How to move to Belgium

Moving to Belgium can be an exciting step, but also comes with practical and administrative challenges you’ll need to prepare for.

Your experience will depend on who you are and why you’re moving, so it’s important to understand the process early.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

Why people choose to move to Belgium
Who needs a visa, and what kinds are available
How to prepare for your move
What to expect after arriving
Things to think about once you’ve settled in
And pathways to long-term residency and citizenship

By the end, you’ll have a clearer roadmap for your move to Belgium, so you can focus on enjoying life there.

Why move to Belgium?

Employment is a big reason people move to Belgium. Many regions are experiencing labour shortages, which makes it easier for newcomers to find opportunities

If you’re looking to study at Belgian universities, they consistently rank high in EU university rankings, and tuition fees are low compared to many European countries (especially for EU citizens).

Belgium’s healthcare system is yet another reason, with modern hospitals and high success rates for challenging treatments.

Who needs a visa?

Thanks to freedom of movement laws, EU/EEA citizens can live, work, and study in Belgium for as long as they like without a visa.

Visa-free travel is also available for a number of other countries, such as the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan. However, this only applies for short stays, and won’t allow you to work or study in Belgium.

So, if you’re not an EU/EEA citizen and are looking to stay for more than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a visa.

Visa and immigration options

Belgium offers a variety of visa options. Choosing the right one for you is one of the most important steps when planning your move.

Here’s a quick overview:

Employment visas generally require sponsorship. If you’ve secured a job offer, your employer applies for a permit on your behalf.
EU Blue Cards provide greater mobility around Europe, and a faster path to permanent residency. To apply, you’ll need an employment contract, university degree, and a salary above €60,000.
Student visas are for anyone planning to study in Belgium. You’ll need to provide proof of admission, sufficient financial means, and health insurance coverage to apply.
Self-employment visas exist, but are less common than standard employment visas. Application requirements include a detailed business plan and proof of financial resources.
Family reunification visas help residents bring spouses and dependent children to join them in Belgium.
Au Pair visas are open to applicants aged 18–26, who live with a Belgian host family and receive board plus pocket money.

Learn more about how to apply for a visa in Belgium.

Switching visas inside Belgium

It is possible to switch visas whilst in Belgium; however, the process can be complicated and is not available for all visa types. In many cases, you’ll need to leave Belgium and reapply from abroad..

Planning ahead saves stress. If you think you’ll want to switch permits, make sure your initial path gives you that flexibility.

Preparing for your move

Settling in Belgium takes time and planning. Knowing what to expect before you land can speed up the process and help you feel more comfortable sooner.

Financial expectations

The first months are the most expensive. Initial costs include:

Housing: a rental deposit (usually 2–3 months’ rent) plus the first month in advance.
Healthcare: mandatory registration fees are modest, but you’ll need insurance right away!
Daily setup: transport passes, furniture, and basic appliances can add another €1,000-2,000.

All in all, we recommend preparing an initial budget of €4,000-6,000 for singles and €8,000-12,000 for families, depending on the city and housing choice.

Getting employed

Belgium’s labor market is well-organized but competitive.

The top job platforms are LinkedIn and StepStone. VDAB (Flanders), Actiris (Brussels), Le Forem (Wallonia) are also great for finding regional listings.

If you’re flexible and focused, finding a job is realistic – but patience is key! Belgium’s hiring processes are thorough and can move slowly.

Securing accommodation

Housing can be one of the biggest stress points for newcomers in Belgium, so it’s worth planning early.

Rentals are the most common option, and platforms like Immoweb and Immovlan are the go-to sites for listings.

Many expats also rely on Facebook housing groups, but caution is crucial. Scam alerts are common, and deposits should never be paid before a viewing and a signed contract.

Health insurance

Every resident in Belgium must register with a mutualité (public health fund), but this takes time – sometimes weeks or months after arrival.

That’s why many expats need private coverage as a bridge. Expat insurance is a common solution, as it’s visa-compliant and designed specifically for newcomers.

Having coverage from day one means you can focus on settling in, then switch smoothly into the Belgian system once your registration is complete.

