How Estonians can move to Belgium: an immigrant’s guide

Belgium is convenient for Estonians due to its high social standards, diverse culture and developed economy. However, moving requires careful preparation: from paperwork to finding a job or place to live. In this article, you will find a detailed guide to the main stages of immigration and tips to avoid common mistakes. Find out what opportunities Belgium offers and how to make the moving process as comfortable as possible.

Benefits of Living in Belgium for Estonians

Estonians are increasingly choosing Belgium as a new place to live due to its stable economy, quality education and social support. The convenient location in the center of Europe opens up opportunities for travel and an international career. In addition, Belgium offers access to high-quality healthcare services and a rich cultural environment. All this makes moving to Belgium from Estonia an attractive choice for those looking for a comfortable life abroad.

Advantages of living in Belgium for Estonians:

• Economic stability: high wages and a developed economy.
• Social support: access to quality health services and social programs.
• Education: prestigious universities and international schools for children.
• Location: Convenient access to other European countries for travel and business.
• Multilingual environment: Possibility to learn or use several languages, including English, French and Dutch.
• Cultural diversity: an abundance of festivals, museums and historical sites.
• Safety: high level of law and order and comfortable living conditions.
• Climate: mild winters and comfortable summer temperatures.

According to the migration services, in 2024, about 1,200 Estonian citizens registered as residents in Belgium. Most of them chose Brussels and Antwerp due to their access to international companies and cultural opportunities. Such figures demonstrate a steady interest in Belgium as a place for long-term residence. Moving here has become not only an opportunity to improve the quality of life, but also a step towards professional development. This is a common reason for emigrating to Europe from other countries.

Find out more about Charleroi: history and modernity.

Tip: Estonians can retain dual citizenship in the country, which simplifies ties with their homeland.

Immigration options

Belgium offers a variety of immigration options for Estonian citizens, depending on the purpose of the move. Work visas, studying at prestigious universities or joining a family – everyone can choose the path that suits them. There are also programs for entrepreneurs and investors that facilitate integration into the local community. Understanding the available options allows you to effectively prepare for moving to Belgium from Estonia and starting a new life.

Employment

Immigration to Belgium for employment is becoming an increasingly popular choice among Estonians. This process requires preparation: from choosing a suitable vacancy to completing all the necessary documents. It is important to understand the main stages in order to avoid delays and mistakes. In this section, we will tell you how Estonians can successfully complete the immigration procedure and start a career in Belgium.

Stages of immigration for employment.

1. Job search:
   • Contact job boards: Indeed.be, BrusselsJobs.com, VDAB.be.
   • An alternative is to contact a recruitment agency, such as Randstad (address: Rue de la Loi 25, 1040 Brussels, telephone: +32 2 274 25 00, website: www.randstad.be ).
2. Receiving an offer from an employer:
   • The employer is obliged to issue a work permit (Work Permit B) for a foreign citizen.
   • Average waiting time: 4-8 weeks.
3. Preparing documents for a visa:
   • List: international passport, invitation from employer, rental agreement, certificate of no criminal record, medical insurance.
   • You can submit documents at the Belgian Consulate in Tallinn (address: Pärnu mnt 16, 10141 Tallinn, telephone: +372 640 66 00, website: www.diplomatie.be/tallinn ).
4. Payment of visa fee:
   • Cost: about 180 euros.
   • Payment is made on site or online through the consulate website.
5. Waiting for a visa:
   • Average review period: 10-15 business days.
   • To clarify the status, you can contact the consulate hotline.
6. Registration at the municipality upon arrival:
   • The address of the municipality depends on where you live (for example, in Brussels – Rue du Marché 1, telephone: +32 2 279 22 11).
   • The service is free, but prior registration is required.
7. Opening a bank account:
   • Recommended banks: ING, KBC, Belfius.
   • To open an account you will need an ID, a lease agreement and an employment contract.
8. Confirmation of registration at work:
   • The employer is obliged to submit information to the local social security office (ONSS).

If you have been denied a visa or work permit for Estonians in Belgium, do not give up. Check your documents for errors or incomplete information, correct them, and file an appeal. Consulting with a lawyer specializing in immigration law will help you prepare a strong statement. It is important to remember that reapplying often leads to a positive outcome.

Want to immigrate to Wallonia? Find out more in the article.

Tip: If you are planning to move to Belgium from Estonia, start learning one of the country’s official languages – French, Dutch or German – to increase your chances of success.

Business Immigration and Company Opening

Belgium is an attractive destination for businessmen, including Estonians, due to its strategic position in Europe, developed infrastructure and stable economy. To start business immigration, it is important to prepare the documents correctly and register the company, which will be the first step in obtaining a residence permit. In this part of the article, we will tell you in detail how to open a business in Belgium and what steps need to be taken at the initial stage. We will also highlight where to turn for help, what may be required and how long the process will take.

