Belgium – Visas
Belgium is a member of the Schengen Area, which means nationals of many countries can enter without a…
Read more →
Your life in Belgium starts here
Make your move to Belgium
At the heart of Western Europe, Belgium puts Brussels, Antwerp and the wider continent within easy reach. Strong healthcare, widely spoken English and a clear path to citizenship make it a natural base.
Belgium at a glance
Cost of living
High
Property
Moderate
Healthcare
Strong
Safety
Safe
Climate
Cool (~11°C)
English
Very widely spoken
Expat community
Established
Where Belgium is strongest: healthcare #17 of 78English-friendliness #22 of 81visa ease #28 of 81
Worth weighing up: property affordability #57 of 75tax friendliness #60 of 81cost of living #57 of 77
TaxWorldwide, 50% top rate, inbound regime
Visa / residencyNo retiree visa, 5yr PR and citizenship, dual
General information to compare destinations, not personal financial, tax or immigration advice.
Health insurance in Belgium
The dream is the easy part. Make sure you’re covered from day one: compare tailored expat health insurance quotes from trusted international insurers, in minutes, no obligation.
Moving your belongings too? Get up to 5 free quotes from international movers → Sending money abroad? Compare money transfer rates →
Plan your move to Belgium
Loading the insurance checker…
Start here
Your first steps to Belgium
Belgium – Residency
Belgium provides foreign nationals with multiple pathways to legal residency, ranging from work and study permits to family…
Read more →A little inspiration, once a month
Join our free monthly newsletter: stories, practical tips and everything you need to plan a new life abroad. No spam, ever.
Fresh from Belgium
Latest articles
Green Living in Belgium: An Expat’s Guide
Belgium, known for its rich history, diverse culture, and high quality of life, is also a country that…
Read more →How To Open A Bank Account In Belgium
Serving as the main seat of the European Parliament, Belgium has more to offer than just delicious waffles,…
Read more →How To Apply For A Visa In Belgium
If you wish to travel to Belgium, you will need a passport that is valid for at least…
Read more →You won’t be the first
Real people who made the move
Sam Jenkinson, Leuven
Who are you? I am Sam Jenkinson. I am a PhD student, studying demography at the university of…
Read more →Rebecca Bramlett, Ghent
Who are you?I am Rebecca Bramlett, an American living in Belgium.Prior to my move abroad, I worked in…
Read more →Ana Elisa Miranda
Who are you? My name is Ana Elisa, I’m from Brazil and I’m a teacher. I taught English…
Read more →Jessica Knopp, Antwerp
Who are you? My name is Jessica and I am a twenty six year old freelance writer and…
Read more →Oli Duncan, Brussels
Who are you? My name is Oli Duncan, I’m 34, and a freelance writer. My work to date…
Read more →Mel, Antwerp
My name is Mel and I am an American woman, married to a Dutch man. I’m a geek,…
Read more →The complete picture
Belgium moving guide
Belgium – Air Travel
Belgium operates no scheduled domestic flights — the nation is simply too small for internal air routes to…
Read more →Belgium – Animal Welfare and Cultural Issues
Belgium ranks among Europe’s most animal-conscious nations, combining comprehensive legal protections with a cultural outlook that treats companion…
Read more →Belgium – Banking
Belgium’s banking sector is a mature, tightly regulated industry positioned at the core of the European Union, with…
Read more →Belgium – Buses and Trams
Belgium operates a comprehensive bus and tram network through three separate regional authorities — De Lijn covering Flanders,…
Read more →Belgium – Buying or Importing a Car
Foreign nationals can purchase or import a vehicle in Belgium, but the process involves navigating multiple administrative layers.…
Read more →Belgium – Buying Property
Foreign nationals encounter no legal barriers when purchasing property in Belgium — every nationality is afforded the same…
Read more →Belgium – Car Rental
For most visitors and expats, hiring a car in Belgium is a simple and stress-free process. The minimum…
Read more →Belgium – Citizenship
Belgium provides a well-defined pathway to citizenship for long-term residents, principally through a nationality declaration following five years…
Read more →Belgium – Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Belgium presents a well-developed yet intricate environment for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Therapies ranging from homeopathy and…
Read more →Belgium – Cost of Living
Belgium occupies a middle-to-upper position within the Western European cost spectrum — less expensive than the Netherlands, Switzerland,…
Read more →Belgium – Cycling
Belgium is a country where the bicycle is a genuine fixture of everyday life rather than a pastime…
Read more →Belgium – Dentists and Dental Treatment
Belgium’s dental care landscape combines compulsory public health insurance with a predominantly private network of practitioners. Residents who…
Read more →Need an international mover?
Boxes, shipping, the lot. Get up to five free quotes from trusted international movers who know the route to Belgium, and compare them side by side.