EU · Brussels

🇧🇪 Belgium

Practical relocation guide for Belgium — visas, housing, banking, healthcare, education and integration in one place.

Capital
Brussels
Currency
EUR
Language
Dutch/French/German
Cost index
70/100
Pathways

Visa & residency options

Single Permit

Combined residence + work, region-specific (Flemish, Walloon, Brussels).

EU Blue Card

Salary €60,998+ Flanders, €56,112+ Brussels-Wallonia 2024.

Professional Card

Self-employed non-EU nationals.

Residency: Unlimited residence after 5 years; citizenship after 5.

Money

Tax & cost of living

Taxation

Progressive 25–50% + municipal surcharge (~7%); expat regime 30% deduction up to €90,000.

Monthly essentials
  • Rent (1BR city): €800–€1,300
  • Meal out: €18
  • Transport pass: €49/mo STIB Brussels
Money 2

Banking & business setup

Banking

KBC, BNP Paribas Fortis, ING Belgium, Belfius, Revolut Belgium. National Number required; 1–2 weeks.

Business setup

SRL/BV (LLC) no minimum capital since 2019 but realistic plan required, ~€1,500 notarial. Setup 5–15 days.

Lifestyle

Living in country

Housing

Brussels EU quarter and Ixelles premium; Antwerp and Ghent excellent value. Communal registration (commune) mandatory within 8 days.

Healthcare

Mandatory mutuelle/ziekenfonds (~€8/mo); among Europe's best-rated systems.

Education

Multilingual public schools (Dutch/French/German); European Schools for EU staff dependants.

Employment

EU institutions, pharma (UCB, GSK), logistics (DHL Brussels hub), AB InBev HQ.

Ready to move to Belgium?