Business immigration and opening a company in Belgium for Estonians.

1. Where to apply:
   • Address: Belgian Chamber of Commerce, local office in your region.
   • Phone: +32 2 545 40 00
   • Website: www.belgium.be
2. Cost of services:
   • Starting a business: from €300 to €1000 depending on the type of company.
   • Tax consultation: from €100 to €500 per hour.
   • Company registration: around €250-€350.
3. Waiting time:
   • Waiting time for company registration: 2 to 4 weeks.
   • Obtaining a residence permit: up to 3 months depending on the type of visa.

Business immigration to Belgium can be a complex process, especially if there are problems with paperwork or choosing the right business structure. It is important to prepare thoroughly and consult with professionals to avoid delays. If done correctly and all requirements are met, moving and starting a business in Belgium will be an excellent opportunity for growth and expansion. To make the process easier, you can contact consultants who specialize in business immigration.

How to find a job in Belgium for English speakers, tips in our article.

Tip: If you want to start a successful business in Belgium, it is useful to take into account local tax regulations, as some regions offer additional tax incentives for start-ups.

Study in Belgium

Belgium is a popular destination for students from all over the world, including Estonians. The high level of education, many international universities and a rich cultural life make the country an attractive place to study. However, in order to enroll in an educational institution and successfully adapt, you need to go through several important stages. In this section, we will tell you how Estonians can prepare for studying in Belgium, where to apply and what to consider when choosing an educational institution.

Studying in Belgium for Estonians in detail.

1. How to enter university
   • Address: depending on the educational institution
   • Phone: depends on the chosen university
   • Website: Universities in Belgium (e.g. www.kuleuven.be for KU Leuven, www.ulb.ac.be for Université libre de Bruxelles)
   • Cost of services: from 800 to 15,000 euros depending on the university and program
   • Waiting time: usually 1-2 months for application review
2. Application process
   • Application address: online via university websites or via centralised platforms (e.g. www.studyinbelgium.be )
   • Documents: certificate, exam results, motivation letter, recommendations
   • Cost of services: free or for a nominal fee depending on the university
3. Cost of Living in Belgium
   • Accommodation: from 300 to 800 euros per month depending on the region and type of housing
   • Food and transport: about 200-400 euros per month
   • Health insurance: mandatory, about 50-150 euros per month for students

Moving to Belgium from Estonia to study may come with some challenges, such as the visa process and adaptation to the new education system. To avoid problems, it is important to prepare all the necessary documents in advance, familiarize yourself with the university requirements and take into account the peculiarities of life in Belgium. Support from educational institutions and local organizations will help to cope with most issues related to studies and adaptation.

Find out who business schools in Belgium are suitable for.

Interesting fact: did you know that many Belgian universities offer various scholarships to Estonian students to cover part of their study costs?

Family reunion

Family reunification is an important stage of immigration for Estonians who have decided to move to Belgium. This process requires proper paperwork, compliance with legal regulations, and preparation of various evidence. Belgium has clear rules for family reunification that will help you speed up the process and avoid complications. In this article, we will tell you how to apply correctly, what documents are needed, and where to apply for family reunification in Belgium.

Family reunification in Belgium for Estonians in detail:

1. Address for submitting documents:
   Ministry of the Interior of BelgiumAddress: Boulevard du Roi Albert II, 1000 Bruxelles, BelgiumPhone: +32 2 557 10 11Website: ibz.be
2. Cost of services:
   Fees can vary, but are typically around 200-300 euros per family reunification application.
3. Waiting time:
   The process can take from 6 to 12 months depending on the specific case and region.

Family reunification in Belgium for Estonians is a process that requires patience and attention to detail when collecting documents. Despite clear rules, delays may sometimes occur, especially if the documents are incomplete or additional evidence needs to be provided. To avoid problems, it is important to prepare all the necessary papers in advance and follow the instructions of the authorities. Understanding the process and consulting with professionals will help speed up the decision.

Tip: The family reunification process may be accelerated if the spouse or parent already has permanent residence in Belgium.

Obtaining a residence permit and citizenship

For Estonians moving to Belgium, an important step is to obtain a residence permit, which opens up access to official residence and work. In most cases, Estonians do not need a visa for a short-term stay, but a residence permit is required for long-term residence and work. In this article, we will tell you how to obtain a residence permit, what documents are required, and what the waiting periods are.

