Moving from the UK to Belgium has become especially relevant after Brexit, when conditions for citizens have changed. This article will help you understand visa requirements, find accommodation, learn about the job market and adapt to a new life in one of the most multicultural countries in Europe.
Visa and Registration Requirements, What You Need to Know
Moving from the UK to Belgium involves a number of visa and registration procedures. To avoid delays and stress, it is important to prepare all the necessary documents, find out the addresses of key institutions and take into account possible costs. This section will help you understand the details.
Visa and registration requirements:
- Visa Application for UK Citizens
- Where to apply: Embassy of Belgium in London (17 Grosvenor Crescent, London SW1X 7EE, website www.belgiumintheuk.be ).
- Cost of the service: from 80 to 160 euros depending on the type of visa.
- Waiting period: 2-4 weeks.
- Registration at the place of residence
- Where to apply: City municipality (the address depends on the city of residence in the country).
- Cost of the service: free or up to 20 euros (depending on the commune).
- Waiting period: up to 30 days.
- Obtaining a residence permit
- Where to apply: Immigration Service (Petite Rue de Louvain 1, 1000 Brussels, website www.dofi.ibz.be ).
- Cost of service: from 200 to 350 euros.
- Waiting period: 1–3 months.
- Health insurance
- Where to contact: Insurance companies (for example, CM or Partena, websites www.cm.be and www.partena.be ).
- Cost of service: from 50 to 150 euros per month.
- Waiting period: immediately after submitting documents.
- Vehicle registration
- Where contact: DIV (Direction for Vehicle Registration, website www.mobilit.belgium.be ).
- Cost of service: from 30 to 200 euros.
- Waiting period: 2-6 weeks.
As of 2024, more than 5,000 Britons have moved from the UK to Belgium as their new home. The most popular cities to move to are Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent. Proper paperwork and strict adherence to procedures can make the process quick.
Want to know more about how to immigrate to Belgium? Find out in this article.
Advice:
The state provides EU citizens with the opportunity to register online in some municipalities, which significantly speeds up the process.
Stages of getting a job
For UK citizens, finding employment in Belgium after Brexit requires attention to detail, as the conditions for foreigners have changed. The situation on the labour market for the British is quite favourable, but the requirements for work visas and work permits should be taken into account. Due to the multilingual environment and growing industries such as technology and healthcare, the British have good opportunities to find work. This should be taken into account when planning a move from the UK to Belgium.
Stages of employment registration:
- Writing your CV. Start by adapting your CV to the Belgian format. Keep in mind that most jobs will require a summary of your experience, achievements and skills, preferably in English or French/Dutch depending on the region.
- Job search: Use online platforms such as LinkedIn, Indeed, and Belgian job sites such as VDAB (for Flanders) or Le Forem (for Wallonia). Don’t forget about special agencies that help foreign candidates find work, making life in Belgium easier for Brits.
- Obtaining a work permit. Most UK citizens will need a work permit if they are going to work for more than 90 days. The process for obtaining a permit can depend on the type of work and your experience. Employers can often help with the paperwork.
- Labor legislation of the country. Familiarize yourself with the basics of labor legislation. It is important to understand the specifics of working hours, vacations, taxation, as well as the rights and obligations of both the employee and the employer. Legislation may vary by region (Flanders, Wallonia, Brussels).
Employment when immigrating from the UK to Belgium requires attention at all stages. Proper preparation, knowledge of languages and local laws will help you successfully find a job and adapt to a new country.
Interesting fact:
Did you know that there is a three-language system and knowing at least two of them can significantly increase your chances of getting a job?
The problem of living in Belgium
When moving from the UK to Belgium, one of the main issues is housing. There are several options for accommodation: renting, buying a property or temporarily staying in a hotel. Each option should be studied when planning immigration from the UK to Belgium to avoid possible difficulties in the future.
Accommodation features:
- How to search for housing. To search for housing, you can use online platforms such as Immoweb, Zimmo, or contact real estate agencies. In large cities, the supply of housing is wider, but the competition is also higher.
- Rental and purchase costs. Rental costs in Belgium vary by region. In Brussels, rent can cost between €800 and €1,500 per month for a one-room apartment, while in smaller cities such as Liege or Charleroi, the price can be significantly lower. Buying a property also varies by region, with prices ranging from €1,500 per square metre in rural areas to €4,000 in Brussels.
- Legal aspects of renting and buying. Renting a home requires a written contract, which specifies the rights and obligations of the parties. When renting for a period of more than 3 years, the contract must be registered with local authorities. When buying real estate, it is necessary to take into account that foreigners can buy housing, but for this they need to apply for a bank loan. These are the peculiarities of life in Belgium for the British, if they do not have permanent residence in the country.
