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Belgium Guides
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Belgium

A multilingual European hub at the heart of EU institutions and global commerce

Brussels
Capital
11.8 million
Population
Euro (EUR)
Currency
Dutch, French, German
Language

Expat Guides for Belgium

Essential information organized by category to help you settle in Belgium

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Education

Schools & universities

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Finance

Banking & taxes

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Healthcare

Medical system

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Housing

Property & rentals

🌟

Lifestyle

Culture & social life

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Living

Daily essentials

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Moving

Relocation tips

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Working

Employment guide

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Directory

Contacts & resources

🌟Why Choose Belgium?

Your Gateway to European Excellence

Discover what makes Belgium the perfect destination for your next adventure

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Home to EU institutions and international organizations
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Trilingual advantage with Dutch, French, and German
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Excellent public transportation and infrastructure
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World-class healthcare and social security system
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Rich cultural heritage and culinary excellence
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Central location perfect for exploring Europe
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Climate & Weather

Climate Type

Temperate Maritime

Belgium has a temperate maritime climate with mild winters, cool summers, and frequent rainfall throughout the year.

☀️Summer Average
18-22°C (64-72°F)
❄️Winter Average
2-6°C (36-43°F)

Seasonal Overview

Spring (March-May)
Mild temperatures with increasing daylight, occasional rain showers, perfect for outdoor activities.
Summer (June-August)
Cool and comfortable with occasional warm days, ideal for festivals and outdoor dining.
Autumn (September-November)
Mild temperatures dropping gradually, increased rainfall, beautiful fall colors in parks.
Winter (December-February)
Cool and damp with occasional frost, shorter days, cozy indoor season with Christmas markets.
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Cost of Living

70/100
Cost Index
Relative to global average70/100

Belgium offers a high quality of life with reasonable costs compared to other Western European countries, though Brussels is more expensive.

Housing
Rent varies significantly by city and location, with Brussels being most expensive
€800-1,800/month
Food & Dining
High-quality groceries and excellent restaurants, with famous Belgian specialties
€300-500/month
Transportation
Excellent public transport systems in all major cities with reasonable monthly passes
€40-60/month
Healthcare
Mandatory health insurance with excellent coverage and quality care
€30-100/month
Utilities
Electricity, gas, water, and internet for typical apartment
€150-250/month
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Work Culture

Belgian work culture emphasizes work-life balance, consensus building, and respectful professional relationships.

Working Hours
37.5-40 hours/week
Vacation Days
20-25 days annually

Key Characteristics

•Punctuality is highly valued
•Formal address until invited to use first names
•Multilingual meetings are common
•Long lunch breaks are traditional
•Consensus-building decision making
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Visa Information

Belgium offers various visa options for non-EU nationals, with EU citizenship providing unlimited access.

Processing Time
2-8 weeks
Validity
1-5 years renewable, pathway to permanent residence

Requirements

✓Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity
✓Proof of financial means (€620/month minimum)
✓Health insurance coverage
✓Clean criminal background check
✓Employment contract or study acceptance letter
✓Accommodation proof in Belgium
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Healthcare System

Universal healthcare with mandatory insurance

Belgium has excellent universal healthcare with mandatory insurance coverage and low out-of-pocket costs.

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Coverage
Comprehensive including dental and specialist care

Key Features

✓Mandatory health insurance for all residents
✓Low out-of-pocket costs with reimbursement system
✓High-quality hospitals and medical facilities
✓Emergency services available 24/7
✓Prescription medication subsidies
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Digital Nomad Friendliness

8/10
Nomad Score
Digital Nomad Friendliness8/10
Internet Speed
200-500 Mbps in cities
Coworking Spaces
150+

Highlights

•Excellent internet infrastructure
•Central European location for travel
•Strong expat community and networking
•Multilingual environment
•High quality of life and safety
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Taxes

Top Rate
50% (progressive)
VAT
21% standard rate
High tax burden but comprehensive social benefits including healthcare, unemployment, and pension coverage
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Language & Safety

Language
Dutch/French/German
English
Very High
Safety
Very Safe
Holidays
10 national holidays plus regional variations
Low crime rates with excellent emergency services and police presence
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Payments

Excellent - cards accepted everywhere
Common apps: Bancontact, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay
Contactless payments widely accepted, cash still useful for small vendors
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Mobile & Internet

5G Coverage
Excellent in urban areas
Carriers
Proximus, Orange, Base
High-speed mobile internet with good EU roaming agreements
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