Obtaining a residence permit in Belgium for Estonians:

1. Contacting your local municipality:

1. • Address: depending on location, e.g. for Brussels – Boulevard de l’Indépendance 1, 1000 Bruxelles
   • Phone: +32 (0)2 551 77 11
   • Website: https://www.belgium.be/en/immigration

2. Required documents:

1. • Passport or ID card
   • Proof of residential address
   • Proof of financial solvency
   • Proof of employment (if applicable)

3. Cost of services:

1. • Approximate cost: from 150 to 250 euros (depending on the type of residence permit).

4. Waiting time:

1. • Typically the process takes between 2 and 4 weeks depending on the complexity of the case.

After several years of residence in Belgium with a residence permit, Estonian citizens can apply for Belgian citizenship. The conditions include proof of integration into society, knowledge of one of the official languages and a stable financial situation. To apply, a minimum of 5 years of continuous residence in the country is required. Before that, visas and work permits in Belgium are required.

Tip: If you are planning to apply for citizenship, be sure to keep up to date with Belgian legislation as rules may change.

Accommodation and adaptation in Belgium

Moving to Belgium for Estonians is a step towards new opportunities and culture. However, the adaptation process may not be as easy as it seems at first glance. It is important not only to pack your things and find a place to live, but also to figure out how to find a job and get settled in a new country. This section will help you prepare for the move to Moving to Belgium from Estonia and offer useful tips for successful adaptation in Belgium.

Adaptation tips:

• Start by registering with your local utility company and getting an ID card.
• Learn the main languages – Dutch, French or German, depending on the region.
• Open a bank account for easy payment of services and salary receipt.
• Research the healthcare system and get health insurance.
• Find Belgian accommodation – use online platforms or contact real estate agencies.
• Get to know the transport system – Belgium has a well-developed public transport network.
• Get used to the local Belgian culture, join in social events and celebrations.

Adapting to Belgium may take time, but it doesn’t have to be difficult if you follow these tips. It’s important to remember that local communities and support from other Estonians can play a big role in your integration process. Estonian communities in Belgium are active, and being involved in them will help you feel at home faster. Remember that living in a new country will become easier and more enjoyable with each passing day. Another plus is the Belgian healthcare system.

Interesting fact: Estonians in Belgium are actively involved in cultural and social events, creating strong ties with locals and other immigrants.

Immigration Tips

1. How to properly prepare for moving to Belgium?
   Start by obtaining all the necessary documents, such as a passport, visa, health insurance. Make sure you have enough funds for your initial stay and contact the Belgian consulate.
2. What do you need to obtain a residence permit in Belgium?
   Estonian citizens do not need a visa, but you must register with your local municipality within 8 working days of arrival and obtain an ID card.
3. How to find accommodation in Belgium?
   Search for accommodation through real estate websites such as Immoweb or Zimmo, as well as local real estate agencies. The variety of rental and purchase of apartments varies by region.
4. How to find a job in Belgium?
   Use job search platforms such as Indeed, LinkedIn, or specialized job sites. Also contact employment agencies in your area.
5. Do I need a bank account in Belgium?
   Yes, a bank account in Belgium is essential for receiving your salary, paying for services and renting a house. You can open an account in any major bank, such as BNP Paribas or KBC.
6. What languages should I learn in Belgium?
   Depending on the region, you may need to know French, Dutch or German. It is recommended to learn at least one of these languages for ease of everyday communication.
7. How does the health care system work in Belgium?
   Belgium has a good health care system, but you need to register for health insurance. After that, you will be provided with full health care.
8. Which health insurance should you choose?
   In Belgium, you need to choose one of the health insurance funds that will cover your medical expenses. Many people use the statutory health insurance system (mutuelle), which provides a wide range of services.
9. What help can I get for my children?
   Belgium offers various social benefits, including child benefit. To get help, you need to register your child with your local social service.
10. Is there support for expats in Belgium?
    There are local expat communities in Belgium, as well as special services to help with settling in, including language courses, legal advice and job counselling.
11. What information should I know about taxes in Belgium?
    Belgium has a progressive tax system and taxes are based on income. Once you register locally, you will be issued a social security number, which is used for tax purposes.
12. How to establish social connections in Belgium?
    Join local clubs and organizations, participate in social events. This will help you to adapt faster and make friends.
13. How to find accommodation in Belgium based on local conditions?
    Keep in mind that renting accommodation in larger cities such as Brussels or Antwerp can be more expensive. For accommodation in smaller cities, consider rental sites such as Immoweb and Vlan.
14. How can I get help finding a job in Belgium?
    Many agencies and public services offer help in finding a job. Register with a public employment agency, such as Actiris or VDAB, to receive advice and access to job vacancies.
15. What do I need to know about education in Belgium for children?
    There are many schools in Belgium with different language programs. Make sure your child is registered in the right school to start their education at the right time.