Shipping belongings, car, and pets

If you’re moving within the EU, things couldn't be simpler. You won’t face customs duties on personal belongings, and you can bring everything along with you

If you’re moving from a non-EU country, you’ll need to fill out some additional customs paperwork, although personal items are usually exempt from heavy fees if declared properly.

Cars from the EU can be re-registered with Belgian plates, though inspections and taxes apply. For non-EU vehicles, import duties and compliance with Belgian technical standards can add high costs.

Pets must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and travel with an EU pet passport or veterinary health certificate.

Your first month in Belgium

Your first month in Belgium sets the tune for your new life. It’s the time for getting used to administrative processes and adjusting to a new area.

Moving in and organising utilities

When you move into a Belgian flat, you need to set up the necessary utilities.

The key steps are:

Recording electricity and gas meter readings with your landlord on move-in day.
Registering with an energy supplier of your choice (Engie, Luminus, Mega are the most common).
Notifying the local water company to transfer billing to you.

Make sure to get on top of this early, as delays can leave you liable for previous tenants’ bills!

Registering your address

Once you’ve got the keys and moved in, the next step is to register your address at your commune’s foreigners desk.

You’ll need to bring your rental contract, passport, and visa.

Once registered you’ll receive your residence card, which will allow you to access healthcare, finalize your work contract, and open a bank account.

Opening a bank account

Belgium has a mix of traditional banks (ING, KBC, BNP Paribas Fortis) and online challengers like N26 and Revolut. Traditional banks offer full local services, but online banks are faster to set up.

Many expats start with an online bank for convenience, then switch to a Belgian bank once their registration is complete.

Getting a phone/internet plan

Staying connected is key for securing a job and building a social network.

Belgium’s main providers are Proximus, Orange, and Base. Proximus has the widest coverage, Orange offers competitive bundles, and Base is often cheaper for mobile.

You’ll choose between:

Prepaid SIMs: flexible, no contract, and ideal while you wait for residence papers.
Contracts: cheaper rates, but you’ll need a Belgian address and bank account to set one up.

For home internet, expect installation wait times of 1–3 weeks. Many expats start with mobile data until their line is activated.

Important insurances

Some insurances are mandatory in Belgium, others are just highly recommended. As a newcomer, it’s important to find out which apply to your situation.

Some of the most common insurances include:

Household insurance (together with personal liability insurance): often required by landlords to cover damage to the property or neighbors.
Car insurance: third-party liability is legally required if you own a vehicle.
Health insurance: many newcomers apply for private health insurance (such as expat insurance) whilst waiting to become eligible for the public health insurance.

Mobility and transport

Public transport is reliable but split regionally. Each region has its own ticketing system, with apps and passes making life easier for commuters.

For cross-regional travel, national rail (SNCB/NMBS) ties everything together.

Belgium also has strong cycling infrastructure, but you’re expected to follow the same road rules as cars. That means lights, reflective gear, and respect for traffic signs.

Cars are common, but high parking costs in cities make bikes and trains more practical.

Bringing family to Belgium

If you plan to reunite with your family after settling in Belgium, you’ll go through the family reunification process.

Applications are filed once you’ve secured your own residence permit, and require proof of stable income, adequate housing, and health insurance coverage for family members.

Processing times range from 6 to 12 months, depending on the commune and the family’s country of origin.

Your first year living in Belgium

The first year is when life in Belgium starts to feel permanent. This is when you’ll start building routines, navigating healthcare, and finding your place in a multilingual society.

Language learning

Language is often the biggest key to settling in long-term.

Belgium’s regions make a difference: Dutch dominates in Flanders, French in Wallonia, and both in Brussels. In the small eastern region, German is also an official language.

To start learning, newcomers can choose between:

Municipal integration courses (CVOs): affordable, structured, and often subsidized.
Private language schools: smaller classes, faster progress, but higher costs.

Apps like Duolingo and Babbel are useful supplements, but real progress comes from practice in daily life.

National healthcare

Healthcare in Belgium is high-quality, but understanding the system takes time. The first step is registering with a general practitioner (GP), which will be your go-to for referrals and prescriptions.

