Belgium has a well-structured but administratively detailed system. The procedures for moving depend on your nationality (EU or non-EU), region (Brussels, Flanders, Wallonia), and personal situation.
Preparing in advance helps you:
For official relocation guidance, visit Moving to Belgium – official portal.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Essential documents for moving to Belgium"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Before you relocate, gather and copy all key documents to avoid delays.
Documents to prepare:
Belgium has three official languages (Dutch, French, German). Your documents may need certified translations and might need to be apostilled/legalized. For requirements by nationality and length of stay, check Residence documents for Belgium. For translation help, contact Belgian Translation Centre (BTC).
"},"title":"Official Belgian languages"},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Registering in Belgium"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Registration with the Belgian authorities is mandatory for anyone staying in Belgium for more than three months (not required for diplomats).
After arrival, you must:
This step is essential to access healthcare, taxation, utilities, and banking. Procedures depend on your status and commune; official information is at your commune’s website (nameofthecommune.be) or via an internet search.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Finding accommodation when moving to Belgium"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Belgium’s housing market is dynamic. Offers are often binding, so start searching for rentals two months before your desired lease date. Buying a property can take several months, with banks usually requiring 3-6 Belgian payslips for mortgage applications.
"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Hotels and Airbnbs are not valid for registration as proof of address. Most expats start with:
When choosing long term housing, consider:
An entry survey by a third-party surveyor before key handover (“État des lieux d'entrée / Plaatsbeschrijving bij intrede”) is common when renting a home. The fee is split equally between landlord and tenant and details the state of the property at move-in.
"},"title":"Entry survey when renting a home"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Belgium’s housing market varies significantly by region. Popular platforms for renting and buying a property include: Immoweb, Immovlan, Zimmo, Immoscoop. Real estate agents can help to find your home, visit this page to see an overview of the real-estate agents per city. For relocation help, consult the “Association of Belgium Relocator Companies” ABRA.
For more information on buying, read Buying a house in Belgium - ING Belgium.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Setting up utilities and daily services"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Once you have accommodation, arrange utilities from the first day of your rental:
Energy regulation depends on your region:
Transferring contracts from previous occupants can save time and setup costs.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Moving to Belgium with your family"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Relocating as a family is exciting but also complex. Dual-career couples often balance two professional journeys alongside transition to a new life. ING’s expat banking solutions help couples settle with confidence, making it easier to manage finances and plan ahead.
"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":""},"title":"Career of your spouse"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"
Belgium offers international schools (International Schools in Belgium, International Schools in Brussels), European Schools (Office of General-Secretary of the European Schools), and public education systems (Brussels, Flanders, Wallonia). Early enrolment is recommended due to waiting lists.
"},"title":"Schools and education"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Careful planning reduces stress. See tips for traveling with kids.
"},"title":"Children and travel"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Brussels is pet-friendly, but finding rentals that welcome pets takes extra time. Start your housing search early, discuss pet arrangements with landlords, check mandatory vaccinations, arrange compliant transport, and prepare documentation (FPS Public Health, IPATA).
"},"title":"Pets"},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Healthcare and pensions in Belgium"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Belgium’s healthcare is high quality, but access depends on registration.
Before leaving: Arrange medical checkups for the whole family and update prescriptions.
After arrival:
Vaccinations: Check with your medical doctor or Institute for Tropical Medicine.
"},"title":"Healthcare"},{"componentType":"highlight","richBody":{"value":"Health insurance coverage starts with your Belgian work contract, but medical claims are only possible after registration. Family dependents are only covered once registered with authorities.
"},"title":"Good to know"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Belgium has state, company, and private pension pillars (more info on this page Settling in Belgium).
"},"title":"Pensions"},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Integrating into life in Belgium"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Integration is about more than paperwork. Language and culture play a key role.
Dutch, French, or German may be required depending on region. Language courses can help significantly. Ceran offers linguistic and socio-economic support for expats and their partners.
Useful information:
"},"title":"Language and culture"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Embassies and consulates (FPS Foreign Affairs), international chambers (ICC Belgium), expat groups (Expatica Directory), and websites (Expatica, Angloinfo, Expatsinbrussels, InterNations).
"},"title":"Expat communities"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Belgian media helps you understand local culture/business. Here’s a list of the local newspapers in Belgium: Le Soir, De Standaard, L’Echo, De Tijd, The Brussels Times, The Bulletin, VRT News, Politico, Brussels Signal.
