Moving to Belgium: Things you should know before you immigrate to Belgium
THE BASICS
Things to consider when moving to Belgium
Brussels
UTC +1
Euro (EUR)
11.4 million
Dutch, French and German
+32
112
On the right side
BEFORE MOVING
The cost of moving to Belgium. International removals by Eurosender
The cost of moving to Belgium depends on the shipment size and its urgency. Eurosender offers multiple options for international removals to Belgium:
Visa regulations for Belgium
The citizens from the European Union (EU), EEA and Switzerland don’t need a visa to live and work in Belgium. You just need to register at the local town hall and get a Belgian ID card.
When you are a citizen from a Non-EU country, you will have to apply for a visa when migrating to Belgium. As the requirements may differ per country, it is best that you contact your local Belgian embassy to find out which documents you need to start your new life in Belgium.
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Property information. Apartments in Belgium
Brussels has the highest prices for property, as many expats reside there. If you are moving to Brussels for work or study, you can rent a 1-bedroom apartment for €740 per month. An apartment in Belgium for a student can be around €500. For expats immigrating to Brussels with family, the average rent price for a 2-bedroom apartment is about €1000.
Usually, a 3-month security deposit is required and most apartments in Belgium come unfurnished. So, shipping your table, chairs and tv is a must in this country.
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LIVING IN BELGIUM
Cost of living in Belgium
Public transport in Belgium is both effective and affordable. In major Belgian cities, a transport pass for the month costs around €35–€50.
In Brussels, you can expect to pay about €125 a month for utilities.
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The job market in Belgium
Being home to organisations like the European Union and NATO, Belgium has become a popular place for international companies to settle. There are many jobs for English speakers and students in Belgium. Most of these jobs are in and around Brussels and Antwerp, which is world-famous for its diamond trade.
The job market in Belgium offers job opportunities in spheres such as IT, banking and healthcare.
School and education in Belgium
Expats moving to Belgium with children should be prepared for studying in Dutch, French or German languages, although there are many international schools in Belgium. Some schools are bilingual, while some teach exclusively in English. Studying in Belgium is also much cheaper if compared with the United States and many other countries.
Age: 3-6
Compulsory: No
Age: 6-12
Compulsory: Yes
Age: 12-18
Compulsory: Yes
Healthcare in Belgium
For expats moving to Belgium, it is mandatory to have private healthcare insurance. It may take about 3-6 months before your application will be accepted, so make sure that you are properly insured until that time. Once you are accepted, you get a social identification number, which is shown in your e–resident card, and you have access to the Belgian healthcare system. For EU citizens immigrating to Belgium, it is recommended to get a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
Driving in Belgium: Should I get a driving licence in Belgium?
You can drive in Belgium with the EU driving licence. When you are a Non-EU citizen, you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP). You should always have valid insurance documents, your ID (ID card when from Schengen zone, Passport for other countries) and vehicle registration document with you.
Some more requirements for driving in Belgium:
- Check both the Dutch and the French translation of your destination as there is a chance you might miss the signs.
- “Priorite à droite” is the basic rule in Belgium, meaning that all traffic coming from the right side must be given right of way.
- Drinking and driving in Belgium is restricted. The fines range from 1,100 EUR to 11,000 EUR for DUI’s violation.
What else to expect when living in Belgium as an expat?
One of the most important things to understand about living in Belgium is that the country is trilingual:
- Dutch is spoken in Flanders (Northern part of the country),
- French is spoken in Wallonia (Southern part of the country),
- German is spoken in 9 municipalities in the East of Belgium,
- When immigrating to Brussels, you may also get by with only English.
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MOVING DESTINATIONS
The most popular countries from where people relocate to Belgium
Moving to Belgium from the USA
There could be many reasons for moving to Belgium from the USA or Canada. You won’t experience a complete language barrier, as many people in Belgium speak English. On top of that, you can experience life in a completely different way. Eurosender makes removals to Belgium even more comfortable, offering a wide range of international shipping services.
Moving to Belgium from the UK
Moving to Belgium from the UK is a short trip, as London-Brussels will take you less than an hour by plane or about 8 hours by bus. But have you also noticed how outrageous the luggage policies of most airline companies and bus carriers are? With Eurosender you can now relocate to Belgium while taking your luggage, furniture or anything else with you for a fraction of the price.
Moving to Belgium from India
If you are moving to Belgium from India as a student and looking for the most affordable way to ship your belongings, Eurosender offers the best shipping solution. With our booking platform, you get a stress-free international removal to Belgium and save cost on moving house. Whether you are moving to Belgium as a student or for better work, Eurosender is your reliable logistics partner.