The difference between renting and buying a home is noticeable in different regions. In large cities like Brussels, renting a home is more affordable than buying due to the high cost of real estate. While in rural areas, buying may be more profitable for long-term investment. It is recommended to analyze this before immigrating from the UK to Belgium.
All the ways to find a job in Belgium. Details and practical advice in this article.
Interesting fact:
Many landlords require a deposit of 2-3 months’ rent, which is important to consider when planning your moving budget.
Medical services and insurance
For UK citizens moving to Belgium, access to healthcare is an important aspect. After Brexit, UK immigrants are required to take out health insurance to be eligible for treatment in public and private healthcare facilities. The healthcare system is well developed, but it is important to know how to take out insurance correctly and what to do in case of illness or injury.
Features of medical care in Belgium:
- Types of health insurance. There are two types of health insurance: compulsory state insurance and supplementary private insurance. It is important for immigrants from the UK to take out state insurance, which provides basic medical services.
- How to get health insurance. To get health insurance in Belgium, you need to register with your local social security office (ONSS) or one of the local health funds. Once registered, you will be issued a health insurance card, which entitles you to treatment in hospitals and clinics. This is one of the stages of health insurance for expats.
- The process of obtaining health services. Once you have registered with the health system, you will receive a health card that will allow you to access general practitioners, specialists and hospitals. It is important to remember that most health services are covered by public insurance, but some services, such as private consultations, may incur additional charges.
- Medicines and pharmacies. Medicines purchased in pharmacies may be partially covered by insurance if they are on the list of reimbursed drugs. To do this, you must provide a doctor’s prescription.
- Ambulance and emergency situations. In case of emergency, you can call an ambulance by dialing 112. It is important that you have active insurance at the time of medical assistance.
If you have a critical health problem, the first step is to call an ambulance or go to the nearest hospital. Charities such as the Red Cross and Medecins Sans Frontieres can provide emergency assistance, especially if you are uninsured or have financial problems. It is important to make an appointment with a doctor in time, as the healthcare system in Belgium is high-quality and accessible.
You can learn about the specifics of education in Belgium in this article.
Advice:
Check all the terms of your health insurance in advance to avoid unexpected expenses in case of illness.
Getting an education
If you are moving from the UK to Belgium with your family, the issue of education for your children and further education becomes one of the priorities. The country offers a variety of educational systems that can be a great opportunity for your child to continue their studies. In this article, we will talk in detail about school and higher education in Belgium, as well as the process of admission to educational centers for immigrants. This will help to calculate the cost of living in Belgium.
About education in the country:
- Types of schools. There are several types of schools, depending on the language and educational system:
- Flemish schools – for Dutch-speaking children, located mainly in Flanders.
- French schools – mainly in Wallonia and Brussels, for children who speak French.
- German schools – in the German-speaking community area of Belgium.
- International schools – offering instruction in English, French or other languages, aimed at expats.
- Stages of enrolling a child in school
- Choice of school and language of instruction.
- Registration with the local municipality.
- Collection of necessary documents (passport, registration, medical card, etc.).
- Applying for a place at school.
- Pass an interview or entrance exam (depending on the school).
- How to Apply to College or University
- Colleges: After completing secondary school, children can enroll in colleges to obtain vocational education for children of expats in Belgium or additional qualifications.
- Universities. To enter universities, you must have a high school diploma, as well as pass entrance exams or provide the results of international tests (for example, SAT). They teach in several languages: French, Dutch and English.
If traditional education is not an option, you may want to consider alternative ways to gain knowledge, such as online courses, vocational training, or language schools, which will help you or your child quickly adapt and thrive in a new country.
Tips for organizing shopping in Belgium, the most popular stores in the country.
Interesting fact:
There is a system of two official languages for education depending on the region, which provides additional opportunities for learning several languages at the same time.
Transport system
Moving from the UK to Belgium involves not only adapting to a new culture and languages, but also important organisational issues, including transport. If you plan to bring your own car or buy a new one, you will have to go through several stages of registration and paperwork. It is important to take into account the differences in traffic rules, as well as the peculiarities of the public transport system, which can be much more convenient and diverse compared to the UK.
- Stages of car registration:
- Checking the vehicle for compliance with Belgian standards (including technical inspection).
Where to apply: - Technical inspection (APK): ATF or Technopolis.
- Address: Technopolis – Avenue des Flandres 2, 1080 Brussels.
- Phone: +32 2 478 70 40.
- Cost: about 30-50 euros, depending on the region and type of car.
- Collection of documents: passport, proof of residence in Belgium, insurance.
- Submitting an application to your local DIV office.
Where to apply: - Vehicle Registration Authority (DIV):
- Website: www.div.be .
- Address: various branches by region, e.g. Brussels: Boulevard de l’Indépendance 16, 1000 Brussels.
- Phone: +32 2 277 54 50.
- Cost: car registration – about 50-150 euros (depending on the region).
