MOVING TO A NEW COUNTRY IS AN EXCITING TIME AND BELGIUM IS A VERY SPECIAL PLACE FOR BRITISH EXPATS.
Belgium offers a blend of European culture, delicious food and historic charm, with easy access to the rest of Europe.
With efficient public transportation and a very high standard of living, Belgium is an attractive destination for expats seeking new experiences on the continent.
Why Belgium?
Moving to Belgium means you will be joining around 1.5 million foreign-born residents alongside around 30,000 UK citizens, in a central European location. With iconic cities and regions including Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, and Bruges. Belgium offers proximity to historic sites and great routes into other European countries with France, Germany and The Netherlands amongst its neighbours. Belgium boasts several official languages including Dutch, French and German; well worth considering if you’re interested in learning a new language.
Finally, the food in Belgium is next to none – catering to all tastes but with Belgian specialities such as Moules Frites and Carbonnade Flamande, you will definitely not go hungry. Along with top quality famous Belgian beers, waffles and high-grade chocolate you won’t fall short of indulgence either.
Visa
When moving to Belgium, the Long Stay D-type Visa is for people outside the EU wanting to live long-term in Belgium with a UK passport. However, each circumstance is different, so please consult with a financial adviser.
Accommodation
Property and accommodation in Belgium can be expensive – especially if you’re looking at living in one of the more popular areas. It’s best to consider a range of locations to find something which best fits your budget. If you are looking to buy, house prices are comparable to the UK but there is a tax of around 20% depending on the region that is paid on top of the house price, hence making it more expensive than other countries to purchase property. In terms of commuting there’s a well-organised public transport network and the country’s small size also means getting around is easy.
Education Â
Numerous reputable English language schools are situated in Brussels and its surrounding region, although they are less common in other cities. These institutions are privately financed, necessitating consideration of school fees. Belgium presents excellent local choices that foster robust bilingual abilities. However, given Belgium’s status as a nation with three languages, conducting your own research into the available options and the predominant language of each school is highly recommended.
Healthcare
Belgium offers a top-tier healthcare service accessible to residents and people living and working in the country. However, health insurance isn’t free, requiring additional ‘top up’ insurance either acquired via your employer or a private policy.
Transport
The tram and metro are the ideal way to travel round the city. Trams are in the cities of Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent and Charleroi. There are frequent trains and buses around the country.
Banking
When planning your move, it’s sensible to consider the best way of moving money to and from Belgium. One option might be an international money transfer – which can be a practical and cost-effective method of moving money between bank accounts in different countries.
These types of transactions are particularly useful if you are purchasing property, moving overseas, transferring a salary or pension, or sending funds to someone abroad. For more information on international money transfers click here.
