Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Settling in Belgium means entering a country where religion is everywhere… and yet nowhere at once. Bell towers still punctuate the landscapes, mosques are multiplying in major cities, synagogues structure entire neighborhoods, but the majority of the population now identifies as having no religion. For an expat, this can seem paradoxical and sometimes disorienting.
This guide covers the practical implications of local religious practices, including public holidays, dress codes, social life, places of worship, societal debates, and resources for finding a spiritual community.
A highly diverse but largely secularized religious landscape
The first thing to understand is that Belgium combines two realities: a very strong Christian heritage and advanced secularization. In other words, religious references still structure the calendar, architecture, law, and schools, even as a majority of Belgians no longer practice.
Recent data clearly shows this evolution.
Who still believes in what?
Several surveys help measure the state of beliefs and affiliations. Taken together, they show a rapid shift towards agnosticism and atheism, while confirming the central place of Christianity and the rise of Islam.
| Source / Year | No religion | Christians (total) | Catholics | Protestants & other Christians | Orthodox | Muslims | Other religions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| European Social Survey 2023 | 58.7 % | 33.9 % | 31.1 % | 1.3 % | 0.6 % | 6 % | ~1–2 % |
| Eurobarometer 2019 | 27 %* | > 64 %* | n/a | n/a | n/a | 2 % | n/a |
| Ipsos (online survey, 2023) | 47 % | 44 % | 38 % | 5 % | n/a | 4 % | 2 % |
| Catholic Church Report 2023 (2022) | n/a | 50 %** | 50 %** | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
– The 2019 survey distinguishes “non-religious” (17 %) and “atheists” (10 %), for a total of 27 %. Share of the population identifying as Catholic, regardless of practice.
The proportion of people declaring no religion exceeds this percentage in recent surveys.
For an expat, this means that displaying a religious affiliation remains perfectly acceptable, but it’s not surprising to have colleagues, neighbors, or friends who are completely indifferent to these matters.
Sharply declining religious practice
This gap between identity and practice is particularly clear in Catholicism. The figures for attendance at services illustrate the trend.
| Indicator (Catholicism) | Approximate value |
|---|---|
| Attendance at Sunday Mass (Belgium, 2009) | 5 % of the population |
| Attendance at Sunday Mass (Flanders, 1998) | 12.7 % |
| Attendance at Sunday Mass (Flanders, 2009) | 5.4 % |
| Mass attendance at least 1x/month (2022) | 8.9 % of Catholics |
| Typical Sunday in October 2024 (Belgium) | 173,335 people at Mass |
| Past Christmas figures (Flanders, 2006) | 11.5 % at Christmas Mass |
An unprecedented phenomenon is also observed: thousands of people are formally requesting to be removed from baptismal registers, especially in Flanders. Despite this, some indicators, like adult baptisms, are showing a slight uptick, a sign that religion is not disappearing but changing its face.
For a practicing expat, the general decline in church attendance can manifest in aging parishes and sometimes half-empty churches. However, in Brussels, the strong foreign presence creates a different dynamic, maintaining a livelier and more cosmopolitan core of practitioners within parishes.
Legal framework: freedom of worship, recognized religions, and neutrality
Belgium is a secular state in the legal sense: the State and religious organizations are distinct, but the State does not disinterest itself from religious worship. It regulates them, provides partial funding, and guarantees freedom of religion.
Freedom of religion and official recognition
The Constitution guarantees freedom of worship, the right to practice one’s religion and not to participate, and protects against discrimination based on belief. On this basis, the country officially recognizes several denominations and philosophical organizations.
| Status | Groups concerned | Main effects |
|---|---|---|
| Recognized denominations | Catholicism, Protestantism (including evangelicals), Anglicanism, Judaism, Islam, Orthodoxy | Public subsidies, clergy remuneration, presence in public schools |
| Recognized philosophical organizations | Non-denominational secular/humanist movements | Subsidies and funded “moral counselors” |
| In the process of recognition | Buddhism (within a secular organizational framework) | Administrative process underway |
Important for an expat: the lack of official recognition does not prohibit practice. Simply, the ministers of these faiths do not receive a salary from the State, and these communities must finance their own infrastructure.
