Hello,

I'm new to the site but have wanted to become an expatriate for quite some time for various reasons including the adventure of the whole thing. I lived for one year in Austria (Graz) when I was in high school (about 20 years ago).

Anyway, the reason I'm posting this is to get more information about the ease or difficulty of moving to Belgium.

I have a possible job offer designing for a company in Antwerp. It is a company I really like that I have visited about 18 months ago. They are looking for a designer and approached me about the position. I really want to take it but I want to make sure that they take care of getting the visa, etc.

Is it typical in Belgium for companies to pay the costs of the visa? About how much does it cost to get a work visa (I'm an American if that makes a difference).

I do not speak Flemish (though I would like to take classes if I move to Antwerp) and my French from middle school has all but disappeared. This wasn't a problem on my last trip but do you think it will be an issue if I'm living there? I do know how to order a bier and frites, so I won't starve.

Also, can I expect them to pay to ship some of my things (some clothing, kitchen & bath items) from the US to Antwerp? Can anyone recommend a good way to do this? Would I have to pay import taxes on things that are shipped over?

I have been told the wages would be about 1800 Euro/month after all taxes are taken out. Does this sound adequate? I have 10+ years design experience but the area of design I will be doing for this company will be pretty new to me.

The company has also said that they will help me find an apartment in Antwerp, which they estimate costing 650-900 Euro/month. Does that sound about right? I know Antwerp is less expensive than a lot of larger European cities.

How many weeks of vacation are typical in Belgium? How many holidays are there?

I visited Antwerp once before (I was in a group art show) and really enjoyed the city (it's similar to Portland) plus I love the fashion and design coming from Antwerp.

If I except the job offer, what are the first steps to take on becoming an expatriate? How long will it take before I can move there?

Okay, I know I have a lot of questions but if you can answer any of them I'd appreciate it.

Thanks!
dis  

As a former resident of Portland, and current of Belgium, I would say that if you love Portland, stay there. I myself lived abroad 15 years ago (in Holland), and was excited about the experience coming here.
I would say, though, that if you are really into Renaissance and art, etc., Antwerp is fantastic. I find Antwerp to be similar to Portland (I haven't seen many Bohemians elsewhere in the country, but haven't looked hard enough). People have a social conscience, and are friendlier than some other parts of Belgium.
What I miss the most is access to wilderness...being so close to the mtns and beach in Portland spoiled me. If you love those things, don't give them up, unless you can afford numerous visits to mtns and beaches elsewhere in Europe.
If you DO take the job, make sure you are protected (Belgian rental agreements are HORRIBLE..in legal problems with mine right now)...check out places like xpats.com if you want more details. 3 months notice plus 3 months penalty is what you pay if things don't work out, and you don't want to stick around for the 3 months just to pay the penalty. That is for the BEST available lease.

It's 120 bucks for the visa & you have to go to LA to get it (from anywhere on the west coast, including Hawaii) --yes they may require you to go in person. Check if your co will pay it--if you ask they probably will. Check out www.diplobel.us.

Make sure your employer (esp if being directly hired by a Belgian firm--my issue) has hired a relocation company that looks out for YOUR interests, and helps you write the correct clauses into the lease. I know Dutch, and this was still a disadvantage for me. This is someone who works past the hiring process, and helps you through the full move (picking a real estate agency, etc).
Anyway, best of luck, and not too discouraging I hope. Antwerp is a fine city and probably if I lived and worked there I would not be trying to heave-ho home. But I do miss those trees...I'd go back eventually anyway.

The beer is lovely...but so is NW beer and you can get a lot of good Belgies on import.  

Oh, & PS..ask your so if you will get the mandatory 1 month vacation in the first year...mine stated, after I arrived, that OOPS, since I didn't work in Belgium last year, I don't get a month this year. This can be standard and legal, so have them write in your contract if you want it. PLUS you get the occasional 3 & 4 day weekends- about the same as the States when it boils down to it. Also, dunno what they offered you gross, but for that much experience I might ask for 300 euro a month more.
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Rialou 

Thanks for all the information and advice. As is turns out the person I was talking to at the company jumped the gun a bit and they won't be looking to hire for another 9 months to a year.

I like the mountains, forests and beaches but I never go to them, so I probably wouldn't miss them much.

Good to know about the leasing stuff and vacation information hopefully I can put all this stuff in the not too distant future.  

It's never too early to start your paperwork though-- check out www.diplobel.us to get more info on this. Your work permit could take up to 3 months before you land on ground, including medical exam, federal background check, etc. These are mandatory for your work permit/residency if you are staying more than 6 months.  

About the not speaking Flemish: I do think you should learn Flemish as soon as possible. At least if you want to get to know Belgian people (French is nog necessary if you live in Antwerp). I've heard from other people that it can be very difficult to meet Belgian people if you don't know the language.

Good luck anyway!
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Find answers to your financial questions about moving to Belgium: expat-money.be 

hi, the costing of 650-900 Euro/month for rent sounds right to me
it depends upon the type of room you are selecting. its gonna cost you little bit more if it is furnished. you may look into this link for more details about the rent in antwerp, www.belgiumhousing.be/...amond.html