked account in the tenant’s name.

Another obligatory step: registering your address with the municipality within eight days of moving in. This triggers a police visit to verify you actually reside at that address. This step is crucial for accessing healthcare, schools, certain social rights.

Cost of Living and Regional Differences

Belgium ranks among the most expensive countries in Europe, but remains less costly than several comparable world capitals. The cost of living varies noticeably between regions:

Region / City	Average Monthly Spending per Person (2025, excluding rent)
Flanders (average)	~€1,692
Wallonia (average)	~€1,628
Brussels (average)	~€1,738

Housing obviously weighs heavily on the budget. Average monthly rents are around: average monthly rents.

Region	Average Monthly Rent (all dwellings)
Flanders	~€853
Wallonia	~€779
Brussels	~€1,188

In practice, living alone in a city-center apartment in Brussels costs significantly more than in a Walloon province or a small Flemish town. Utility bills (heating, electricity, water) are also high, at the top end of the European range.

Customer Service, Tips, and Consumption Codes

Belgian customer service is often described as “efficient but reserved”. Shop or restaurant employees don’t multiply smiles or big displays of enthusiasm, which can be wrongly interpreted as coldness. In reality, it’s more about a certain modesty and a rejection of commercial overacting.

Tips are not obligatory: prices generally include service charges. The custom is to:

– round up the bill or leave a few euros if you’re satisfied at a café or bar;

– leave 5–10% in a restaurant for exceptional service;

– round up the taxi fare.

In hotels, it’s uncommon to leave a tip for housekeeping staff or the concierge.

At the Table: Rituals, Meal Times, and Gastronomic Myths

The table is an excellent prism for understanding cultural codes. In Belgium, meals are both ritualized and relaxed, but some implicit rules surprise newcomers.

Meal Times and Structure

Breakfast is heartier than in some countries: bread, cheese, cold cuts, eggs, but also sweets (spreads, pastries, waffles) coexist. At lunch, many are content with a light meal, sometimes called “dîner”, taken between 12 pm and 2 pm, often in less than 45 minutes. The evening meal (“souper”) typically occurs between 7 pm and 9 pm.

Restaurants don’t serve forever: it’s not uncommon for the kitchen to close around 9:30 pm in many establishments, especially outside major cities.

Table Rituals and Toasts

Table manners follow the continental tradition:

Toasts are frequent, especially with the first drink. The words vary by region:

Region	Common Toast Phrases
Wallonia	“Santé”, “Salud”
Flanders	“Proost”, “Gezondheid”, “Schol”

Often, Flemish people raise their glass twice during the same toast.

A cultural point often misunderstood: the importance given to food waste. Finishing your plate is appreciated, but you might also be chided for taking too much. Finding the right balance is a valued exercise.

Holidays, Traditions, and the Public Holiday Calendar

Belgium has a calendar rich in national, regional, and religious holidays, which structure the year and influence professional life (business, administration, and school closures).

Major Holidays and Belgian Particularities

Key highlights include:

– National Day on July 21st, commemorating independence from the Netherlands: military parades, festivities across the country;

– Christian holidays (Easter, Ascension, Pentecost, Assumption, All Saints’ Day, Christmas), widely observed as days off even in an increasingly secular society;

– Christmas, focused on family, with many Christmas markets in Brussels, Bruges, Liège, Ghent, Leuven…;

– Saint Nicholas / Sinterklaas on December 6th, when this saint and his helpers bring gifts to children, often more significant than those at Christmas. In Belgium, people talk more about Saint Nicholas/Sinterklaas than the classic Santa Claus.

Some holidays have a regional identity dimension:

– in Flanders, the commemoration of the Battle of the Golden Spurs on July 11th;

– in Brussels, the Festival of the Iris in May;

– in Hainaut, the Carnival of Binche, with its famous Gilles who throw oranges, listed as UNESCO intangible cultural heritage.

Birthdays and Gifts

Birthdays operate on a principle that puzzles some: it’s often the person celebrating who brings cakes or pastries to the office. People say “bon anniversaire”, “gefeliciteerd”, or “Alles Gute zum Geburtstag” depending on the language.

When invited to someone’s home, it’s customary to bring a modest little gift (chocolates, flowers). A few codes to know:

– avoid white chrysanthemums, associated with death;

– prefer an odd number of flowers, but not 13;

– keep it low-key: a too luxurious gift makes people uncomfortable.

Gifts are generally opened immediately in the presence of the giver.

Gender, Equality, and Social Realities

On paper, Belgium ranks among the good European students in terms of gender equality and LGBTQIA+ rights. The Constitution explicitly enshrines gender equality since 2002, and an Institute for the Equality of Women and Men combats discrimination.

Advanced, but Not Perfect, Equality

Some indicators:

Legally, spouses have equal rights over marital property, and there is no obligation for the woman to take the husband’s name. Maternity leave lasts 15 weeks, paternity or co-parent leave 15 days (with regular debates on extending it).

Gender-Based Violence: A Concerning Blind Spot

Despite this advanced framework, recent studies paint a concerning picture of sexual violence. A survey conducted by several Belgian institutions indicates that nearly 65% of people aged 16 to 69 have experienced sexual violence in their lifetime: 48% of men, 81% of women, and 80% of LGBTQIA+ individuals. Transgender people are particularly exposed.

For an expat, these figures are a reminder that behind the progressive image lie still strong inequalities and structural violence. They also explain the proliferation of associative initiatives and institutional campaigns around consent, harassment, and equality.

Religions, Values, and Relationship to the Law

Historically very Catholic, Belgium today is a mosaic of beliefs. According to a 2019 Eurobarometer:

– a little over 64% of the population identifies as Christian (Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, or “Christian without specification”);

– 17% declare themselves non-religious or agnostic;

– 10% are atheist;

– about 2% define themselves as Muslim.

The Belgian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and prohibits any discrimination based on beliefs.

Simultaneously, the relationship to the state and rules is sometimes paradoxical: on a formal level, Belgium has a sophisticated regulatory apparatus; in practice, a certain knack for improvising and a taste for “arrangements” (for example in urban planning or renovation) are part of the landscape. As humorously said, “every Belgian is born with a brick in their stomach”… but not always with a building permit in their pocket.

Conclusion: Taming Complexity to Savor the Richness

Relocating to Belgium means accepting to navigate a country that combines contrasts: three official languages but omnipresent English, a national identity sometimes overshadowed by regional and European affiliations, reserved inhabitants but of solid loyalty once trust is established, advanced legal equality but still challenged by concrete inequalities.

For a newcomer, a few simple strategies greatly facilitate integration:

With these keys in mind, Belgian complexity ceases to be a source of frustration and becomes what it truly is: a rare cultural richness, where you can live at the crossroads of Latin and Germanic Europe, taste unique beers, enjoy a high-level healthcare and education system, and build lasting bonds in a country that, in its own discreet way, knows how to welcome those who take the time to understand it.