State neutrality and wearing religious symbols
The principle of neutrality is central, but its interpretation varies by authority, particularly in the civil service and education.
A few key points are essential for properly understanding the specific context and environment of the topic being covered.
– The State can monitor and study religious groups, especially if they are not recognized, but it cannot ban a peaceful denomination, nor impose a belief.
– Teachers, police officers, magistrates, or employees of certain public services may be subject to strict neutrality rules prohibiting visible religious symbols.
– Wearing clothing that covers the face (niqab, burqa) is prohibited in public spaces by national law; this ban has been upheld by the European Court of Human Rights, despite criticism from UN bodies.
– Flemish public schools (GO! network) widely apply bans on visible religious symbols for both students and teachers, while in Wallonia, decisions are more decentralized but often result in de facto prohibitions.
For a Muslim, Sikh, or member of a religious tradition with visible dress codes, these rules can influence the choice of school, employer, or place of residence. It is essential to check internal regulations before school enrollment or hiring to avoid any conflict or inconvenience.
Catholicism: cultural majority, practicing minority
Even in decline, Catholicism remains the country’s historical matrix: it structures public holidays, education, part of the hospital and nursing home network, and continues to inspire many popular festivals.
The Catholic network retains a singular place in education and healthcare.
| Sector | Estimated share of Catholic institutions |
|---|---|
| Secondary education | ~70 % of students in Catholic schools |
| Universities | 2 major Catholic universities (KU Leuven, UCLouvain) |
| Hospital beds in Flanders | Approximately 75 % |
| Hospital beds in Wallonia | Approximately 42 % |
| Nursing homes | Approximately 1/3 of the sector |
Catholic schools are open to all, including non-believers and students of other religions. They combine the official curriculum with Catholic religion classes, although, in practice, many students are not very practicing.
Catholic hospitals and nursing homes offer pastoral services but welcome patients and residents of all beliefs. Admission is based primarily on medical and social criteria, not religious ones, which is reassuring for expats.
Dioceses, hierarchy, and parishes
The Catholic territory is structured into one archdiocese and seven dioceses.
| Diocese / Archdiocese | Approximate year of creation |
|---|---|
| Archdiocese of Mechelen–Brussels | 1559 |
| Antwerp | 1961 |
| Bruges | 1834 |
| Ghent | 1559 |
| Hasselt | 1967 |
| Liège | 720 |
| Namur | 1559 |
| Tournai | 450 |
Each diocese groups local parishes, sometimes very lively, sometimes in great demographic difficulty. Many must merge, some churches are closed (over 130 between 2018 and 2022) or repurposed, sometimes even entrusted to other Christian denominations, notably Orthodox ones.
Practices and cultural attitudes
Even if Sunday practice has collapsed, the majority of Belgians continue to use Church services for life’s major milestones: baptism, marriage, funerals.
In 2007, nationwide:
– just over a quarter of marriages still took place in Church,
– more than half of funerals included a religious ceremony,
– more than half of children were baptized.
In Brussels, less than 15 % of children are baptized, reflecting a more secularized society.
For an expat, this means: the challenges and opportunities of a new culture, a new way of life, and often a new job. Adaptation can be both exciting and bewildering, requiring flexibility and an open mind. Expatriates often have to navigate administrative matters, like visas, while establishing their social and professional life in a foreign environment.
– if you want a Catholic religious marriage, you will often need a civil marriage first, followed by a preparation course with the parish,
– for funerals, the priest and liturgy remain reference points for many families, even non-practicing ones, but cremation and “secular” ceremonies are gaining ground.
Also noteworthy: a large majority of Belgian Catholics show very liberal views on certain social issues. A 2017 poll, for example, indicated support for same-sex marriage at 83 % among surveyed Catholics. This attitude is reflected in the openness of many parishes, even those remaining attached to liturgical tradition.
