Immigration to Belgium for Hungarians: How to Move and Settle Down

Belgium is becoming a popular destination for Hungarians looking for new career opportunities, quality education or comfortable living conditions. Thanks to the open borders of the EU, the process of moving is relatively simple, but requires careful preparation. In this article, we will analyze all possible immigration paths, from work and study to business and family reunification, and also give advice on adaptation. Find out what documents are needed, how much life in Belgium costs and what steps will help make the move successful.

Ways to immigrate to Belgium

Moving to Belgium is possible for various reasons, and the choice of the appropriate option depends on the immigrant’s goals. The most common methods are employment, running a business, studying, reuniting with family, or obtaining refugee status. Each of them has its own requirements for documents and processing times. Let’s look at each path to understand which option is best.

Work visa and employment

For Hungarians wishing to work in Belgium, one of the most popular ways is to obtain a work visa. Thanks to EU membership, Hungarian citizens can obtain a work permit without serious bureaucratic obstacles. However, some types of activities will require a special visa and work permit. Let’s look at the main conditions and stages of obtaining a work visa for Hungarians.

Conditions for obtaining a work visa for Hungarians:

1. Hungarian citizens can work in Belgium without the need for a work visa, as Hungary is part of the European Union.
2. Certain positions will require proven qualifications or experience in a relevant field.
3. If the job requires high qualifications, additional documents confirming experience or diplomas may be required.

The stages of obtaining a work visa for Hungarians in detail:

1. Preparation of all necessary documents to confirm qualifications.
2. Find a job in Belgium through vacancies on national or international platforms.
3. Receiving a job offer from a Belgian employer.
4. Confirmation of compliance with visa and work permit requirements.
5. Preparation of the necessary documents and submission of the application to the Belgian immigration authorities.
6. Waiting for a decision and receiving a visa.

If you have been denied a work visa, do not panic. Often the reasons for refusal are related to the lack of certain documents or non-compliance with the requirements. In such cases, you can file an appeal or clarify the missing information. If the refusal was for another reason, it is worth consulting a lawyer or immigration specialist for further steps. This will help in moving to Belgium from Hungary.

Find out more about the Belgian refugee reception system in this article.

Interesting fact: by working in Belgium you can not only improve your career, but also gain experience that will be highly valued in other EU countries.

Business immigration for Hungarians

Belgium attracts entrepreneurs from all over the world, including Hungarians, thanks to its stable economy, favorable location in Europe and support for small and medium-sized businesses. Business immigration to Belgium allows you to open your own company and start doing business in one of the most attractive EU countries for investors. The process of obtaining a business visa can be complicated, but with the right preparation it is quite feasible. In this section, we will consider the key conditions for business immigration and the stages of business registration in Belgium.

Stages of business immigration for Hungarians to Belgium:

1. Evaluation of a business idea and preparation of a business plan
   • Where to contact: immigration consultants or business experts in Belgium.
   • Cost of services: from 500 to 2000 euros, depending on the complexity of the business and the consulting company.
   • Waiting time: 1-2 months to prepare a business plan and analyze the market situation.
2. Selecting the company type (e.g. BVBA or SA)
   • Where to apply: registration and legal companies in Belgium.
   • Cost of services: from 300 to 1000 euros for consultation and assistance in choosing the type of company.
   • Waiting time: 1-2 weeks for consultation and preparation of documents.
3. Company registration in the Belgian Trade Register
   • Where to apply: registration authorities in Belgium, such as Kruispuntbank van Ondernemingen.
   • Cost of services: company registration costs between 200-400 euros (registration fee).
   • Waiting time: usually 1 to 2 weeks for company registration.
4. Obtaining a visa for self-employed or entrepreneurs
   • Where to apply: to the Belgian consulate in Hungary or to the Belgian immigration services.
   • Cost of services: visa application fees and consular services from 150 to 500 euros.
   • Waiting time: from 1 to 3 months depending on the type of visa and the workload of the consulate.
5. Opening a business account in a Belgian bank
   • Where to apply: commercial banks in Belgium (e.g. BNP Paribas, ING, KBC).
   • Cost of services: from 100 to 500 euros for opening an account, depending on the bank and type of account.
   • Waiting time: 1 to 2 weeks to open an account and receive all necessary banking documents.
6. Obtaining a work permit and residence permit
   • Where to apply: Belgian Immigration Service (Office des Étrangers ) or to local administrative authorities.
   • Cost of services: fees for processing a residence permit and work permit range from 150 to 400 euros.
   • Waiting time: 2 to 4 months to obtain all permits.
7. Compliance with tax obligations and registration with the social fund
   • Where to apply: Belgian Federal Tax Service and local social security authorities.
   • Cost of services: tax consultations can cost from 100 to 300 euros depending on the complexity.
   • Waiting time: The registration process may take up to 1 month, depending on the region and type of business.

If you have been refused business immigration, do not be upset. It is important to understand that the reason for the refusal may be related to insufficient documentation or the business plan not meeting the requirements of the Belgian authorities. In case of refusal, you can file an appeal or clarify the reasons in order to submit a more prepared application next time. It is also important to consult a lawyer or immigration specialist to minimize risks.

Visit the Fashion and Lace Museum in Brussels.

