Comprehensive Guide on Relocate to Belgium
If you are considering move to Belgium, it is the right time to take a look at this complete guide which considers various aspects before moving to a country, including the visa process, education, taxation, healthcare, etc. Read along to find out more about moving to Belgium from UAE.
Situated in the northwestern parts of Europe, Belgium is a trilingual country. Yes, you read that right. The Belgian constitution is also trilingual, and the 3 official languages of Belgium are Dutch, German, and French.
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Here are some official details you must know about Belgium:
| Capital | Population | Official Languages | Currency | Popular Cities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brussels | 1.16 crores Approx | German, Dutch, and French | Euro | Brussels, Antwerp, Bruges |
When one thinks of Belgium, one thinks of fries, waffles, and beer. The country is very welcoming and even has many up-and-coming professional opportunities. Various universities and international educational institutions are coming up and paving the way for future generations.
Apart from the great food and beer, there are a lot more things about Belgium that make it a favorable place to live. For example, Belgium has comparatively affordable stays, better travel convenience, one of the best healthcare systems, etc.
In this article, we will be discussing everything from visa processes to housing. Read along and we are sure you will be benefitted from the information you gain!
Benefits of Moving to Belgium:
- English speaking population
- Great salary and work benefits
- Travel convenience
- Great food and beer
- Affordable and accessible accommodation
- One of the best healthcare
How To Move To Belgium
Moving from one country to another can be a tiring and long process. Hence, one needs to prepare and research very well in order to avoid any inconveniences after landing. You can start by researching the jobs, accommodation, and foreign policies of the country. In terms of moving your belongings, you need not hunt for international moving companies in Belgium. We at ISS Relocations will take care of that!
We also offer Warehouse in Belgium so all your belongings and furniture will be delivered safely as you land on the soil of Belgium. So, you can concentrate on the other important aspects of moving. One such important aspect is the visa process in Belgium.
ISS Relocations offers moving services to and from Belgium to:
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Relocating to Belgium? ISS Relocations provides end-to-end moving solutions that cover packing, transport, and paperwork—ensuring your move is smooth, safe, and right on schedule.
Moving To Belgium – Visa’s Requirements
You can apply for a Belgian visa at any consulate or Belgian embassy that is close to your location. It is advised to apply at least 4 weeks before the scheduled date of relocation to Belgium. This is a precaution since many visas take longer to process than usual. The visa applications for longer stays [i.e., more than the prescribed 90 days for tourism] need to be filled at the embassy or consulates only.
There are various types of long-term visas based on your reason for staying and your occupation. With a processing time that varies from a few weeks to months, the fee charged is usually 130 EUR, irrespective of which visa you are applying for.
We will now discuss the types of visas and their specific documentation requirements
Here are the types of long-term visas in Belgium:
- Student visa: This visa is for students who are accepted into any Belgian educational institution. You will need to prove your means of financial support and provide proof of acceptance from the concerned university.
- Research visa: Research visas are meant for people who have completed their education but are moving for research purposes. They are exempted from the work permit for up to 3 years.
- Employee visa: This type of visa can only be granted with a work permit, which needs to be given by your employing company. It is meant for people who wish to work in the country and stay for a long time.
- Self-employed visa: Only those with a Federation Public Service for Economy, Self Employed, SMEs, and Energy authorization can apply for this visa. You can obtain this authorization from the Belgian Embassy by submitting a few documents, which we’ll cover in more detail soon. This visa is intended for those who are self-employed and intend to open a business in Belgium. Businessmen must obtain a professional card, which can take up to 4 months to process.
- Specialist visa: These visas are meant for special cases who are to stay in Belgium. For example, au pairs, interns, relationships where one partner is a Belgian resident, investors, etc.
In this section, we will be discussing the general and some specific document requirements.
General visa document requirements:
- A completed visa application form with signatures
- 2 passport size photos
- Passport with at least 3 blank pages and a minimum validity of 3 months
- Copies of previous visas [if any]
- Language preference form
- Proof of Schengen travel insurance
- Proof of accommodation and civil status
- Proof of financial support and maintenance
These were the general visa requirements. Now let us look at the specific requirements for various types of visas:
- Employee visa:
- Work permit: This is an essential document if you are moving for professional or employment purposes. You will need to get this work permit from your employer by submitting a medical certificate and 3 passport-size photos.
- Passport.
- Two completed and signed application forms.
- 3 passport photographs.
- Criminal records disclosure.
- A medical certificate is provided for the work permit.
- Work permit: This is an essential document if you are moving for professional or employment purposes. You will need to get this work permit from your employer by submitting a medical certificate and 3 passport-size photos.
- Self-employed visa:
- Three completed and signed application forms.
- Passport.
- Criminal records of the preceding year.