Islam: second-largest religion and strong urban presence
Islam is now the second-largest religion in the country. Its growth is closely linked to post-war labor migration waves, notably from Morocco, Turkey, and other Maghreb countries.
Demographics and presence
Estimates vary, but the Muslim population</strong is placed between 5 and nearly 10 % of the total population, depending on sources and years. Some data for 2015–2022 converges around a range of 5–7 %.
| Region / Area | Approximate share of Muslims |
|---|---|
| Belgium (estimate 2015) | ~7 % (approx. 782,000 people) |
| Flanders | 5.1 % |
| Wallonia | 4.9 % |
| Brussels-Capital Region | 23–25 % |
In the capital, Islam is particularly visible: nearly one in four residents is of Muslim tradition. There are several hundred mosques and prayer rooms in the country (between 328 and 380 according to some counts), with predominantly Sunni communities, and a significant Shiite minority in Brussels.
The Great Mosque of Brussels: an iconic site
Located in the Cinquantenaire Park, the Great Mosque of Brussels is one of the symbols of the Muslim presence in the country. The building, originally the Oriental pavilion of the 1897 exhibition, was repurposed for Muslim worship in the 1970s and now welcomes thousands of worshippers, especially on Fridays.
The center offers various activities beyond prayer, combining religious dimension and cultural integration.
Access to a collection of books for study and discovery.
Arabic language learning for all levels.
Sessions to discover and understand the foundations of Islam.
Events and workshops to foster exchange and enrichment.
Speeches in Arabic and Dutch, reflecting integration into the Belgian context.
For a non-Muslim visitor, it is possible to enter outside prayer times, provided you respect the codes:
– attire covering shoulders and knees,
– removal of shoes before entering the prayer hall,
– discreet and quiet attitude,
– ask for permission before taking photos.
In large cities, it is easy to find:
The destination offers several adapted services, notably halal dining with many specialized restaurants and butchers, prayer spaces in train stations, airports, and some shopping centers, as well as tourist activities or guided tours designed for Muslim travelers.
Some important legal points for a Muslim expat:
– Wearing the hijab (headscarf) is permitted in public spaces but may be banned in certain schools, institutions, or companies in the name of neutrality.
– Clothing covering the face (niqab, burqa) is prohibited in public spaces.
– In some public pools or beaches, the burkini is debated: some regulations ban it, even though courts have sometimes ruled such bans discriminatory.
Finally, as elsewhere in Europe, the security context (terrorist attacks, departures of foreign fighters to Syria, presence of Salafist currents) has led to increased surveillance of certain milieus and a rise in Islamophobic acts. Associations like the Collective Against Islamophobia, or local initiatives, support victims of discrimination.
The Jewish community: dynamism, traditions, and strong security constraints
Belgium is home to one of the oldest and most structured Jewish communities in Europe, concentrated mainly in Brussels and especially in Antwerp.
Two major hubs: Brussels and Antwerp
Estimates vary from approximately 29,000 to 42,000 Jews in the country, but detailed demographic studies show:
– about 56 % of the Jewish population in the Antwerp region,
– about 39 % in Brussels and surroundings.
Antwerp is sometimes described as the “last shtetl in Europe”: a large proportion of Jews there are ultra-Orthodox (Haredim), with numerous synagogues, schools, kosher shops, and strong daily practice. Yiddish and Hebrew coexist with Dutch and French, notably in the diamond district.
Brussels, more Francophone and institutional, hosts a more diverse community, often more secularized, with a plurality of synagogues (Orthodox, Sephardic, Reform, including an English-speaking one).
Synagogues, schools, and community life
The community has a dense network of institutions:
| Type of institution | Antwerp | Brussels |
|---|---|---|
| Active synagogues | ~30 (all Orthodox) | >10 (Orthodox, Sephardic, Reform) |
| Jewish schools | 7 | 3 |
| Cultural / community centers | Romi Goldmuntz, etc. | CCLJ, Cercle Ben Gurion, Maison de la culture juive, etc. |
In Antwerp, almost all Jewish children are educated in Jewish schools, with intensive religious teaching. In Brussels, mixing with secular or Catholic schools is more common.
