To move from France to Belgium, it is important to plan and carry out some formalities, such as having up-to-date identity documents. A visa is not required because Belgium is part of the European Union.
"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"Finding accommodation","richBody":{"value":"Then, it may be wise to get temporary accommodation you can use as a base to visit several properties. Know that in general, Belgians let accommodation only one or two months before the date of the move, so responsiveness is essential, especially if you move to the capital where accommodation is in short supply!
If you have found the right property, make sure you choose a lease for rental and check what early termination penalties you may have to pay because in Belgium, you may be asked for up to 3 months’ rent if you leave earlier than expected (in some very specific cases).
Once you move into your new home, don't be surprised if the police drop by to make sure that you actually live at that address. This is common practice.
In Belgium, it is the landlords who pay the agency fees for letting their properties and not the tenants!
"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"Obtaining a residence permit from the municipality","richBody":{"value":"Once you are there, you will have to register with the municipality of your new residence. This registration with the 'Service des Etrangers' in the town hall is required to obtain your long-term residence permit (i.e. more than 90 days). You must attend in person and bring along your ID and 2 photos.
"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"Importing your car","richBody":{"value":"If you bring your own French-registered car to Belgium, you must import it through customs, apply for a Belgian registration plate (unless there are specific conditions), pay the road tax and take out local car insurance.
After 2 years driving in Belgium, you are obliged to apply to swap your French driving licence for a Belgian licence. The municipality will issue it to you within 1 month. In Belgium, the permit is not (yet) a points-based permit.
Finally, consider transferring your essential services (banking, health insurance, etc.) and enrolling your children in school if you are travelling with your family.
"}},{"componentType":"highlight","title":"Good to know","richBody":{"value":"Social security in Belgium makes its mandatory reimbursements through what Belgians call the mutual insurance system that acts as a paying centre. If you are planning to take out additional cover, you can do so with this same mutual insurance. In Belgium, it is called supplementary health insurance. It is recommended primarily for hospitalisation expenses and reimbursement of dental care.
Download our full and practical checklist to prepare for your move!
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"How do you open a bank account in Belgium when you are French?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"As a French national, it is very easy for you to open a bank account in Belgium . You must provide a valid identity document (passport or identity card) and proof of residence in Belgium (e.g. housing lease). An account can be opened online or in a branch.
Some banks offer services tailored to expatriates. At ING, for example, you can open a bank account even before you arrive in Belgium. It is of course advisable to compare the offers to choose what suits your needs.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Can I live in France and work in Belgium?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Yes, it is perfectly possible to live in France and work in Belgium, according to a common arrangement for cross-border workers. These people, “border workers”, benefit from bilateral agreements between Belgium and France, which simplify administrative procedures.
In terms of taxes, income is generally taxed in the country where the work is performed, and tax treaties exist to avoid double taxation. Border workers must also pay attention to social security and retirement schemes, which may vary from one country to another.
This geographical proximity between the two countries also generates a lot of “nearby” expatriations.
"}},{"componentType":"highlight","title":"Good to know","richBody":{"value":"Taxes are higher in Belgium than in France. Indeed, the tax rates for the various income brackets are higher in Belgium than in France. Moreover, Belgium has often been dubbed the taxation “record holder” among OECD countries. We are talking about an average tax rate of 53% for a single person with an average salary compared to 47% in France.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Is Brussels an expensive city?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Brussels is considered expensive compared to the rest of Belgium but affordable compared to other major cities such as London or Paris. This applies to rents and current expenses such as food, transport or leisure activities.
Above all, Brussels offers a quality of life that appeals to French expats, with a very dynamic cultural life, an extensive range of leisure activities to suit all types (families, young adults, single parents, etc.), restaurants of all kinds, parks, a multitude of international schools, etc.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Are there many French expats in Belgium?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"The language, geographical proximity, professional opportunities and quality of life attract many French people to Belgium. And while the country is bilingual, French-language culture is very marked in Brussels. The French expat community in Belgium is therefore well established and dynamic, particularly in Ixelles. French expatriates benefit from various support services and networks, such as Franco-Belgian associations and French schools. All these structures greatly facilitate expat adaptation offering opportunities to socialise and grow your professional network.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Which country has the highest number of French expatriates?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Switzerland is the country with the most French expats. Job opportunities, attractive salaries and geographical proximity to France are key factors, as is the language. Then you have the United States, the United Kingdom, Belgium and Canada.
Generally, French people who settle abroad do so for the long term. Most French expats have been in Belgium for more than five years.
"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Have you decided to take the plunge? We are at your side to help you make a success of your move to Belgium. Check out all our tips on ING expat !
"}}]}}}