Living in Belgium

"1. Expats should research the cost of living in Belgium before retiring, as it can be quite expensive. 2. It is important to understand the Belgian tax system and the implications for expats. 3. Expats should also familiarize themselves with the healthcare system in Belgium, as it is different from other countries. 4. It is important to learn the language, as most Belgians speak Dutch, French, or German. 5. Expats should also research the different types of visas available and the requirements for obtaining them. 6. It is important to understand the cultural norms and customs of Belgium before retiring there. 7. Expats should also research the different types of housing available and the cost of renting or buying a property," remarked one expat living in Belgium.

"Expats in Belgium often join clubs and activities such as language classes, sports teams, and cultural events. Expats can also meet people by attending local festivals, joining meetup groups, or attending networking events. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups related to their interests. This can be a great way to connect with other expats and locals in Belgium," explained one expat living in Belgium.

"Living in Belgium as an expat or digital nomad can be a rewarding experience. The country is known for its high quality of life, with excellent public transportation, a vibrant cultural scene, and a wide variety of activities to enjoy. Expats and digital nomads can find plenty of opportunities to network and collaborate with other professionals in the area. The cost of living in Belgium is relatively high, but there are plenty of affordable housing options available. The country is also known for its excellent healthcare system, making it a great place to live for those with medical needs. Expats and digital nomads can also take advantage of the country's excellent education system, with a wide range of universities and colleges to choose from," wrote a member in Belgium.

"Belgium generally has a low crime rate, with most crimes being non-violent. However, there has been an increase in violent crime in recent years, particularly in the larger cities. Drug-related crime is also a problem in Belgium, with the country being a transit point for drugs entering Europe. Additionally, Belgium has seen an increase in cybercrime, with criminals using the internet to commit fraud and other financial crimes," remarked one expat who made the move to Belgium.

"Belgium is a diverse country with a population that is composed of people from many different backgrounds. The country is home to a variety of ethnic and religious groups, including Flemish, Walloon, German, French, and Dutch speakers. People in Belgium are generally accepting of differences and are tolerant of different cultures and beliefs. The country has a long history of welcoming immigrants and refugees, and has a strong commitment to protecting the rights of minorities," said one expat who made the move to Belgium.

"The International School of Brussels (ISB) is one of the best international schools in Belgium. Located in the heart of Brussels, ISB offers a comprehensive education for students from pre-kindergarten to grade 12. The school follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, which is designed to develop students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills. ISB also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, and art. The European School of Brussels I (ESB I) is another excellent international school in Belgium. ESB I is a bilingual school, offering instruction in both English and French. The school follows the European Baccalaureate curriculum, which is designed to prepare students for higher education in Europe. ESB I also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, and art. The British School of Brussels (BSB) is a top-rated international school in Belgium. BSB offers a comprehensive education for students from pre-kindergarten to grade 12. The school follows the National Curriculum of England and Wales, which is designed to develop students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills. BSB also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, and art. The International School of Louvain (ISL) is another excellent international school in Belgium. ISL is a bilingual school, offering instruction in both English and French. The school follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, which is designed to prepare students for higher education in Europe. ISL also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, and art," explained one expat living in Belgium.

"Check out both the Catholic School in Waterloo, just south of Brussels and ISB. Both are great schools and have extensive IB, AP and advanced classes," said one parent with children at International School of Brussels in Brussels.

"The cost of living in Belgium is generally considered to be quite high, especially in the larger cities. Rent prices tend to be quite expensive, with the average one-bedroom apartment in Brussels costing around €800 per month. Groceries and other everyday items can also be quite costly, with prices for basic items such as milk and bread being higher than in many other European countries. Transportation costs are also relatively high, with monthly public transport passes costing around €50," said one expat in Belgium.

