Living in Belgium as an Expat

1. Working in Belgium

2. Healthcare

3. Deciding on a place to live

4. Visas and residency

5. The transport system

It's important to do thorough research before you move abroad, which can help you learn more about Belgium and feel more prepared for the adjustment. Continue reading our blog to gain an insight into what living in Belgium is like for an expat.

Working in Belgium

Belgium has proven an attractive country for expats to work, with Brussels coming number three in Internation’s Expat Insider Working Abroad Index 2024.[2]

It’s useful to have an idea of the job market if you’re considering relocating to Belgium. For example, the country’s main industries are services, finance and manufacturing, but is currently experiencing skills shortages in sectors including IT, construction and engineering.

Speaking one of the nation’s languages is beneficial when working in Belgium, helping you communicate with your colleagues easier and feel more comfortable in your role. The country is split into three different regions and has three official languages - French, Dutch and German. Below is an overview of where each of these languages is spoken:

• Flanders: Dutch is the main dialect of this region, which is found in the northern part of the country.

• Walloon: the biggest region in Belgium and situated in the south, French is its national language. In the eastern part of Walloon, the German-Speaking Community of Belgium is based, spoken by around 80,000 people.

• Brussels-Capital: French and Dutch are both official languages in this region, which is where the nation’s government and capital is located.

It’s worth noting that the average number of working hours in Belgium is 34.9, below the EU average of 36.1 hours.[3] Employees are also entitled to a minimum of 20 paid days of holiday leave each year.

Healthcare

Belgium has a universal healthcare system which provides medical care to its citizens, and is mainly funded through social security contributions and taxes.

It’s mandatory for residents over the age of 25 in Belgium to register with a public health insurance fund and pay social security contributions in order to access state healthcare services. The fund is responsible for pooling these payments and using them to pay for healthcare services.

When you seek medical treatment, you will generally pay upfront for it. However, you can apply for reimbursement from your health insurance fund for services covered under state healthcare, who ccan reimburse on average 60-75% of the cost of medical treatment.[4]

It’s worth noting that non-EU/EEA nationals need to have evidence of health insurance cover when applying for a visa. You could consider purchasing international health insurance if you’re thinking about a move to Belgium, which can provide you with fast access to diagnostics and eligible treatment at leading medical facilities around the world.

Deciding on a place to live

Choosing a place is an exciting part about moving abroad, but it can take time to find somewhere that is right for you. Factors to take into account when you’re looking include your budget, transportation links and local amenities.

Belgium has many great options for expats which are suitable for a variety of different lifestyle needs and preferences. Here are some ideas for inspiration:

• Ghent: this historic city is home to approximately 250,000 residents. Famous for its winding rivers and canals, bustling cafes and having two world UNESCO Heritage sites, it is the perfect spot for families and those who enjoy being surrounded by history.

• Brussels: the capital of Belgium, Brussels has a population of 200,000 people. Many international organisations are based here, making it a perfect spot for expats moving to the country for work.

• Antwerp: a port city and important business centre, Antwerp is another good spot for expats. Much of the city centre is pedestrianised, with an abundance of markets to explore in your spare time.

• Bruges: situated in northern Belgium, Bruges is ideal if you want a more relaxed pace of life. The city has a population of around 120,000 residents and is known for its wonderful food, medieval architecture and canal systems.

Belgium has a cool and wet climate due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. The winter is characterised by heavy rainfall and foggy weather, while in the summer seasons, the climate is drier and milder.

Visas and residency

There’s lots of documentation to prepare when you’re moving abroad, which could include obtaining a visa. If you need to apply for one, ensure you do this well in advance of your move, as the process can sometimes be lengthy.

EU/EEA citizens have the right to live, work and study in Belgium without a visa. However, those intending to stay in the country for longer than three months will need to register their residence with their local municipality in that first three month period.

However, if you’re not from the EU/EEA, then you might need to apply for a visa to live in Belgium. The type of required depends on different factors, such as the reason you’re moving to the country, the length of your stay, and your nationality.

If you decide that you want to stay in Belgium on a more long-term basis, then permanent residency might be something you consider.  Find out more about applying for this on the Belgian Immigration Office’s website.

The transport system

Belgium has an efficient transport network consisting of metros, trams, buses and trains. While Brussels is the only city with an underground metro system, trams also operate here and in the cities of Antwerp, Ghent and Charleroi.

The railway network is vast in Belgium, taking you to most towns and cities across the country. Additionally, many commuters arrive by train from nearby cities across the border, including Cologne, Dusseldorf and Luxembourg.

If you want to take in the beautiful views of Belgium, you can travel on the world’s longest coastal tram in Belgium, known as “Kusttram”. This operates the length of the country and the journey takes 2.5 hours to complete.

The Eurostar also provides services from Brussels, Antwerp and Liège to locations in France, the Netherlands and the UK. Not only this, but there are five airports offering travel to many destinations abroad.