Moving to Belgium

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Guide to Moving to Belgium: EU and Non-EU Nationals

Moving to Belgium is a rewarding opportunity, whether you’re relocating from within the EU or further abroad. While the process for EU nationals is streamlined, non-EU citizens, including British nationals post-Brexit, must follow additional procedures. This guide covers the essentials to make your move to Belgium smooth and straightforward.

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1. Understanding Belgium’s Residency Requirements

Moving to Belgium involves different legal requirements depending on your nationality:

  • EU Nationals: EU citizens can move to Belgium without a visa. They only need to register at their local commune within 90 days.
  • Non-EU Nationals: Non-EU nationals, including post-Brexit UK nationals, require a long-stay visa if they plan to stay for over 90 days. This involves more steps to secure legal residence and work permits.

For more specific residency details, the Belgian Immigration Office is an excellent resource.

2. Moving to Belgium from the EU

For EU citizens, moving to Belgium is relatively straightforward:

  • Residence Registration: Upon arrival, register with your local commune or gemeente within 90 days. This process will include providing identification (passport or ID card), proof of residence (rental agreement), and possibly proof of health insurance.
  • Employment: EU citizens are free to work in Belgium without a permit.
  • Healthcare: You must have health insurance. EU citizens can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) temporarily but must eventually register with a Belgian health insurance provider, known as a mutuelle or ziekenfonds.

Useful Resources:

3. Moving to Belgium from Outside the EU

Non-EU citizens, including British nationals post-Brexit, face additional requirements. Here’s what to know:

  • Visa Application: Apply for a Type D visa (long-stay visa) from a Belgian consulate in your home country. This visa allows you to enter Belgium and begin your residence permit application.
  • Residence Permit: After arriving in Belgium, you’ll need to register with the local commune and apply for a residence permit within eight days. This permit is essential for stays beyond 90 days.
  • Work Permits: British nationals and other non-EU citizens require a work permit unless they have specific exemptions, such as family reunification or high-skill professions.

Additional information is available on the Belgium Immigration Portal, detailing visa categories and specific requirements based on your reason for moving.

4. Moving to Belgium from the UK after Brexit

Moving to Belgium from the UK post-Brexit introduces several new steps for British nationals:

  • Visa Requirements: British nationals require a long-stay visa to live in Belgium for more than 90 days. Depending on the purpose (work, study, family), you may need a work permit or single permit.
  • Residence Registration: Register with your local commune within eight days of arrival to receive a residence permit.
  • Social Security: British nationals must register with the Belgian social security system if they plan to work in Belgium. This is essential for healthcare and other social benefits.
  • Work Permits and Professional Cards: UK nationals working in Belgium require a work permit or professional card for self-employment. The process can vary based on the type of job and length of stay.

For official guidance, consult UK Government advice on living in Belgium and the EU-Belgium agreement details.

5. Finding Accommodation

Finding housing is essential when moving to Belgium. Key factors include:

  • Temporary Accommodation: Many people use short-term options such as Airbnb or Booking.com before committing to a permanent home.
  • Long-Term Housing: Explore local rental websites like Immoweb and Zimmo for apartment and home listings. Note that deposits and rental contracts are typical requirements.

6. Setting Up Utilities

When moving to Belgium, setting up utilities is a key task. For most rentals, you’ll need to organize your gas, electricity, and internet services:

Belgium’s utility providers generally have online setup options, so you can arrange these before you arrive.

7. Opening a Belgian Bank Account

Having a Belgian bank account simplifies daily life and ensures access to local payment systems. Major Belgian banks include:

  • BNP Paribas Fortis
  • KBC
  • ING Belgium

Digital banks such as N26 and Revolut are also popular options, especially for managing international transfers.

8. Healthcare and Insurance

Belgium’s healthcare system is high-quality, and all residents are required to have health insurance:

  • Health Insurance Registration: You must register with a mutuelle for public healthcare, even if you have private insurance. Check with providers like Partena or CM (Christelijke Mutualiteit).
  • For EU Citizens: You can initially use the EHIC card, but you’ll need to join a Belgian mutualité once you settle.

More information on Belgium’s healthcare requirements can be found on the Social Security Belgium website.

9. Finding Employment in Belgium

For those moving to Belgium from the UK or other non-EU countries, the job search is an essential part of settling in:

  • Work Permit: British nationals now need a work permit, which typically must be arranged by the employer.
  • Job Portals: Websites like StepStone and Indeed Belgium provide job listings, and LinkedIn is also widely used.
  • Networking: Joining local expat groups on InterNations or attending meetups can help you connect with other professionals.

10. Social Life and Expat Communities

Belgium has a diverse social scene, and the expat community is well-established in cities like Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent. Joining British expat clubs or local meet-ups can make your move to Belgium smoother, allowing you to adapt quickly and meet new friends.

Advance moves can save you time and money on removal costs.

Using the Advance Moves quick quote system can significantly save you time and money when moving house Internationally. Just click on the link for your instant online quote and then compare quotes from up to the 5 best removal companies already pre-selected to match your moving requirements. Get the best deals on international removals today.

Final Tips for Moving to Belgium

  1. Plan Early: Begin your visa and residence preparations well in advance.
  2. Use Resources: The Advance Moves Quick Quote System can help you find a reliable moving company with multiple quotes to choose from, saving time and money.
  3. Be Patient with Paperwork: Belgian bureaucracy can be complex, so patience is key.

For more information visit the Advance moves info page on Moving to Belgium from UK. Advance moves also has a blog page full of useful tips on moving to Belgium. Advance moves sponsors the supermotoland race team.

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