Immigration to Belgium for Finnish residents: a guide to moving and adapting

Immigration to Belgium is becoming increasingly popular among Finnish residents, and this is not surprising: Belgium offers a high quality of life, developed infrastructure and opportunities for professional growth. For Finns who are thinking about moving, it is important to understand the process of paperwork, finding a job and adapting to a new cultural environment. In this article, we will tell you how easy and fast it is to emigrate to Belgium, what steps you need to take, and what is important to know in order to successfully integrate into Belgian society.

Reasons for moving to Belgium from Finland

Moving to Belgium from Finland is becoming increasingly attractive due to the many factors that make the country a convenient place to live and work. The main reasons for emigrating include economic stability, high quality of life, and a well-developed social security system. For residents of Finland, Belgium is an attractive choice due to its proximity to their home country and career opportunities. In this section, we will look at the main reasons why Finns choose Belgium for moving.

Reasons for moving to Belgium from Finland:

• High standard of living. Belgium offers high standards of living, including access to quality health care and educational institutions.
• Economic stability. The country has a developed economy, a stable labor market and a wide range of jobs.
• Geographical proximity. Belgium is located in Western Europe, making it a convenient location for Finns who want to live in another country but still be close to their native Finland.
• Multilingualism: Several languages are actively used in Belgium, which allows Finns to easily adapt, especially if they speak English, French or Dutch.
• Cultural diversity: Belgium is known for its cultural diversity, which attracts those seeking new cultural experiences and opportunities for self-expression.
• Business and career opportunities: For professionals, especially in areas such as IT, marketing and international relations, Belgium offers many career opportunities.

In 2024, there will be a significant increase in immigration from Finland to Belgium. The number of Finns moving to Belgium is expected to increase by 12-15% compared to the previous year, indicating increased interest in the country as a place to live and work. This process also reflects the general trend of increasing population mobility within Europe.

Find out more about Belgium’s immigration policy in our article.

Interesting fact: In Belgium, about 30% of the population is foreign, making the country one of the most international places in Europe.

Organization of moving

Moving to Belgium from Finland is an exciting but also responsible event. To ensure that the process goes smoothly, it is important to prepare properly and not to miss key moments. During the preparatory stage, you will have to organize the packing, find accommodation and take care of other practical details. All these steps require time and attention to avoid unexpected problems during the move.

Stages:

1. Preparation of documents
   • Check the validity of your passport and visa.
   • Prepare in advance all the necessary documents for registration in Belgium, including health insurance.
   • Expected time: 1-2 months.
2. Search for housing
   • Research the Belgian rental market using sites such as Immoweb or Vlan.
   • When searching, consider location, cost, and type of housing (apartment or house).
   • Expected expenses: from 600 to 1500 euros per month (depending on the region).
   • Expected time: 2-3 weeks.
3. Packing things
   • Divide things into necessary ones that you will take with you, and those that you will leave or sell.
   • Use carrier services or rent a van for transportation.
   • Expected costs: 200-500 euros depending on volume.
   • Expected time: 1-2 weeks.
4. Transportation and relocation
   • Book a ticket or transport for your move (car, train or plane).
   • Make sure you have enough space for all your things.
   • Expected costs: from 100 euros to 300 euros per person, depending on the type of transport.
   • Estimated time: 1 day.
5. Registration and adaptation
   • Upon arrival in Belgium, register with your local municipality to obtain a residence permit and tax number.
   • Expected costs: about 50-100 euros for registration and paperwork.
   • Expected time: 1-2 weeks.

Moving to Belgium from Finland is not only an exciting but also quite expensive undertaking. To save money, you can research all possible accommodation and transportation options in advance, and use public transport instead of renting a car. Proper preparation and clear planning will allow you to avoid unexpected expenses and save time.

News: Simplification of Belgium’s immigration policy in this article.

Important: If you are moving with an animal, check in advance the requirements for transporting pets to Belgium to avoid additional costs for quarantine or vaccinations.