- Project plan for the business.
- Detailed CV with letters of recommendation, diplomas, etc.
- Student visa:
- Passport
- 2 completed and signed application forms.
- 2 passport photographs.
- Criminal record disclosure of the preceding year.
- 2 copies of the medical certificate with the original one.
- 2 copies and an original letter of acceptance from the concerned university.
- Handwritten pledge of not overstaying the visa duration.
- Proof of financial support and maintenance.
Another important requirement for foreigners settling in Belgium is the electronic card. Anyone who is staying for more than 3 months needs to apply for this card immediately on arrival. You must apply for this card as soon as you can since it is a vital document, especially for immigrants.
It is an identity card similar to that of the Belgian citizens, which is a replacement for the numerous traditional paper permits that were earlier needed to be carried everywhere in folders by the ex-pats. It has made identification and other aspects for ex-pats very easy and convenient since these cards work everywhere across the country. It contains your photograph and 2 fingerprints.
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Best Cities To Living In Belgium
Belgium is known for its standard of living and more for its beautiful cities. Along with being very scenic and pleasant, these cities also have many opportunities for earning and enable easier settlement. Here are some of the best cities in Belgium:
Moving to Brussels
The capital city of Brussels is bustling with people and opportunities. It is also a great place for foreigners since it has a high number of residents of foreign origin. The city has one of the highest per capita incomes and GDP contributions.
Moving to Ghent
A great place for students, the city is considered one of the most beautiful places in the EU. It has very affordable accommodations and the famous university of Ghent. Ghent is one of the best cities if you want to see what the real essence of Belgium is.
Moving to Antwerp
With an amazing multicultural environment, Antwerp is a great option, especially for ex-pats. It has the best international schools, restaurants, and bars. Known for its welcoming feel and some of the lowest crime rates in Belgium, Antwerp can be a great choice if you are thinking of relocating to Belgium.
Cost Of Moving To Belgium
These are the charges for the travel and visa process. We will be discussing the fees for housing, healthcare, and other aspects over the next few sections.
| Category | Information |
| Visa charges | 180 EUR |
| Average travel cost | Approx. 550 EUR |
| Transport pass | 35 to 50 EUR |
Housing & Warehouse In Belgium
Once you are prepared for the visa process, it is time to look for accommodations since you will need the related documents for visa applications as well. If you are a student, it is likely that your university offers a hostel or other accommodation with some fees. However, if that is not the case, here is a guide on the housing scenario of Belgium.
If you do not have an accommodation arrangement while moving, you can rent a temporary apartment and store your additional belongings in any Belgium warehouse which is close to your location and the location you are planning to move to as well.
As mentioned earlier, the general housing prices in Belgium are relatively low when compared to other EU Countries. There are no laws that restrict any foreigner from buying or renting an apartment. Hence, it is easy to find accommodation here as an ex-pat.
For this, you will need 3 main things. Your identity proof, proof of right to a residence like your visa and proof of financial stability to ensure that you can pay for the property or rent. You will also have to pay a security deposit.
In Belgium, you can rent or buy both houses as well as apartments. You can either consult relevant companies or search online, which is a convenient option if you do not know anyone in the country. You will also need to find movers in Belgium, for which you need not go any further than ISS.
Accommodation in Belgium is very affordable and easily accessible through various mediums. The rent, however, is different for different areas.
Here is a list of types of housing options and some details regarding renting them:
| Type of Property | Specialties | Rent [in EUR] per month |
| Unfurnished residential apartments | 2 weeks/visit | 700 to 1500 EUR |
| Townhouses and family homes | 3 months (1 month/visit) | 800 to 3,000 EUR |
| Shared apartments or houses | 1 Year (3 months/visit) | Depends on the type of housing |
| Short-term serviced apartments | 1 week/stay | Depends on duration and location |
Hence, you can browse various housing options online or with an agent. Do not worry about moving your belongings from your country to Belgium. All your removals to Belgium will be taken care of by ISS. Our team of experts will handle your personal articles, like furniture, office articles, etc., with utmost care. You will find your new home in Belgium looking just like your apartment back home because your furniture will look like it was never taken out!
HealthCare System In Belgium
Healthcare in Belgium is renowned for its quality and efficient service. It is important to have insurance here just to be safe in case of any emergencies. While choosing an insurance company, here are some things to keep in mind.
Make sure that the plan you are choosing includes all the areas of insurance that you may need. A lot of times, in order to save money, people opt for cheaper insurance. However, they may not cover some medical aspects, and if you need assistance for any medical emergency that they do not cover, you will have to pay for yourself.
Check the policy and the agreement thoroughly for any hidden charges or voluntary deductibles. Make sure you have established the areas you need to cover before even considering any insurance plan. Do not buy a plan just because it is cheaper or is recommended by the company. Go through the policy and then consider buying it.
