What does it take to move to Belgium?
As an EU member and the de facto capital of Europe, Belgium offers high-quality public services, multilingual workplaces, and easy access across the region. Rules differ by nationality: UK citizens (post-Brexit) are non-EU, while EU citizens retain freedom of movement. From the UK, you can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. For longer stays to work, study, or join family, you generally need a long-stay type-D visa obtained via the Belgian embassy or consulate in the UK.
Employees typically secure a Single Permit (combined work and residence permit) initiated by the employer and processed by the relevant region (Flanders, Brussels, Wallonia). Self-employed professionals usually need a professional card plus a residence visa. Students apply for a long-stay study visa with proof of admission and sufficient means. Family members may join a resident with the right documentation.
After arrival, register at your municipality (commune/gemeente) within eight working days to trigger your address check and residence card process. If staying longer than 90 days, you’ll also need health insurance and proof of means. EU/EEA citizens register locally too but usually don’t need a visa. Always confirm current rules with the embassy or consulate before relocating.
What does it cost to live in Belgium?
Energy costs fluctuate; budgeting a couple of hundred euros monthly for a typical flat is sensible. High-speed internet and mobile bundles are widely available. Public transport offers good value, with monthly passes in Brussels often cheaper than many UK equivalents, and intercity trains linking major hubs quickly. Supermarket prices are similar to many UK regions; cafés and brasseries range from affordable to premium.
Belgium’s healthcare uses a social insurance model: employees and employers pay contributions, and residents join a mutual health fund (mutuelle/ziekenfonds) for partial reimbursement of costs. For short visits, a UK GHIC can cover medically necessary state care, but residents need Belgian coverage. Taxes are progressive; the UK–Belgium double-taxation agreement helps avoid paying tax twice. Build a modest buffer for initial setup costs.
