Best Services For Moving to Belgium from UAE
Planning Moving To Belgium from the UAE requires proper planning, accurate documentation, and reliable logistics support. Moving To Belgium involves international shipping, customs procedures, and coordination, so working with an experienced relocation partner ensures a smooth and stress-free transition.
ISS Relocations provides comprehensive relocation services from the UAE to Belgium, handling everything from professional packing and secure transportation to customs clearance and final delivery. Each stage of the move is managed efficiently to ensure your belongings arrive safely and on time.
Belgium is a preferred destination for expats due to its central European location, strong economy, and high quality of life. Whether you are relocating for work, education, or lifestyle reasons, having a structured relocation plan helps you avoid delays and unnecessary complications.
The relocation process includes export-quality packing, flexible air and sea freight options, and guidance on Belgian customs regulations. Understanding documentation requirements and restricted items is essential to ensure smooth clearance and avoid unexpected issues.
Benefits of Moving to Belgium
- Strategic location in the heart of Europe
- Strong job market in finance, logistics, and EU institutions
- High quality of life with excellent healthcare and education
- Multilingual environment (Dutch, French, and English are widely used)
- Efficient public transportation system
- Easy access to travel across Europe
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Here are some official details you must know about Belgium:
| Capital | Time Zone | Currency | Population | Official Language | Dialling Code | Emergency Number | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brussels | GMT +1 | Euro (EUR) | Approx. 11.9 Million | Dutch, French, German | +32 | 112 | On the right side |
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:
Dubai, UAE Oman Qatar Bahrain Kuwait Saudi Arabia India
Hassle-Free Relocation to Belgium
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.
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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FAQs – Moving To Belgium
How much does it cost to move to Belgium from the UAE?
The cost of moving from the UAE to Belgium depends on the volume of the shipment, shipping method, final destination and additional services such as packing, storage, vehicle shipping or transit insurance. Air freight can suit smaller or urgent consignments, while other freight arrangements may be more appropriate for larger household shipments. ISS Relocations provides customized quotes based on the specific requirements of the relocation.
How can I move to Belgium from the UAE?
The immigration and residence requirements for moving from the UAE to Belgium depend on your nationality, purpose of stay and intended duration. Foreign nationals planning a long-term move must obtain the residence documents applicable to their circumstances, with routes available for purposes such as employment, study or family reunification. Current requirements should be confirmed with the Belgian Immigration Office and the Belgian consular authority responsible for your place of residence.
Can I bring used household goods when moving to Belgium?
People transferring their normal residence from a non-EU country to Belgium may qualify to import eligible personal property free of import duties when the applicable conditions are met. In general, the person must have lived outside the European Union for at least 12 continuous months, and qualifying belongings must have been possessed and used at the former residence for at least six months before the move. ISS Relocations can coordinate packing, shipment documentation and customs-clearance support, while final eligibility is determined by Belgian Customs.
When should I import my household goods after moving to Belgium?
Transfer-of-residence customs relief generally applies to qualifying personal property permanently imported within 12 months after establishing normal residence in Belgium. Goods admitted free of duty are also subject to restrictions on lending, renting, pledging or transferring them during the 12 months following duty-free importation unless Belgian Customs is notified as required. ISS Relocations can help coordinate the shipment within the planned relocation schedule.
Can a non-EU national work in Belgium?
Non-EU nationals generally need appropriate authorisation to work in Belgium unless an exemption applies. For many third-country workers, residence and work authorisation are combined through the single-permit system. Employment rules are administered partly by Belgium’s regional authorities, so the applicable procedure can depend on where the person will work and their residence status. Current requirements should be confirmed with the relevant Belgian authorities.
Can I live in Belgium with only English?
Belgium has three official languages: Dutch, French and German. The main language used in everyday life and administration depends on the region. English is also frequently used in international and business environments, but it is not an official language. Learning the main language of your destination region can make everyday administration and settling in easier.
Can I bring my car when moving to Belgium?
A vehicle can be imported when transferring residence to Belgium, subject to customs and vehicle-registration requirements. Vehicles are handled separately from ordinary household goods for customs-relief purposes, and Belgian residents generally need to register vehicles that will be used on Belgian public roads. ISS Relocations can coordinate vehicle transportation and shipment documentation, while final customs treatment and registration requirements are determined by the Belgian authorities.
Which areas of Belgium should I consider when relocating?
The most suitable location in Belgium depends on employment, family requirements, housing budget, schools, transport and preferred language environment. Brussels, Flanders and Wallonia have different housing markets, transport links and administrative language environments. Anyone planning a move should compare the specific municipality or region that best matches their work and family circumstances.
What should I do after arriving in Belgium for a long-term move?
Foreign nationals staying in Belgium for more than three months generally need to complete the applicable residence formalities with the municipality where they live. Belgium’s official guidance states that foreign nationals staying longer than three months should report to their municipality within eight working days of arrival and complete the required registration process. The exact requirements depend on nationality and residence status.
How long does it take to move to Belgium from the UAE?
Transit times from the UAE to Belgium vary according to the shipping method, carrier schedule, shipment size, customs processing and final destination. Air freight is generally faster and can suit smaller or urgent consignments, while larger household shipments may require longer transit and handling times. ISS Relocations coordinates the agreed shipment and provides updates throughout the moving process.
What relocation services are available when moving to Belgium from the UAE?
ISS Relocations can coordinate professional packing, international freight, shipment documentation, customs-clearance support, storage and final delivery for moves from the UAE to Belgium. Additional services such as pet relocation, vehicle shipping, transit-insurance coordination and specialist handling may be available depending on the requirements of the move.
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