You’ll also need to join a mutualité/mutualiteit (public health fund), which handles reimbursements. You pay upfront for appointments, then claim back 50–70% depending on the service.

Out-of-pocket costs are normal, but many residents take top-up insurance for dental, vision, or hospital coverage.

Professional culture and workplace habits

Belgian work culture blends formality with pragmatism. Punctuality matters, so don’t be late!

Hierarchies exist, but they’re less rigid than in France or Germany. Managers expect respect, yet collaboration and consensus are valued.

Social norms lean toward direct but polite communication. Formality is higher at the start, with polite greetings and handshakes, but relationships often become warm once trust is built.

Building a social network

Belgium’s international mix makes it easier to find your community.

Many newcomers join expat groups, sports clubs, or platforms like Meetup.com to meet people with shared interests. Large cities like Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent have especially active expat networks.

It’s a gradual process, but one that pays off in making Belgium feel like home.

Taxes and social contributions

Belgium’s tax system is thorough, and can be intimidating at first.

Your first tax return is usually filed the year after you arrive, through the digital portal Tax-on-web. The system is user-friendly once you’re logged in, although it’s only available in Dutch or French.

Your salary automatically includes pension and social security contributions. These fund healthcare, unemployment, and retirement benefits which provide strong coverage and security.

For expats, the challenge is often dual taxation agreements. It’s worth consulting an accountant if you earn abroad or maintain financial ties outside Belgium.

Childcare and education

Parents have two main choices when it comes to education in Belgium:

Public schools are free (low fees for supplies and meals) and high-quality, but primarily in Dutch or French.
International schools (often English-speaking) offer familiar curricula but charge hefty fees, sometimes €10,000–20,000 per year.

For younger children, nurseries and crèches are affordable compared to many countries but have long waiting lists, so it’s common to register while still pregnant.

Long-term residency and citizenship

If you see yourself staying in Belgium for the long haul, you’ll want to understand the paths to permanence.

Permanent residency

Permanent residency means you can stay in Belgium without constantly renewing permits. There are two main routes:

EU long-term residence permit: available after 5 years of uninterrupted legal stay.
Belgian settlement permit: often issued after 5 years of residence with strong work history, or 10 years in other cases.

Both options require proof of integration, like work contracts, tax records, or completion of language courses.

The big difference is scope, with the EU residence permit offering broader rights across Europe.

Citizenship

Belgian citizenship can be obtained in several ways:

By residence: requires 10 years of legal stay, which may be shortened to 5 years if you show strong integration (work, taxes, community involvement).
By marriage: being married to a Belgian speeds up eligibility, though you still need a few years of residence.
By birth: children born in Belgium to Belgian residents often qualify automatically.

Citizenship grants full EU rights, voting privileges, and the freedom to move or work anywhere in the EU.

Since reforms in 2008, Belgians are generally allowed to hold multiple citizenships without giving one up. This is perfect for expats who want to secure EU rights without losing ties to their home country.

Long-term financial planning

Thinking about your future in Belgium means looking at pensions, taxes, and real-estate.

Belgium has a three-pillar pension system:

The first pillar is the state pension, based on your work history.
The second pillar comes from employer contributions.
The third pillar allows individuals to build private retirement savings with tax benefits.

Many expats also explore Belgium’s property market. Buying is possible, but comes with high upfront costs (taxes and notary fees can add 10–15%).

Conclusion

Moving to Belgium requires foresight and planning, but that shouldn’t turn you off!

With ample job opportunities, outstanding study options, and a quality of life revered worldwide, you’re sure to have a great time once you’ve arrived.

Our best advice is to plan early, and take tasks one at a time. Trying to do everything at once can quickly get overwhelming and cause a lot of stress.

It’s also worth remembering that you’re not alone!

If you’re ever confused or need additional information, you can check out our other articles on Belgian insurance and visa processes, or reach out to your local Belgian embassy/consulate.

Once all the boxes are ticked, you can get back to planning your new life in Belgium!

A bientôt!