Moving to Belgium
Last updated on Dec 05, 2023
Summary: Expats and digital nomads move to Belgium for its high quality of life, excellent infrastructure, and convenient location in the heart of Europe. The most popular cities for expats and digital nomads in Belgium are Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent. People looking for a place to live in Belgium can search online for rental listings, contact real estate agents, or look for housing through expat networks.
What do I need to know before moving to Belgium?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Belgium, they said:
"Expats should be aware that Belgium is a multilingual country, with Dutch, French, and German being the three official languages. It is important to learn at least one of these languages before moving to Belgium. Expats should also be aware that Belgium has a high cost of living, so it is important to budget accordingly. Additionally, Belgium has a complex tax system, so it is important to research the tax laws before moving. Finally, expats should be aware that Belgium has a strong cultural identity, so it is important to respect local customs and traditions," said one expat in Belgium.
"Be open-minded, make an effort, don't assume everything (or anything or anyone) will be as you've known before. Things WILL be more difficult; but you will be a better - bigger? broader? more understanding? tolerant? appreciative? - person as a result. As for Brussels: It's a very easy community to move into and live in (even without knowing the languages), as most people are from elsewhere in the world. I've found Belgians that work in international companies are also very open. Friendships are made quickly and easily. I will truly miss my life here when I return," remarked one expat who made the move to Brussels.
How do I find a place to live in Belgium?
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About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- How do I meet people in Belgium?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- Is there a lot of crime in Belgium?
- What do I need to know before retiring in Belgium?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Belgium accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Belgium like?
- Is the cost of living in Belgium high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Belgium?
- What are healthcare services like in Belgium?
- Is the cost of living in Belgium high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Belgium?
- What is the weather like in Belgium?
- Are there good restaurants in Belgium?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Belgium?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Belgium?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Belgium?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Belgium?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Belgium?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?