Visa regimes for citizens of Finland

Finnish citizens, like other EU citizens, can move freely and stay in Belgium without the need for a visa. However, if you plan to stay or work for a longer period, you will need to obtain the appropriate residence permits. In this section, we will look at the visa regimes that Finns may need to stay in Belgium for more than 90 days or to carry out professional activities.

Visa regimes for Finnish citizens in detail:

1. Short-term visas (up to 90 days):
   Finnish citizens can stay in Belgium without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism, business or visiting.Cost: Not required.Waiting time: Not applicable.
2. Residence permit (for stays longer than 90 days):
   For a longer stay (study, work), Finnish citizens must register with the local authorities. Where to apply: Address: Local municipal services. Telephone: +32 2 21 81 11 Website: www.belgium.be
   Cost of the service: Free for EU citizens. Waiting time: 1-2 weeks.
3. Work visas (for employment):
   To work in Belgium, you will need a work permit, unless the work is one of the liberal professions for which exceptions are provided. Where to apply: Address: State Service for Foreigners. Telephone: +32 2 793 92 24 Website: www.dofi.be
   Cost: 200-300 euros. Waiting time: up to 1 month.
4. Starting a business in Belgium:
   Finnish citizens can start their own business in Belgium if they follow the relevant registration procedures. To do this, you must obtain a residence permit for entrepreneurs. Where to apply: Address: Belgian Chamber of Commerce Phone: +32 2 219 08 60 Website: www.chamber.be
   Cost: from 100 euros (depending on the type of business) Waiting time: up to 1 month.
5. Family reunification:
   Finnish citizens can apply for a visa for family reunification if relatives plan to join them in Belgium. Where to apply: Address: Local immigration services Phone: +32 2 792 67 50 Website: www.dofi.be
   Cost: Approximately 200 euros Waiting time: Up to 3 months
6. Studying in Belgium:
   To study in Belgium, Finnish citizens need a residence permit as a student. Where to apply:
   Address: local municipal services or university.
   Telephone: +32 2 206 08 00 Website: www.studyinbelgium.be
   Cost: free for EU citizens. Waiting time: 2-3 weeks.

Refusal of immigration to Finnish citizens may be possible if they cannot prove their purpose of stay in Belgium or do not provide documents. Refusal is also possible if there were violations of the visa regime in other EU countries. It is important to prepare in advance and strictly follow all requirements to avoid unpleasant situations.

Want to immigrate? Visit the official website of immigration in Belgium.

Tip: If you are planning to work in Belgium, make sure that your qualifications meet the requirements for specialists in this country.

Obtaining a residence permit and citizenship in Belgium

For Finns, the process of obtaining a residence permit in Belgium is fairly straightforward, thanks to the similarities in the laws of both countries. However, immigrants must take into account several key steps, which can take time depending on the circumstances. Generally, if you have a stable job or a basis for long-term residence, you can expect to receive a residence permit in Belgium.

Stages of obtaining a residence permit in Belgium for Finns

1. Preparation of documents
   • Valid passport, photographs, proof of financial solvency, health insurance, employment contract (if any).
   • Address for application: Dienst Vreemdelingenzaken (DVZ), Rue de the Agent General 90, 1030 Brussels, Belgium.
   • Phone: +32 2 793 80 00.
   • Website: www.dofi.fgov.be .
2. Submitting an application for a residence permit
   • The application is submitted to the local immigration office.
   • Application fee: from €100 to €200.
   • Waiting time: from 1 to 3 months depending on the specific situation.
   • Address: Dienst Vreemdelingenzaken (DVZ), Rue de l’Agent General 90, 1030 Brussels, Belgium.
   • Phone: +32 2 793 80 00.
   • Website: www.dofi.fgov.be .
3. Waiting for a decision
   • During this period, additional documents may be requested or interviews may be conducted.
   • Address: Dienst Vreemdelingenzaken (DVZ), Rue de l’Agent General 90, 1030 Brussels, Belgium.
   • Phone: +32 2 793 80 00.
   • Waiting time: 1–3 months.
4. Obtaining a residence permit
   • After approval, a temporary residence permit is issued.
   • Validity period: 1–5 years with the possibility of extension.
   • Address: Local residence permit centre, for example in Brussels: Rue de the Agent General 90, 1030 Brussels, Belgium.
   • Phone: +32 2 793 80 00.

