Moving to Belgium: What You Need to Know
🌍 EU or non-EUÂ
Depending on the country where you currently live, you may need to apply for a visa or work permit before moving to Belgium.
- EU/EEA/Switzerland: You are free to come to Belgium and live and work here.
- Non-EU: You will usually need a visa and/or work permit before arriving. A D visa is required for stays longer than 90 days. You can apply for this at the Belgian embassy in your current country.
Make sure you have original copies and (if necessary) translated/legalized versions of your birth certificate, marriage certificate, and diplomas.
🏠Find a place to stay
Finding a place to live in Belgium can be a challenge, especially in popular cities like Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, or Leuven. Here’s what you need to keep in mind.
What are the options?
- Studio: An open-concept space that serves as both a living room and a bedroom, with a separate bathroom and often a small kitchenette. Ideal for singles, students, or expats.
- Apartment: The most common type of housing in cities. Available with 1, 2, 3, or more bedrooms.
- House: Ideal for those moving to Belgium who want plenty of space, often with a front and back yard.
- Cohousing / Coliving: You rent your own room (often with a private bathroom), but share the kitchen, living room, and sometimes a garden with other residents. This is very popular among young professionals in Brussels and Antwerp.
Where should I look?
The main websites are Immoweb, Zimmo, and Immovlan. You can also easily find a place to stay via Google when you move to Belgium. Finally, there are Facebook groups (“For Rent in [City]”) that you can check out.
🧾 Registration with the municipality
After arriving, you must register with the municipality where you live. You will then receive a residence card. In cities like Brussels, this can sometimes take a little longer due to high demand.
A police officer will come by to verify that you actually live there. Only then will you be officially registered in the national registry. Your national registry number is your “key” to Belgium. You need it for everything: from receiving your paycheck to signing up for an internet subscription.
đź’ˇ Practical matters
- Bank account: You need a Belgian IBAN for your paycheck and insurance. Many banks will only let you open an account after a check by the local police officer.
- Health Insurance: Enrollment in a health insurance plan is mandatory. They cover your medical expenses.
- Taxes: As soon as you live and work here, you are liable for taxes.
- Languages: Dutch is spoken in Flanders, French in Wallonia, and both in Brussels. Taking a language course (integration course) is often a smart move.
Short-term apartments for people moving to Belgium
Are you planning to move to Belgium soon but haven’t found a permanent place to live yet? At Imperia Short Stay, you’ll find comfortable, fully furnished apartments. You can choose from 1-, 2-, or 3-bedroom options. That’s why it’s the perfect solution for temporary housing for families, expats, students, and crew members alike.
Would you like more information? Please contact us or check availability online right away.