Belgium
What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Belgium?
We asked expat moms who gave birth in Belgium about their experiences and advice they have for other moms to be. They said...
"Upon notification of pregnancy: get started on daycare options. Take lessons in the language immediately if you do not speak this, if only for your comfort during the process. Also, your daycare mostly will speak only in French or Flemish to your child if you need to use this option. Be prepared, most appointments are without clothing, which is different from my country! Make sure the people sending you presents from other countries pay the VAT tax as you will be charged for the value of your "gift". Hours are inconvenient for the many doctors appointments, especially if you have a full time job, talk to your boss early about the need for flexibility. Relax: the healthcare system here is excellent and your journey will be very pleasant and supported," remarked another expat who made the move to Brussels, Belgium.
"1. Make sure to research the healthcare system in Belgium and the options available to you for prenatal care and delivery. 2. Consider enrolling in a childbirth preparation class to help you prepare for the birth of your baby. 3. Familiarize yourself with the maternity leave and parental leave policies in Belgium to ensure you are taking advantage of all the benefits available to you. 4. Consider joining a local expat group or online forum to connect with other expats who have had babies in Belgium and can provide advice and support. 5. Make sure to register your baby with the local authorities and obtain a Belgian birth certificate. 6. Research the different types of childcare options available in Belgium and decide which one is best for your family. 7. Take the time to explore the local area and find activities and services that are suitable for your family. 8. Make sure to take advantage of the many cultural and educational opportunities available in Belgium for your child," explained one expat living in Belgium.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Belgium?
- How do I meet people in Belgium?
- What is life like in Belgium?
- Is there a lot of crime in Belgium?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Belgium accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Belgium like?
- Is the cost of living in Belgium high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Belgium?
- What are healthcare services like in Belgium?
- Is the cost of living in Belgium high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Belgium?
- What is the weather like in Belgium?
- Are there good restaurants in Belgium?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Belgium?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Belgium?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Belgium?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Belgium?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Belgium?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Belgium?
If you live in Belgium, newcomers to Belgium would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