After receiving a residence permit for Finns in Belgium, the next step is the opportunity to apply for citizenship. Usually, this requires living in the country for 5 years, proving knowledge of one of the official languages and the absence of a criminal record. However, for some categories of citizens, this period may be reduced.

All the steps and tips for moving from Canada to Belgium.

Tip: Knowing French or Dutch can significantly speed up the process of obtaining citizenship in Belgium.

Life in Belgium for Finns

For Finns who decide to move to Belgium, it is important to consider that the cost of living here can be significantly different from what they are used to. The main expenses include rent, food, transportation, and health insurance. You should also be prepared for differences in tax levels and prices for services. In this section, we will analyze the main expense items to help you better plan your budget.

What determines the cost of living in Belgium for Finns
The cost of living for Finns in Belgium depends on the following factors:

• rent: in large cities such as Brussels or Antwerp, rents are significantly higher than in smaller towns
• Grocery and food: Grocery prices can be higher in larger cities, but seasonal farmers markets offer affordable prices.
• transport: a convenient and developed public transport network allows you to save money on owning a personal car
• health insurance: mandatory social security contributions cover basic services, but additional insurance can add significantly to the cost

Table: Living expenses in Belgium for Finns

Expense item	Minimum expenses (in €)	Maximum expenses (in €)
Rent a house	600	1 800
Public utilities	100	300
Food products	200	500
Public transport	50	150
Car expenses	150	500
Health insurance	80	200
Mobile communications and internet	30	80
Entertainment and leisure	100	300

Life in Belgium for Finns includes compulsory health insurance, which covers essential services such as doctor visits and basic treatment. Additional insurance will allow you to receive a wider range of services, including dental care. The tax system plays an important role: workers are required to pay a significant portion of their income in taxes, which finance social benefits.

Belgium’s transport network is impressively well-developed. Trains and buses provide convenient connections between cities, and bike paths make cycling a popular means of transport. The country’s healthcare system is of high quality, but it is worth considering the need to take out insurance policies in advance to fully access services.

Important: Belgium offers many discounts on public transport for students, pensioners and people on low incomes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Immigration to a country raises many questions about documents, language, finances and other aspects. Below are answers to the most popular ones to help you better prepare for moving and living in a new country.

Frequently asked questions about moving and documents

1. What documents are needed to move to the country from Finland?
   You will need a passport, proof of financial solvency, health insurance, and documents related to employment or study.
2. Do Finns need a visa to live in the country?
   Finnish citizens can stay in the country without a visa for up to 90 days. For longer stays, registration and a residence permit will be required.
3. How long does it take to get a residence permit?
   The time frame may vary, but the process usually takes from a few weeks to three months.
4. What steps do I need to take to register in the country?
   Upon arrival, you must register with the local administration within the first 8 days. This is a mandatory step for legal residence.
5. Is it possible to obtain citizenship of the country immediately?
   Citizenship can be obtained only after several years of residence, fulfillment of all legal requirements and completion of the integration program, if provided.

Frequently asked questions about life in the country

6. What language do you need to know to live comfortably?
   There are several official languages spoken in the country. Knowing the basics of the language of the region of residence (for example, French or Dutch) will make adaptation much easier.
7. How much does it cost to rent a house in the country?
   Prices depend on the region. For example, a one-room apartment can cost from 600 to 1,200 euros in large cities.
8. What taxes do you have to pay?
   The country has some of the highest taxes in Europe. The main ones include income tax and social security contributions.
9. Is medical care expensive?
   Most medical services are partially reimbursed by insurance. For example, a visit to a doctor can cost 25 euros, of which about 75% is returned.
10. Are there any benefits for families with children in the country?
    Yes, there are child benefits, education benefits and affordable healthcare services.

Immigrating to a country is a challenge that requires serious preparation. From registration to learning the language and organizing your daily life, every step plays a role in adaptation. Make sure you study all the details to avoid unexpected difficulties.