Your Expat Community in Belgium

Living in Belgium: Your Questions, Answered

If you're a new or soon-to-be expat in Belgium, you might have some uncertainties about what life will be like in this European country. We've put together answers to seven common questions to help you get started. To ask more specific questions or share your own experiences, consider joining InterNations, where you'll find a supportive community of expats who love to help each other out.

1. Is it necessary to speak the local language?
Belgium has three official languages: Dutch, French, and German. Dutch is spoken in the Flanders region, French in the Wallonia region, and German in a small part of the east. While many Belgians are multilingual and English is widely spoken, it's beneficial to learn the local language of the area you'll be living in to facilitate daily interactions and build connections with locals.

2. What are the average rent prices in popular expat locations?

Brussels:

• Single-room flat: 700–1,200 EUR (808–1,386 USD) per month
• Three-bedroom flat: 1,500–2,500 EUR (1,733–2,889 USD) per month

Antwerp:

• Single-room flat: 600–1,000 EUR (693–1,155 USD) per month
• Three-bedroom flat: 1,200–2,000 EUR (1,386–2,311 USD) per month

Ghent:

• Single-room flat: 550–900 EUR (636–1,040 USD) per month
• Three-bedroom flat: 1,100–1,800 EUR (1,271–2,078 USD) per month

3. How safe is Belgium for expats?
Belgium is generally safe for expats, with low crime rates in most areas. However, it's important to take common-sense precautions, especially in crowded places and tourist hotspots. Keep your belongings secure and avoid poorly lit areas at night.

4. How is the healthcare system in Belgium?
Belgium has a high-quality healthcare system, with both public and private hospitals and clinics. As an expat, you'll need to register with a health insurance fund (mutuelle/mutualiteit) to access healthcare services. Most healthcare costs are reimbursed, and the standard of care is generally excellent.

5. How can I open a bank account in Belgium?
To open a bank account in Belgium, you'll need to provide proof of identity (such as a passport), proof of address (such as a utility bill or rental agreement), and a residence permit or other proof of legal residence. Some banks may have additional requirements, so it's a good idea to check with the specific bank you plan to use.

6. What is the cost of living in Belgium?
The cost of living in Belgium is moderate compared to other European countries. Housing, transportation, and food can be relatively affordable, but imported goods and dining out can be more expensive. As an expat, you can expect to live comfortably on a moderate budget.

7. Can I drive with my foreign driver's license in Belgium?
Foreigners can drive in Belgium using their foreign driver's license for up to 185 days. After that, you will need to obtain a Belgian driver's license. To do so, you'll need to provide your foreign license, passport, and proof of residency. Depending on your country of origin, you may need to pass a driving test or simply exchange your current license for a Belgian one.

Begin Your New Life as an Expat in Belgium

Famous for its medieval architecture, Trappist beer and as the center of the European Union and NATO, Belgium is not a country of extremes, but of balance. With its mix of French speakers in the south and Dutch speakers in the north, its cities, like Brussels, Ghent and Antwerp, are picturesque and prosperous places to live. Belgium scored highly in our InterNations Expat Insider survey. Voted as the third-best expat country for education, Belgium also ranked highly in childcare and quality of family life. Many expats move to Belgium for job opportunities, with most having a high level of education, a Master's or PhD for example, before making the move to the country. Belgium is also a great location for traveling Europe, and this can be a factor in expats' relocation and happiness in the country. The economy in Belgium is based on private enterprise and benefits from its central European location and highly developed transportation network. Belgium's industries are centered around importing raw materials and exporting manufactured products to the rest of the EU.

InterNations is the largest global network for expatriates, with communities in 420 cities around the world. Meet fellow global minds in your city of residence or get to know local expatriates before you're moving or traveling abroad and never feel like a stranger. InterNations makes it easy for you to stay in touch with your expat friends, both online and offline, so you can grow your network of friends and contacts from all over the world. Whether they live in China or Spain, InterNations allows you to be close to them even if they are miles away.

The Network for Like-Minded Expatriates in Belgium

All of our InterNations members go through an approval process before they can join the community, and every user understands and follows the guiding principles of InterNations to make our community and safe and welcoming place for people from around the world. With this global network you can also connect with expats in person. Meet up with like-minded people as part of one of Belgium's many expat groups and events. From the Ghent City Trotters Group and Brussels' fun Karaoke Club to Antwerp's sophisticated Art and Culture Group and Leuven's adventurous Hiking in Nature Group, Belgium has lots of activities where you can meet up with like-minded people and begin your brand-new social life. Start your chapter in Belgium with informed, interesting, and active members of the expat community, and settle in easily and happily in your new home!