For a Jewish expat, these structures offer facilitated community integration, especially if one wants a Jewish education for their children or a religious life structured by holidays and kashrut.
Security and antisemitism
Jewish life in Belgium nevertheless takes place under high security. Terrorist attacks, particularly the attack at the Jewish Museum of Brussels in 2014 (four deaths), led to the deployment of soldiers in front of synagogues and schools for several years.
Studies conducted among Jews in Belgium show:
– a very high perception of antisemitism as a major problem,
– a high proportion of people having considered emigration,
– a tendency to avoid visible symbols (kippah, Star of David) in public space for fear of attack.
For an expat, this means you can fully live your Jewishness in Belgium, but in an environment marked by enhanced security measures and constant vigilance. Synagogues are often accessible by registration or after security checks, and community buildings are protected.
Protestants, Evangelicals, and International Churches
Numerically a minority, Belgian Protestants and Evangelicals nevertheless have a structured network, notably through the coordinating body ARPEE/CACPE and the United Protestant Church of Belgium.
A fragmented but dynamic Protestant landscape
Protestants represent about 2 to 4 % of the population depending on the source. The mosaic is very diverse: historic Reformed Churches, evangelical communities, Pentecostals, Baptists, Adventists, Anglicans, etc.
For expats, especially English speakers, these are often the most accessible communities, as several offer services in English, sometimes interdenominational, such as:
A selection of Christian communities offering services in English or adapted for expatriates.
Bilingual English/Dutch service in Antwerp.
Interdenominational English-speaking community in Antwerp.
International Presbyterian church in Brussels.
International church of Brussels, very open to foreigners.
English-speaking/international community in Jurbise (Mons region).
These churches are often distinguished by:
– a worship style less liturgical than Catholicism,
– contemporary musical style,
– a strong community dimension (home groups, family events),
– common use of English.
For a non-Catholic Christian expat, this is a valuable anchor point, as much spiritual as social: you meet other foreigners, get practical information about local life, and can find support in your language.
Other religions: Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, new movements
Religious pluralization does not stop at the trio Christianity–Islam–Judaism. Other traditions, often linked to immigration or individual conversions, are gaining visibility.
Hinduism and Jainism, especially in Antwerp
The Hindu and Jain communities remain modest in number but well-established, primarily in the Antwerp diamond sector.
| Religion | Population estimate (approx.) | Notable features |
|---|---|---|
| Hinduism | ~10,000 (2020) | Strong link with Indian and Nepalese diaspora, requests for official recognition, a few temples and cultural associations |
| Jainism | ~2,000 (2020) | Mainly diamond traders, Jain temple in Wilrijk (unique in continental Europe) |
Expatriates from India or Nepal thus find a religiously familiar environment, even though Hinduism is not yet a recognized denomination in the Belgian sense.
Buddhism, Confucianism, and Asian spiritualities
Figures vary by methodology, but it is estimated that: data can reflect different realities depending on the approaches used.
According to surveys, between 0.2 % and 2 % of the French population identifies as Buddhist, this range varying depending on the survey method.
These are often Belgian converts, members of the Chinese or Vietnamese diaspora, and practitioners enrolled in urban centers. Buddhism is in the process of being recognized as a philosophical organization, which should in time further structure the offerings (chaplaincies, classes, etc.).
New movements and a distinctly Belgian tradition
Belgium gave birth to a specific religious movement, Antoinism, founded by Louis-Joseph Antoine in the early 20th century. This current, inspired by Christianity and healing, remains marginal but testifies to local spiritual creativity.
To this are added Jehovah’s Witnesses, Scientology, and other non-recognized groups, which have places of worship or centers in major cities, even if they do not receive public funding.
Public holidays and festivals: a very Christian calendar… for everyone
Even if religious practice is declining, the official calendar remains largely structured by major Christian holidays and national history. For an expat, this is often where religion manifests most concretely: days off, reduced hours, closed shops.