- Paying car taxes and getting license plates.
Where to apply: - Tax Administration (FPS Finance).
- Website: www.finances.belgium.be .
- Phone: +32 2 575 60 00.
- Cost: annual car tax – from 100 to 500 euros, depending on the type and power of the car.
- Obtaining registration and certificate of ownership.
- Stages of buying a car:
- Search for a car: choosing between new or used, using websites, car dealerships and private sellers.
Where to apply: - Websites for searching cars:
- Car dealerships: a large number of car dealerships, such as Audi Brussels, Avenue des Olympiades 11, 1140 Brussels.
- Phone: +32 2 728 55 00.
- Checking the condition of the vehicle: availability of documents, technical inspection and service history.
- Negotiations and conclusion of a purchase and sale agreement.
Where to apply: - The purchase and sale can be registered through a notary or local municipal authorities.
- Notary address: varies by region, can be found on the website notaris.be .
- Phone: +32 2 512 23 56.
- Registration of insurance, which must be presented to complete the purchase.
Where to apply: - Insurance companies: Allianz, Ethias, AXA, Belfius.
- Comparison site: www.verzekeringen.be .
- Allianz Phone: +32 2 252 10 00.
- Cost: from 300 to 1,000 euros per year depending on the type of car.
- Registering the vehicle with local authorities and obtaining a number and documentation.
- Public transport system:
- A variety of transport options: trains, buses, trams and metro.
- Cards and travel cards: there are both single-use and long-term travel cards.
Where to apply: - Electronic tickets: possibility of purchasing through mobile applications.
- The transport system is integrated between different regions, making it easy to travel throughout the country.
- Discounts and benefits for students and pensioners: discounts up to 50% for students and pensioners on many types of transport.
UK residents moving to Belgium may find it difficult to register a car, as there are many formalities to complete and various taxes to pay. There are also differences in traffic rules and the transport card system. This reduces the cost of living in Belgium.
Advice:
If you don’t have a car, Belgium’s public transport system is a convenient and inexpensive way to get around the country, especially for those living in larger cities.
FAQ Section: Tips for Adapting When Moving from the UK to Belgium
- What visa do I need when moving from the UK to Belgium?
For UK citizens, after Brexit, you will need a visa or residence permit if you plan to stay for more than 90 days. This could be a visa for work, study or family reunification. It is recommended that you contact your Belgian consulate for details of the requirements. - How do I register my residence in Belgium?
After arriving in Belgium, you must register at your local municipality (commune / gemeente) within 8 days. Bring your passport, proof of residence and, if necessary, other documents such as a rental contract. - Do I need health insurance in Belgium?
Yes, health insurance is mandatory. If you are employed, you will be provided with mandatory insurance through social security. Otherwise, you must take out private insurance. For more information, contact your local social security office (ONSS/RSZ). - How to find accommodation in Belgium?
You can use websites such as Immoweb or Vlan to search for accommodation . In larger cities such as Brussels or Antwerp, rent may be more expensive, so be prepared for price differences. - What languages do you need to know to live in Belgium?
There are three official languages: French, Dutch and German. In Brussels and Flanders, Dutch and French are most commonly used, and in Wallonia, French. For everyday life in the larger cities, English is also widely used. - Which bank card to choose for life in Belgium?
In Belgium, cards from major banks such as BNP Paribas Fortis, KBC and Belfius are available. You will need to open a bank account to receive your salary or pay for your accommodation. A Belgian address and passport are usually required. - How do I find a job in Belgium?
Use websites such as VDAB (for Flanders) or Le Forem (for Wallonia) to find a job. If you speak one of the official languages, your chances of finding a job will increase significantly. - How to register your car in Belgium?
To register your car, you need to pass the technical inspection, pay the taxes and register the car at the local DIV. The registration will take a few weeks and you will need documents such as insurance and proof of residence in Belgium. - What you need to know about the Belgian healthcare system?
The Belgian healthcare system is one of the best in Europe. However, you will need to take out health insurance, which will provide access to most medical services. Many doctors speak English, especially in the larger cities. - How to adapt to Belgian culture?
Belgians value their culture very much, and it is important to understand local customs and behavior. For example, politeness and respect for personal space are encouraged in Belgium. In the evening, it is customary to go to dinner around 7-8 o’clock, and many shops and restaurants close early, unlike in the UK. - What means of transport are available in Belgium?
Belgium has a well-developed public transport network, including trains, buses, trams and the metro. Travel cards or mobile apps such as De Lijn or SNCB are convenient for getting around the cities . - Do I need to learn the local language for work?
For most vacancies in Belgium, it is desirable to know at least one of the official languages – Dutch, French or German. In large international companies, knowledge of English is often enough, but for your personal life and career, knowledge of local languages will significantly improve adaptation.
