A high-income economy, great standards of living, top-notch education, and exceptional healthcare are some of the reasons why moving to Belgium is the right choice for every American. As the headquarters of the European Union, it is a very popular expat destination that almost 14,000 Americans already call home.
Not only that the country offers excellent work and education opportunities but its picturesque scenery will leave you speechless. From beautiful beaches to lush Ardennes, you’ll easily fall in love with everything. However, before packing up the bags, let’s go over some of the basic info everybody relocating to Belgium should know.
You’ll Need the Visa When Moving to Belgium from the USA
Even before you start packing up the bags, you’ll most certainly wonder is it easy to move to Belgium? There is no right answer here. If you gather all the necessary documents, the transition might be seamless. Also, as a US citizen, you don’t need a visa if you want to stay in the country for less than 90 days.
On the other hand, immigrating permanently or for a long time, will require dealing with a bureaucracy. Start by figuring out what kind of visa you actually need, and Belgian visas are divided into non-immigrant and immigrant ones.
Non-immigrant visas are based on the purpose of the stay in the country. They can be student, work, and family visas. Another option is applying for immigrant visas and they are issued for a period of five years. Keep in mind that during the coronavirus outbreak rules of immigration change rapidly. That’s why you should contact the Belgian Embassy when you start thinking about the move, and they will walk you through the whole immigration process.
As an Expat Moving to Belgium From Us You’ll Need to Get New Driver’s License
BE has a well-developed network of roads that stretch for almost 73,580 miles around the country. This fact alone might inspire you to consider hiring an international moving company to ship your car along with your other belongings. However, keep in mind that you’ll need to exchange the US driving license for a Belgian one when you relocate. To do so, you should prepare:
- Current, valid driver’s license as well as a certificate of authenticity that you can get from the US Embassy
- A pair of passport photos
- Proof of your residency in BE
The number of cars on the roads increased over the last ten years. Now there are approximately 7365 million units on the streets. This shows that diving in BE is essential, so don’t hesitate to hire an overseas shipping company to transport your vehicle to a new location.
The Overall Cost of Living Is Almost the Same as in the US
Figuring out how to move overseas can be a tricky process. Not only do you have to worry about all the documents and shipping overseas your belongings, but you also have to consider the budget while doing it.
Moving halfway across the world can leave a significant dent in your pocket if you don’t plan it thoroughly. That’s why you should figure out the best time to move. Then hire an overseas moving company to handle your belongings while you take care of everything else, like comparing the cost of living in the US with the one in BE.
Overall, according to data from the website Niche, the cost of living is not too different from the one you are used to in the US. To make things easier for yourself compare prices of transportation, utilities, childcare, and housing. When you do, you’ll finally have the answer to the question – Is it expensive to live in Belgium?
There Are Five Provinces You Can Settle In
One of the significant challenges when moving abroad most people experience is finding the perfect place to settle in. That’s why it is essential to start the research early. Learn about all the different options you will have, and then buying a house abroad or renting one won’t cause you additional relocation stress.
When looking for a home in BE, know that the country is divided into three regions – Brussels, Flanders, and Wallonia. Each has a different primarily spoken language, so take that into consideration when deciding on your destination. Furthermore, BE might be small compared to the US, but that doesn’t mean you’ll lack housing options. Meaning that no matter if you prefer urban or rural areas, there will undoubtedly be a place you can call home.
When Relocating to Belgium You Can Live Both in Urban and Rural Areas
Even though it is one of the smaller countries in Europe, BE has plenty to offer in terms of accommodation. However, here you might run into a conundrum and start asking yourself how to pick the best location? Ask yourself what are the reasons for your move, what you need, and what you are expecting from the location. This way, you’ll narrow down your search and make the decision easier.
However, if you are overwhelmed by the options BE has to offer, we are here to help you by showing you the best cities expats choose to settle in:
- Brussels is not only the capital, but it is also its economic center. So if you are a career chaser in pursuit of rich employment opportunities in Europe, this is the spot for you. Also, in Brussels, almost 70% of all residents are of foreign origin, and that diversity makes it one of the friendliest places in the world.
- Antwerp is ideal for those looking for top cities for students in Europe. Not only that, there are plenty of international schools, but with a well-sized population of US families, there are many English-speaking clubs. Expat communities are strong in this one.
- Bruges is for those who don’t actually want to move to Italy but dig Venice’s style. With its cobbled lanes and medieval canals, Bruges is one of the most attractive cities in BE. It is an ideal place to retire but also to live with the family.
- Gent brings a mix of cosmopolitan and provincial feel to the table. It is a perfect spot for those that can’t decide if they want to live in a city or suburbs. Becoming a resident here will give you an opportunity to settle in an apartment with gorgeous river views.
BE is one of the best places to live abroad as an expat. That’s why, no matter where you choose to settle in, there will always be something to keep you falling in love with the country all over again.
When Moving Internationally to Be You’ll Have Plenty of Employment Options
BE is the administrative center of the EU, so you can expect many different international organizations and multinational corporations offering work opportunities to expats. Also, a strongly globalized economy focused on service-oriented industries such as media, tourism, and banking, provides plenty of opportunities.
If you are afraid you won’t get the job when relocating, know that unemployment rates are lower than the EU average. So, you won’t have to wonder can you move to Belgium without a job because there are more than enough companies looking for a workforce.
