Moving to Belgium - How to Immigrate to Belgium? (2024)

Belgium is unquestionably one of Europe’s hidden gems; located in the heart of Europe and home to the European Union and NATO headquarters, Belgium is an international melting pot. Therefore, it is widely regarded as one of Europe’s most fascinating and diverse countries.

With its diversity of people, cuisine, fascinating architecture, extensive social network, and numerous public amenities, Belgium welcomes anyone wishing to move there.

Quick Facts About Belgium

Some facts about Belgium are:

Do You Need a Visa to Move to Belgium?

You will not need a visa to move to Belgium if you are part of the following countries:

• EU/EEA and Schengen area countries.
• The USA, New Zealand, Australia, Monaco, the Republic of Andorra, Japan, or any other country that has reached a visa-free agreement with Schengen.

If you are from non-EU/EEA country, you must apply for a long-stay visa to move to Belgium.

Moving to Belgium as an EU/EEA Citizen

EU/EEA and Switzerland citizens do not need a Belgian visa. EU/EEA citizens can move to Belgium freely by only using their national ID or passport. They may stay in the country for a maximum of three months after arrival, provided they register their presence there as soon as they arrive.

Suppose you plan to stay longer than three months. In that case, you must register at the local town hall (maison communale/gemeentehuis) and provide proof of adequate insurance and financial support. Moreover, you must acquire a foreigner’s identity card.

Moving to Belgium as a non-EU/EEA Citizen

Moving to Belgium as a non-EU/EEA citizen requires applying for a long-stay visa from the Belgium embassy in your home country. After you travel to Belgium with a long-term visa, you must apply for a residence permit to stay longer than three months.

If you wish to stay longer than three months, you must choose from the following ways:

• Moving to Belgium for work.
• Moving to Belgium to study.
• Moving to Belgium for family reunification.

Moving to Belgium to Work

If you want to move to Belgium for work, you must apply for a long-stay work visa. Belgium offers different categories of work permits. You can choose whichever suits you. The visa will be valid for a year, but you can extend it.

If you are a skilled worker with the right qualifications to work in Belgium, you can apply for an EU Blue Card. Belgium’s EU Blue Card has a standard validity period of one to three years, depending on the length of the employment contract.

Moving to Belgium to Study

If you wish to move to Belgium for study purposes, you must apply for a student visa. The Belgium student visa is issued for one or two years; nevertheless, it depends on your study program.

Once you arrive in Belgium, you have eight days to register at your local administration office and get your residence card. During your study, this card will allow you to remain in Belgium. The residence permit can be renewed every year until the end of your study course.

Moving to Belgium for Family Reunification

You can join your family member in Belgium by applying for a family visa. Once you arrive in Belgium, you must get a foreigner’s identity card at the local town hall (maison communale/gemeentehuis). Afterward, you are registered and will receive a residence permit. The validity of your residence permit depends on your family member’s status.

Family members eligible for a family visa are:

• The spouse or civil partner.
• Dependent children (18 years old or younger).
• Dependent children over 18 years old.

When Can I Qualify for Permanent Residency?

After five years of continuous residency in Belgium, EU/EEA or Swiss citizens are eligible to receive permanent residency.

In addition, non-EU/EEA and Swiss citizens may apply for a Belgian permanent residence permit after five years of residency in the country. However, they must apply at their local office.

How Long Do I Need to Live in Belgium to Gain Citizenship?

To gain citizenship in Belgium, you need to live in Belgium for at least five uninterrupted years. Other pathways to winning citizenship are:

• By birthright. If you were born in Belgium or by a Belgium citizen, you could win citizenship by birthright.
• By marriage. You can win citizenship by marriage if you marry a Belgium citizen, and you must have lived five years in Belgium. You must have lived with your partner for at least three years.

Does Belgium Allow Dual Citizenship?

Belgium allows dual citizenship. Even if you hold citizenship in another country, Belgium will not require you to give it up. However, some countries do not permit dual citizenship, so you may have to choose between Belgian citizenship and your country of origin.

Can I Bring My Belongings to Belgium?

You can bring your belongings to Belgium. Your used household goods and personal effects can be imported duty-free to any other EU country if you have owned them for more than six months. In addition, household goods must be imported within 12 months of arrival and settlement in Belgium. The documentation you need to provide is as follows:

• Your valid passport.
• An inventory.
• A packing list (in English and French).
• A residence permit or work permit.

Restricted items include:

• Ammunition and firearms.
• Flammable goods.
• Foodstuff.
• Narcotics and other medications.
• Plants.
• Ivory, furs, and materials from endangered species.

Can I Move to Belgium With Pets?

You can move with your pets to Belgium. All they need is the following:

• A microchip or identity tattoo.
• Proof of tapeworm treatment (applicable to dogs only).
• Proof of rabies vaccination.
• Pet passport.

In addition, in Belgium, kittens, puppies, or baby ferrets less than 15 weeks old and whose rabies immunization is less than 21 days old cannot be imported.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Moving to Belgium?

Consider these pros and cons if you are considering moving to Belgium:

Where Should I Stay in Belgium?

Some of the most popular cities in Belgium include the following:

• Brussels.
• Antwerp.
• Bruges.
• Ghent.

Brussels

Brussels is the capital city of Belgium and also of the European Union. Brussels is the economic and political hub of Belgium. The city is home to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites and famous landmarks. Due to its high quality of life, location, and mild climate, Brussels has become a renowned expat destination.

As an expat in Brussels, you will get to enjoy the lifestyle. You will access world-class healthcare, affordable public transportation, and free education. However, you must be sure that Brussels will take care of you and your family.

Moreover, Brussels has fascinating architecture, culture, and job opportunities. This leads to the belief that many people desire Brussels. The cost of living is high in Brussels. Nevertheless, the salaries are high, and you can manage.

Antwerp

A famous city in Belgium, Antwerp is located on the Schelde River. Antwerp is often called the world’s diamond capital due to its world-renowned collection of diamonds. Still, there is much more to do and see.

Antwerp is easily accessible and has an efficient public transport system. If you are moving with your family, you can see that Antwerp has many family-friendly attractions, good options for education, and many international schools you can choose from.

Regarding the cost of living, life in Antwerp is cheaper than in Brussels but still high compared to other European cities. The average living cost is €1,601 per person. But similarly to other cities of Belgium, the wage is high, and it makes up for it.

Bruges

Burges is Belgium’s most romantic destination, filled with cobblestone streets and canals. Because of its beauty, Burges is known as “the Venice of the North”. Moreover, the city is one of the best-known cities in Belgium due to its landmarks.

Burges is smaller compared to other Belgium cities, but it is safe, friendly, and clean. It also has a vibrant nightlife and excellent restaurants. Furthermore, the weather is generally mild, and the cost of living for an average person is estimated to be around €1,800.

Ghent

Ghent is a hidden gem of Belgium. There is plenty of things to do, and it is small enough to get around quickly but large enough so you will not get bored. Several museums and galleries are in Gent, including the Museum voor Schone Kunsten, the Ghent City Museum, and the Design Museum. Ghent is also home to the ten-day Ghent Festival, also known as “Gentse Feesten” in Dutch, which attracts two million visitors yearly.

Moreover, you will be able to find a place to live in Ghent for a reasonable price. Whatever your budget is, you are likely to find something within it in Ghent, whether you are renting or buying. Connecting with the locals is one of the great benefits of living in a beautiful city such as Ghent. There is a friendly and easy-going atmosphere in Ghent.