The ten national public holidays
Belgium has ten legal public holidays, in addition to most Sundays.
| Official national holiday | Main origin | Common practices |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day (January 1) | Civil and popular tradition | New Year’s Eve, greetings, family visits |
| Easter Monday | Christian holiday (Resurrection) | Easter egg hunt, family meal |
| Labor Day (May 1) | Labor movement, secular | Parades, demonstrations, lily of the valley |
| Ascension (Thursday, 40 days after Easter) | Christian holiday | Processions, notably in Bruges (Procession of the Holy Blood) |
| Pentecost Monday | Christian holiday | Long weekend, outdoor activities |
| National Day (July 21) | Political history (monarchy) | Military parade, fireworks in Brussels |
| Assumption (August 15) | Catholic Marian feast | Pilgrimages, large popular festivals (e.g., Liège) |
| All Saints’ Day (November 1) | Feast of all saints | Visiting cemeteries, placing flowers |
| Armistice Day (November 11) | Memory of World War I | Commemorative ceremonies, Last Post in Ypres |
| Christmas (December 25) | Christian holiday (Nativity) | Christmas markets, family meals, midnight Mass for some |
For an expat, these days are generally days off for most employees. If a public holiday falls on a weekend, a replacement day is generally granted by sectoral or company agreement. Many public services and shops close or operate on reduced hours (notably transport, administrations, banks).
Regions and communities: “identity” holidays
The country’s federal structure adds an additional layer: each community or region has its own symbolic day, a day off for some civil servants.
Without going into all the details, we can note:
– July 11, day of the Flemish Community (commemoration of the Battle of the Golden Spurs),
– September 27, day of the French Community (victory of the patriots in 1830),
– November 15, day of the German-speaking Community and also King’s Feast,
– May 8 (Iris Day) or a nearby date for the Brussels-Capital Region (linked to the iris emblem).
These dates are not religious holidays but illustrate this permanent blend of history, identity, and symbols, which an expat quickly encounters, for example through school or service closures.
Christmas traditions, carnival, and “mixed” festivals
Some celebrations are simultaneously religious, cultural, and commercial. This is notably the case for:
Belgium celebrates several festivals anchored in Christian tradition, including Advent and Christmas with its markets, decorations, and Masses. Saint Nicholas Day, December 6, is an important holiday for children, where this saint distributes gifts. Before Lent, carnivals like those in Binche or Aalst, UNESCO-listed, transform religious heritage into major popular festivals.
For an expat, these highlights are often the simplest opportunity to connect with local traditions, without needing to share the underlying faith.
Religious practices and daily life: what it concretely changes
Beyond statistics and public holidays, how is the religious diversity felt in everyday life for an expat?
At school: choice of religion or ethics classes
In public education, students have the right to a class in religion (among the recognized denominations) or non-denominational ethics. Expat parents must therefore choose at the time of enrollment:
– a class in Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, Jewish, or Islamic religion,
– or a class in secular ethics.
In Catholic schools, the Catholic religion class is the norm and also welcomes non-believing students. Since 2015, the obligation to follow a religion class has been relaxed, allowing some schools to explore more philosophical or general ethical approaches. However, choice is sometimes limited by the school’s offerings.
At work: neutrality, dress code, and days off
In the professional world, religious diversity mainly manifests through the balance between individual freedom and employer neutrality:
– in the private sector, some companies tolerate or even value diversity (headscarves, turbans, discreet religious symbols), others adopt strict neutrality policies,
– in the civil service, rules are more regulated, with internal regulations that may prohibit all visible religious symbols, especially for public-facing positions.
For religious holidays not officially recognized, there is no automatic right to an additional day off. However, individual arrangements (like using annual leave or compensatory time) are often possible, particularly in internationally oriented companies.
In public space: visible symbols, processions, places of worship
An expat will quickly notice: the cultural differences surrounding them. These differences can manifest through cuisine, lifestyles, customs, and even language. Adapting to these new realities can be both a challenge and a source of enrichment.