Some of the biggest employers here are companies such as:
- KBC (banking and insurance industry)
- Bekaert (one of the leading chemicals manufacturing companies)
- Ahold Delhaize (international food retail)
You Can Easily Find a Job as an English Speaker
When looking for a job, you might wonder: Is Belgium a good place to move and work in if you don’t actually speak the language? Worry not! There are plenty of employment opportunities for English speakers. Just go online and check websites like Indeed or sign on with one of many recruitment agencies. Most agencies are specialized in different industries and will easily find you employment.
Furthermore, as a native English speaker, you can land a job as a teacher or assistant in state schools and colleges. There are plenty of trade associations and business enterprises that mainly operate in English.
You’ll Be Entitled to Almost Free Health Insurance
Even if you didn’t care about all the other benefits relocation brings, you should move because of the excellent healthcare system that is way more affordable than the one in the US. Health insurance is a part of a social security system, and it is mandatory for all residents.
The thing you should know when relocating to BE is that the health insurance plans cover up to 75% of medical costs. That’s why many residents choose to have additional private coverage. Besides affordable insurance, you can rest assured that major cities and university towns all have at least one general, a public hospital that can treat patients.
What you should know as an expat, that the US Embassy in Brussels can give you the list of all English-speaking physicians if you haven’t broken the language barrier after settling in BE. Also, when you require medical care, don’t forget to bring your Social Security Identity card with you, as well as stickers from the insurance fund. These stickers should be attached to the medical bill so that you can get reimbursed for the costs.
Education in BE Is Very Diverse
The education system in BE is a bit different than the one you are used to in the States. For starters, it is regulated and financed mostly by Flemish, German and French-speaking communities. Mandatory education starts at the age of six and ends after graduation from secondary school.
However, before you decide this is the best country to start a family in or raise one, let’s go over some of the basics of the school system. For starters, if you have kids they have to be enrolled in school within 60 days of your registration in BE. Since there is no zoning system, you are not limited to the schools in your neighborhood. Nevertheless, since the enrollment can get pretty competitive, prepare all the necessary documents in advance. That way, your kids won’t have to travel to the other district to get an education.
If you want to learn more about the education system, check out the video below.
You Can Get Excellent Higher Education
If you are still on your academic path wanting to gain higher education, settling in BE is the way to go. OECD constantly ranks Belgian universities as some of the best in the world, and there are plenty of them to go around. So no matter what you would like to study there is certainly a university where you can. Furthermore, even though French and Dutch are the main languages, there are many international programs in English.
Shooting for the stars when looking for education is completely normal, so when you are looking for a university to help you expand your horizons, check out some of the top-rated ones:
- The Catholic University of Leuven or Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, where you can get excellent research-based knowledge
- The University of Ghent is a public research institution that offers postgraduate courses in English
- Université Catholique de Louvain is among the best institutions for learning about theology, divinity, and religion.
Belgians Have Very Rich Culture
You might experience culture shock when you move to Connecticut from California. Imagine what you will experience when traveling halfway across the world? If you want to adjust to a local lifestyle quickly, get ready to embrace the different languages, cuisine, art, and customs.
After the international movers deliver your belongings and you finally unpack everything, dive into local life by going out and exploring restaurants. You deserve to treat yourself to some tasty dishes. Gorge yourself with french fries, beer, chocolate, and waffles. And don’t miss out on national dishes: steak and fries with salad, and mussels with fries.
However, after you are done eating your way around the area, it is time to really get to know the local folks, and what better way to do it than to learn different traditions people care about.
Learn a Thing or Two About Customs
Firstly, when you are invited to someone’s place for the first time, bring chocolate or flowers. If you know the host well enough, you can forgo flowers and get them wine and beer instead. Belgians like to feel appreciated, and what better way to show that than by showering them with gifts?
Also, whenever you are invited to someone’s home, make sure you take off your shoes before entering. That being said, don’t forget to wear some cool socks! While you are shopping for nice socks, get a reliable watch as well and make sure you are not late. It might feel strange at first, but meetings and dinner parties usually start at the designated time.
The other thing you will notice probably as soon as you relocate is that everybody dresses informally most of the time. That’s why when you are invited somewhere, check the dress code. You wouldn’t want to be the only one stuck in formalwear while others are chilling in jeans and shirts.
These are the basics. Memorize them, but there will probably be hundreds of small details you’ll learn from locals. All you have to do is keep an open mind, and adjusting to life and becoming a true Belgian will be easy.
Be Prepared to Break the Language Barrier
BE has three official languages that’s why you’ll need to (depending on the place you relocate to) tackle Dutch, German or French. Since there is no better time than the present, start figuring out all the tips for learning a new language before the move.
However, learning a new language will take time, so don’t despair if you are not fluent when you finally relocate. After all, most people here speak English, so you won’t be misunderstood. Also, learning a new language while abroad will be faster and more efficient than learning it while in the US.
Check the video below, and learn some useful Dutch phrases that will make the first few weeks of staying in BE easier.
Relocating to Belgium Will Be Worth the Trouble
Relocating to a place with a booming economy, diverse employment opportunities, and rich culture is a dream come true for most Americans. You can achieve it by packing up and moving to Belgium.
The country of castles, tall men, waffles, and comics welcomes expats with open arms. And since most of the locals speak English, you won’t feel like an outsider while learning one or all official languages.
To ensure everything goes smoothly, get international packing services so that you are sure your belongings are in the best hands possible while crossing the ocean. While international movers and handling your valuables you’ll have enough time to learn about the nation and prepare to become a true Belgian!