"Brussels is one of the cheapest European capitals, so if you want to buy a house. Beautiful neighborhoods like Woluwé Saint Lambert, Woluwé Saint-Pierre, Kraainem and Ixelles are great and the price of housing is affordable. House prices have risen since the covid crisis ," said one expat living in Brussels.

"The cost of living in Belgium varies depending on the city or town you live in, but it is generally more expensive than many other countries in Europe. Brussels and Antwerp tend to have a higher cost of living compared to more rural locations, as the demand for housing in the capital city is generally high. The typical rental price for a one bedroom apartment in Belgium is generally around $850-$1,200 USD, while a two bedroom can range from $900-$1,500 USD. Eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant typically will cost anywhere from $15-$25 USD, depending on the restaurant," mentioned one expat inBelgium.

"In Belgium, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as parks, beaches, and sports complexes. Parks are a popular destination for Belgians, offering a variety of activities such as walking, jogging, and picnicking. Beaches are also a popular destination, with many offering swimming, sunbathing, and other beach activities. Sports complexes are also popular, offering a variety of activities such as tennis, basketball, and soccer. Additionally, Belgium is home to a number of museums, galleries, and other cultural attractions," said one expat.

"Belgium has a temperate climate with mild summers and cool winters. Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with the wettest months being October and November. Snowfall is common in the winter months, especially in the higher elevations of the Ardennes. The coastal areas tend to be milder and more humid than the inland areas," said one expat living in Belgium.

"One of Belgium's most beloved restaurants is Comme Chez Soi, located in Brussels. This two-Michelin-starred restaurant is known for its exquisite French cuisine, with dishes like roasted pigeon and veal sweetbreads. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list, making it a great spot for a romantic dinner. Another popular restaurant in Belgium is Sea Grill, located in Brussels. This seafood restaurant is renowned for its fresh seafood dishes, such as lobster, oysters, and mussels. The restaurant also has an impressive wine list, making it a great spot for a special occasion. In Antwerp, the restaurant 't Zilte is a favorite among locals. This restaurant specializes in Belgian cuisine, with dishes like mussels and fries, and a variety of Belgian beers. The restaurant also has a cozy atmosphere, making it a great spot for a casual dinner. Finally, in Ghent, the restaurant De Karmeliet is a must-visit. This restaurant is known for its creative and modern take on Belgian cuisine, with dishes like rabbit terrine and beef tartare. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list, making it a great spot for a special occasion," commented one expat who moved to Belgium.

"We regularly go to Asian restaurants, "Confucius" and if we want to eat a real pizza, we go to "Paolo's idea" near the Schuman square," said one expat.

"People living in Belgium typically buy groceries from supermarkets, local markets, and convenience stores. Other shopping can be done at department stores, boutiques, and online retailers," said one expat.

"the shopping center we frequent is the "shopping center de woluwé saint lambert" and avenue louise ... in the city center," commented one expat living in Brussels, Belgium.

"In order to visit Belgium, foreign nationals must obtain a visa prior to their arrival. The type of visa required depends on the purpose of the visit and the length of stay. Generally, visitors must apply for a Schengen visa, which allows them to stay in Belgium for up to 90 days. To apply for a Schengen visa, applicants must submit a completed application form, a valid passport, two passport-sized photographs, proof of travel insurance, and proof of sufficient funds. Foreign nationals who wish to stay in Belgium for longer than 90 days must apply for a residence permit. To apply for a residence permit, applicants must submit a completed application form, a valid passport, two passport-sized photographs, proof of accommodation, proof of sufficient funds, and proof of health insurance. Depending on the purpose of the stay, additional documents may be required. Once the application is approved, the applicant will receive a residence permit card, which must be renewed every year," wrote one expat living in Belgium.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Belgium can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and the provider. Generally, the cost of healthcare in Belgium is higher than in many other countries, and health insurance premiums can be quite costly. However, the Belgian government provides subsidies to help make healthcare more affordable for those who need it. Additionally, many employers offer health insurance plans to their employees, which can help to reduce the cost of coverage," said one expat.