Belgium
What do I need to know before moving to Belgium?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Belgium, they said...
"Be open-minded, make an effort, don't assume everything (or anything or anyone) will be as you've known before. Things WILL be more difficult; but you will be a better - bigger? broader? more understanding? tolerant? appreciative? - person as a result. As for Brussels: It's a very easy community to move into and live in (even without knowing the languages), as most people are from elsewhere in the world. I've found Belgians that work in international companies are also very open. Friendships are made quickly and easily. I will truly miss my life here when I return," mentioned another expat when asked about moving to Brussels, Belgium.
"Expats should be aware that Belgium is a multilingual country, with Dutch, French, and German being the three official languages. It is important to learn at least one of these languages before moving to Belgium. Expats should also be aware that Belgium has a high cost of living, so it is important to budget accordingly. Additionally, Belgium has a complex tax system, so it is important to research the tax laws before moving. Finally, expats should be aware that Belgium has a strong cultural identity, so it is important to respect local customs and traditions," commented one expat who made the move to 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 do I need to know before moving to 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.
