Moving To
Belgium

Living As An Expat In Belgium 

The country is divided between two distinct cultural groups, the Flemings and the Walloons. The Flemish Community is Dutch-speaking, primarily concentrated in the north, and accounts for almost half of the Belgian population. The French-speaking Walloons, who comprise around one-third of the people, dwell in the south and east. There is also a sizable German-speaking community on the eastern border with Germany.

All three of these languages are officially recognized, and while they may predominate in some places, the Belgian capital is legally multilingual. That permeates many aspects of daily life in Brussels, from street signs to corporate transactions. One of the most challenging features to accept and the most interesting is the unusual combination of cultures.

Brussels is Europe's political powerhouse with its medieval Gothic architecture and European Union office structures. Outside the bustling metropolis is beautiful countryside, the forested gorges of the Ardennes, and a slew of hidden languid coastal villages.

Belgium's Fascinating Facts & Figures 

• Belgium is the world's second-largest chocolate exporter, exporting over 220,000 tons annually. In 2019, its chocolate business produced €2.6 billion. Only Germany sold more, with a total value of €4 billion.
• Antwerp's diamond district is the world's largest, with over 84 percent of the world's raw diamonds traveling through for cutting and polishing.
• The Mannekin Pis, a 60-centimeter bronze figure of a tiny child peeing into a fountain in central Brussels, is one of Belgium's most well-known icons.
• Durbuy, with a population of roughly 500, is recognized by many Belgians as the world's smallest city. It is, however, a charming town in the Walloon area rather than a city.
• Belgian computer scientist Robert Cailliau and his English colleague Tim Berners-Lee co-created the World Wide Web. Cailliau created the first hypertext system, which was before the web.
• The Delirium Cafe in Brussels holds the world record for the most distinct varieties of beer served. It established a record for the number of beers sold in 2004, fittingly enough.

Belgium's Most Famous Places: 

Belgium is a major attraction for tourists. The most famous places are Bruges, Ghent, Durbuy, Antwerp, Ypres, The Hoge Kempen National Park, Leuven, Brussels, Mons, Spa, Namur, Liege, The Ardennes, Ostend, Bastogne, and many more.

Belgium's Weather: 

Belgium's weather is different from the country's selling qualities. While not unpleasant, light rain is generally consistent throughout the year and can be bothersome. It is a good idea to carry a small umbrella in sudden showers to decrease the chance of being caught off guard.

Those who dislike the heat will like the mildness of Belgian summers, with temperatures ranging around 72°F (22°C). Winters can be cold and snowy, although temperatures usually stay above freezing.

Belgium's Food:

Belgian cuisine is considered to be among the best in Europe. It is most famous for its beer, chocolate, mussels, and chips. Belgium has over 100 Michelin-starred restaurants, so visitors are spoiled for choice regarding fine food.

Belgium's Religion:

Belgium is essentially Catholic, with non-religious persons accounting for around 30% of the population. Islam and other religions compose around 8% of the population. The community and the state are split in Belgium, and people's freedom of religion is protected under the nation's laws.

Belgium's Customs & Celebrations: 

On July 21st, Belgium celebrates National Day (commemorating the country's independence in 1830). Fireworks displays, street entertainers, costumed characters, and military parades are all on the agenda.

One month later, in August, Brussels has Meyboom, the country's oldest traditional celebration. The festivities include brass bands, enormous puppets, dancing, traditional folk music, and excessive food and drink.

Education In Belgium's: 

Parents who desire to enlighten their kids in Belgium will be glad to learn that the country provides excellent facilities and high-quality education. According to the 2018 PISA Study of worldwide 15-year-old pupils, Belgium scores in the top 20 nations in reading, math, and science.

The Belgian education system provides parents various options, including foreign and language schools. Children can attend structured childcare at two and participate in primary school at six to twelve.

Secondary education is required till the age of 18. Following that, students can continue their studies at one of the country's numerous universities or colleges, including world-renowned institutions like KUU Leuven and the University of Ghent.

Belgians, on average, spend 19 years in school, which is longer than the OECD average.

Expat Children And Families: 

With one of the world's best living standards and good quality of life, expats relocating to Belgium may benefit from its housing and healthcare systems. Education and infrastructure are essential. The country also has a highly built and dense road network, connecting it to major European routes and making travel to neighboring countries more accessible.

Cost Of Living In Belgium:  

There is a cost to all of this, and the good life in Belgium comes with a high cost of living. Expats who can afford the high cost of living will indeed have a one-of-a-kind and good experience throughout their stay.

Health Insurance For Expats: 

All expats in Belgium are required to have health insurance. Below are some of the major health insurance companies in the country.

1. Allianz Care
2. Cigna Global
3. Globality Health
4. Partena

Belgium Public Holidays: 

Belgium has ten public holidays every year. Most are observed nationwide, while others are only among specific linguistic communities.

Belgium's official holidays include the following:

1. Labor Day is on May 1st.
2. Belgium National Day is celebrated on July 21st.
3. Armistice Day is November 11th.

Best Things To Do In Belgium:

• Trial a broad range of craft beers.
• Savour some delectable Belgian chocolate
• Savour a Belgian waffle canal tour in Bruges
• A visit to the Grand Place in Brussels
• A visit to the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium in Brussels
• A visit to the In Flanders Fields Museum in Lakenhallen
• A visit to Ghent
• A relaxing spa treatment
• The Atomium
• Mini-Europe
• Castle Gravensteen
• Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History
• The Rubenshuis in Antwerp
• Royal Greenhouses of Laeken
• Pairi Daiza
• AutoWorld
• Castle of Vêves
• Antwerp Zoo
• Mont des Arts
• Ypres Cloth Hall
• Royal Museum for Central Africa
• Curtius Museum

Registration With Municipal Authorities:

If you want to stay in Belgium for more than three months as a foreign person, you must report to the municipality where you remain within eight days of your arrival. It would help if you were listed on the National Register and had a physical address in this municipality.