Taxation In Belgium
Belgium applies taxes to all residents, irrespective of their nationality. These taxes are imposed on registered citizens’ worldwide income and non-resident Belgium-based income. In this section, we are particularly focusing on the taxation system for Expatriates.
A new taxation law was recently passed, which states new taxation regimes for foreigners in Belgium. According to this law, these are the taxation laws for ex-pats.
For employees and directors alike, 30% of their income is non-taxed. The amount of which is up to 90,000 EUR. Unless you are in Belgium for research purposes, your income must be above 75,000. The duration is 5 years with an extension of 3 years
Education System In Belgium
Each of the 3 languages [ Dutch, German, and French] has its own regulatory regimes regarding education. However, compulsory education is divided into 2 parts; primary and secondary education.
There are 3 main types of educational institutions in Belgium:
- Community schools are where the state controls the curriculum and other aspects. This type of school has no religious aspect.
- Subsidized public schools are looked after and run by municipalities. On the other hand, the private ones have an affiliation with a religious community.
- Fee-paying private schools are private institutes that include Montessori and international educational institutes.
You will need to register your children at the municipality, and within 60 days of this date, you will have to enroll your child in any school. You will need proof of identity, residence visa, vaccination reports of your ward, proof of accommodation and previous educational history.
Work Market In Belgium
Finding a job in Belgium as a foreigner is not very difficult since many international and local organizations are active here. However, you can easily find a job in a trilingual country like this if you are at least familiar with Dutch, German, and French.
The unemployment rates of Belgium are lower when compared to other EU countries. This means that many jobs are available and newer ones are coming up, and almost everyone can be employed.
The work market in Belgium is a great opportunity for highly skilled workers who specialize in fields like finance, education, social services, business, real estate, brewing, insurance, etc
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Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
How much does it cost to move to Belgium?
The cost of moving to Belgium depends on various factors such as shipping, visa fees, and accommodation. On average, the total cost for a move from outside the EU could range from €2,000 to €6,000, depending on the services you require. ISS Relocations offers comprehensive moving services, including packing, shipping, and customs clearance, to ensure your move to Belgium is efficient and stress-free.
How can I move to Belgium?
To move to Belgium, you’ll need to apply for the appropriate visa or residence permit, depending on your purpose (work, study, family reunification, etc.). You may need to provide proof of employment or sufficient funds. ISS Relocations can help with visa applications, settling-in services, and managing the logistics of your move, ensuring a smooth transition to Belgium.
Is 1000 euros enough for a month in Belgium?
While €1,000 per month can cover basic living expenses in Belgium, it may be tight, especially in larger cities like Brussels or Antwerp. Rent, utilities, and food will be the main expenses. For a comfortable lifestyle, a monthly budget of around €1,500-€2,000 is recommended. ISS Relocations can assist you with budgeting and cost-of-living insights, helping you plan financially for your move.
What is the cheapest city to live in Belgium?
Cities like Ghent, Liège, and Charleroi tend to be more affordable than Brussels and Antwerp. Rent and daily expenses are generally lower in these cities, making them a great choice for expats on a budget. ISS Relocations can guide you in finding the most suitable and affordable city based on your preferences and financial situation.
How much salary is enough to live in Belgium?
A salary of around €2,000 to €2,500 per month should be sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Belgium, depending on the city and your living situation. Larger cities like Brussels will require a higher income due to the cost of living. ISS Relocations can offer valuable advice on salary expectations and assist you with job search strategies during your relocation.
Can I live in Belgium with only English?
While Dutch, French, and German are the official languages of Belgium, English is widely spoken, especially in larger cities and business environments. However, learning one of the official languages will improve your integration and job prospects. ISS Relocations can help you navigate language barriers by offering cultural integration services and language course recommendations.
Is Belgium hard to migrate to?
Belgium’s immigration process can be straightforward for those with a job offer, university admission, or family reunification reasons. However, each visa type has its own requirements. ISS Relocations can guide you through the visa and immigration process, ensuring you meet all the necessary criteria for a smooth transition.
Where do most expats live in Belgium?
Most expats in Belgium live in cities like Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, and Leuven. Brussels is the most popular choice due to its international environment, while Ghent and Antwerp offer a high quality of life with less hustle and bustle. ISS Relocations can assist you in finding the best neighborhood based on your needs and lifestyle preferences.
What is the richest part of Belgium?
The richest part of Belgium is generally considered to be the region around Brussels and the nearby areas such as Woluwe-Saint-Pierre and Uccle. These neighborhoods are home to many diplomats, expats, and high-income residents. ISS Relocations can help you explore the best areas based on your budget and relocation requirements, whether you prefer luxury or more affordable housing.
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