– numerous churches, sometimes empty, but also spectacular religious processions (Bruges, Hasselt, Mechelen, folk marches),
– neighborhood mosques and the Great Mosque of Brussels,
– highly protected synagogues, sometimes with limited access,
– more discreet Hindu or Jain temples, often on the outskirts.
Mass religious events (film screenings, interfaith conferences, Holocaust commemorations, Ramadan meals organized by interconvictional associations) are frequent in major cities, particularly in Brussels where European institutions encourage dialogue with denominations (via ‘Article 17’ of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU).
Finding your community: networks and resources for expats
For many expats, religion is also a way to recreate a social network and a sense of belonging. Belgium offers a wide range of possibilities, notably in English.
International churches and communities
Major cities – Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Leuven – have worship communities explicitly geared towards foreigners, especially English speakers:
A selection of international and multilingual Christian communities, mainly located in Antwerp and Brussels, welcoming expatriates and believers of various nationalities.
Bilingual English/Dutch service, characterized by strong diversity of origins among its members.
Inter-denominational English-speaking community, established in the region since the 1960s.
International Presbyterian church organizing gatherings at various meeting points in the Brussels region.
Church focused on faith, community, and mission, very popular with an expat audience.
Several evangelical, Anglican, or charismatic churches welcoming believers from dozens of different nationalities.
These places are often much more than churches: they organize youth groups, children’s activities, cultural outings, practical support (housing, administration) for newcomers.
Many religious or mixed (religion & expatriation) communities also use:
– Facebook groups (“Expats in Brussels”, “Expats in Antwerp”, “Life in Belgium”),
– platforms like InterNations (thematic groups in Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Leuven, some focused on culture, hiking, etc.),
– websites of dioceses, mosques, or synagogues that sometimes offer online services or catechism, especially since the pandemic.
For discreet or hesitant expats, it is possible to use online tools to identify communities, languages used, and style of worship from a distance before deciding to visit.
Religious and interconvictional NGOs
Several major organizations with a religious background also play a pivotal role in welcoming and supporting migrants:
– Caritas (Caritas International, Caritas Vlaanderen, Caritas francophone & germanophone): support for refugees, housing assistance, health, family reunification,
– Religions for Peace – Belgium: interfaith dialogue platforms, open Ramadan meals, workshops on peace and social cohesion,
– Jewish, Muslim, or Christian associations working to combat racism, Islamophobia, or antisemitism.
These structures offer expats a framework for voluntary or professional engagement in a religious or interreligious context, which can help build a network beyond one’s own community.
To conclude this overview, some practical pointers for an expat who wants to understand – and respect – local religious practices without necessarily adhering to them.
1. Don’t overestimate religious practice: the majority of Belgians are not practicing, even if they remain culturally marked by Catholicism. Displaying strong faith is not frowned upon but can be surprising in very secularized circles.
In certain public spheres like government offices, Flemish public schools, courts, or some hospitals, the wearing of religious symbols may be specifically regulated by rules. It is therefore advisable to inquire precisely about the regulations in force within each concerned institution.
3. Inform yourself about the specific codes for each place of worship: removing shoes and modest attire in mosques, head covering for men and sometimes for women in some synagogues, silence and sober dress in churches during services.
4. Anticipate the effects of the religious calendar: during major holidays (Christmas, Easter, Ramadan, major Jewish holidays), hours may change, shops may close earlier, and transport may be less frequent. It’s wise to check and book in advance.
For expats, local places of worship (parish, mosque, synagogue) can serve as a first social space outside of work. Participating occasionally, even without being very practicing, helps create a sense of belonging and feeling “at home” in the new country.
Ultimately, Belgium offers a unique observation ground: that of a historically very Catholic country, which has become largely secularized, but where religion remains omnipresent in multiple and increasingly diverse forms. For the curious and respectful expat, it’s an invitation to discover a society capable of combining ancient traditions, freedom of conscience, and the coexistence of very varied beliefs.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