"},"title":"Staying informed"},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Managing money and banking as an expat in Belgium"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Working with an expat-experienced bank like ING makes your financial setup easier:
Residents of France, Spain, the Netherlands, Germany and Luxembourg can complete onboarding entirely online via the ING Banking app or Home'Bank, allowing the account to be fully set up in advance.
"},"textLinks":[{"text":"Open your account in minutes","url":"/en/individuals/expat/online-onboarding-expats"}],"title":"Open your account from abroad"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Every expat’s situation is different. Depending on when you’re moving, your nationality or where you currently live, the way to open your Belgian current account may vary.
Answer a few questions and we’ll guide you to the quickest and easiest way to open your account.
"},"title":"Find the best way to open your expat bank account"},{"componentType":"feature","featureName":"expat-wizard"},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Taxation rules for expats in Belgium"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Most expats become Belgian tax residents after moving. What you have to know as an expat moving to Belgium:
Belgium’s tax filing period usually begins in May each year. If you file your tax return online via Tax-on-Web, the deadline is typically around mid-July. For 2026, tax returns submitted online are due by July 15th. Paper tax returns have an earlier deadline, generally in mid-June (for 2026: June 17th). Late submissions may result in penalties.
Check the Tax on web or https://financien.belgium.be/en for updated deadlines and instructions.
"},"title":"Deadline for submitting taxes online"},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Driving and cars in Belgium"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"If you plan to drive:
Car rental is widely available, and private leasing is possible.
Important: Rules regarding foreign driving licences differ depending on your country of origin. Some foreign licences can be used in Belgium, while others must be exchanged after registration in Belgium. Check the official Belgian government guidelines to understand the requirements that apply to your situation.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Staying connected with your home country"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"After relocating to Belgium:
Staying connected helps make settling in easier.
Before leaving Belgium:
The deregistration certificate (Model 8) is an important document that may be required when ending contracts, dealing with administrative procedures, or registering in another country.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Frequently asked questions about moving to Belgium"},{"accordionList":[{"richBody":{"value":"Yes. EU citizens benefit from simplified residence and work procedures, though local registration is still required.
"},"title":"Is moving to Belgium easy for EU citizens?"},{"richBody":{"value":"Moving to Belgium as a non-EU citizen involves additional administrative steps, including obtaining the appropriate visa, residence permit, and, in some cases, a work permit. While the process requires more preparation than for EU citizens, careful planning and the right documentation can make the move much smoother.
"},"title":"Is moving to Belgium easy for non-EU citizens?"},{"richBody":{"value":"This varies by commune and personal situation, but early preparation significantly reduces delays.
"},"title":"How long does registration in Belgium take?"},{"richBody":{"value":"Not immediately, especially in Brussels, but learning the local language greatly improves integration.
"},"title":"Do I need to speak Dutch or French to live in Belgium?"},{"richBody":{"value":"Belgium consistently ranks highly for healthcare, quality of life, and international connectivity.
"},"title":"Is Belgium a good country for expats?"}],"componentType":"accordion"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"External resources are provided for informational purposes only. ING does not endorse the companies, products, or services referenced. ING is not responsible for the content, products, services, or availability of any third-party websites or services.
"}}]},"hasMacro":false,"id":"7891c4c2-ba7d-4385-b042-a7d4c312a623","localeString":"en-GB","mainHeaderZone":{"backLink":{"textLink":{"text":"Our services for expats","url":"/en/individuals/expat"}},"componentType":"editorialHeader","coreHeader":{"body":"This practical guide brings together everything expats need to know before and after moving to Belgium. It’s designed to help you avoid common pitfalls, settle in confidently, and make Belgium feel like home from day one. At ING Belgium, we believe that your new chapter should be as smooth and stress-free as possible. We provide information, tips, and support throughout your relocation journey.","headerImage":{"extension":"jpg","original":"https://assets.ing.com/asset/f7a183db-d040-4d3c-b29c-7349ae7c91f2/Laughing-young-woman-moving-into-a-new-home.jpg","publishedAt":"2024-06-24T08:02:45Z","transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/f7a183db-d040-4d3c-b29c-7349ae7c91f2/Laughing-young-woman-moving-into-a-new-home","type":"image","updatedAt":"2024-06-24T08:03:57Z","width":900},"subtitle":"Moving to Belgium is an exciting step. Whether you're relocating for work, family, or a new lifestyle in the heart of Europe. Belgium offers a vibrant culture, strong international connections, and a high standard of living. Good preparation is essential to ensure your transition is smooth, from administrative formalities and housing to healthcare, banking, and integration.","title":"Moving to Belgium"},"date":"2026-09-21","readingTime":0},"publishDate":"2026-09-21T17:56:01.455+02:00"}}