Advice: Before submitting documents for business immigration, be sure to consult with local experts to take into account all the nuances of Belgian legislation.

Study in Belgium

Belgian universities and colleges offer Hungarian students quality education in English, French and Dutch. Studying is one of the most realistic and stable ways to immigrate, especially for those who are looking not only for a diploma but also for further employment. Hungarians, as EU citizens, have simplified access to Belgian universities, but still must comply with certain requirements. It is important to prepare in advance for submitting documents and take into account all the nuances of your stay.

Immigration procedure for Hungarians for the purpose of obtaining education in Belgium:

1. Choosing a University and a Study Program
   • Where to apply: official websites of universities (for example, KU Leuven – kuleuven.be , Ghent University – www.ugent.be , ULB – www.ulb.be )
   • Waiting time: 2-4 weeks to study and select a suitable program
   • Cost: Free if you do your own research
2. Applying to University
   • Where to apply: via the online platforms of the universities themselves
   • Waiting time: Applications are usually open from November to April, with a response time of 4-8 weeks
   • Cost: registration fee – from 50 to 100 euros (depending on the university)
3. Receiving a letter of acceptance
   • Waiting time: 1-2 months after submitting documents
   • Cost: free
4. Registration in the local commune
   • Where to go: your local Communal House office ( Maison Municipal / Community House ) at the place of residence
   • Waiting time: 2-6 weeks
   • Cost: about 20-30 euros per design
5. Obtaining a student residence permit (EU registration certificate )
   • Where to apply: to the migration department of the local commune
   • Waiting time: 1-3 months
   • Cost: about 20-40 euros
6. Opening a bank account and health insurance
   • Where to apply: banks (ING, BNP Paribas, KBC), insurance companies ( Partenamut, CM)
   • Waiting time: up to 1 week
   • Cost: bank account – free or from 2 euros/month, insurance – about 100 euros/year
7. Registration at the university and payment of tuition fees
   • Where to apply: Admissions Office or University Student Office
   • Waiting time: 1-2 weeks
   • Cost: from 900 to 4000 euros per year for EU citizens

Immigration through education is not just a formality, but a full-fledged path to integration into Belgian society. Hungarian students have privileges thanks to their EU citizenship, but it is still important to comply with all administrative requirements. Studying in Belgium is not only a quality education, but also access to future opportunities in the local labor market. Many students find a job after graduation and switch to a work residence permit.

New 4,048 Belgian citizens in August.

Important: Hungarian students do not require a student visa, but they are required to register within 90 days of arrival.

Family reunification for Hungarians

Family reunification is one of the most common ways to move to Belgium, especially if one of the spouses or parents already lives in the country. Hungarian citizens can apply for reunification if their relative is legally in Belgium and has a residence permit or citizenship. The main thing is to meet the conditions for income, housing and kinship. The procedure is quite formalized, but with the right approach it goes smoothly.

Conditions for family reunification in Belgium for Hungarians

The main conditions are: proven relationship (spouse, children, parents), sufficient income of the host party (approximately 1,800 euros per month), housing that meets the requirements, as well as a valid residence permit for a family member living in Belgium. The documents are submitted in the home country or upon arrival in Belgium, depending on the situation.

Family reunification procedure in Belgium for Hungarians:

1. Preparation of documents
   • What you need: proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate), passport, documents of a person living in Belgium.
   • Translation and apostille: mandatory for all documents issued in Hungary.
   • Cost: translation and legalization – 100–300 euros.
   • Time: 1–2 weeks depending on the translator.
2. Applying for a D visa (type “family reunification”)
   • Where to apply: Embassy of Belgium in Budapest – address: Benczúr utca 16, 1068 Budapest.
   • Cost: consular fee – about 180 euros.
   • Waiting time: from 3 to 6 months.
3. Waiting for a decision and moving to Belgium
   • If approved, a national D visa is issued.
   • Upon arrival, registration in the commune within 8 days.
   • Registration cost: about 20–40 euros.
   • Addresses: local municipal administrations at your place of residence.
4. Obtaining an ID card and temporary residence permit
   • The type of card depends on the status of the relative to whom you are moving.
   • Card waiting time: from 2 to 8 weeks.
   • When applying, you will need a residence permit, health insurance, and a rental agreement.
   • Cost of ID card: about 25 euros.
5. Renewal and obtaining permanent status
   • After 5 years you can apply for a long-term residence permit.
   • Conditions: continuous residence, no violations, stable income.
   • Address: Office des Étrangers, Boulevard Pacheco 44, 1000 Brussels.

The family reunification procedure for Hungarians in Belgium requires attention to detail, but is quite accessible if all conditions are met. It is important to prepare the correct documents, submit the application on time and take into account the deadlines. In case of refusal, an appeal can be filed within 30 days, attaching missing or clarified data. The support of a lawyer increases the chances of success in controversial cases.

How South Africans Can Immigrate to Belgium.

Tip: When planning a family reunification, it is best to check in advance the municipal requirements of the commune where you will be registering – they may differ slightly in different regions of Belgium.

Obtaining a residence permit (RP) in Belgium

For Hungarian citizens who wish to stay in Belgium for a long period, obtaining a residence permit is a mandatory step. Even despite Hungary’s membership in the EU, registration and obtaining a residence permit card are necessary if you plan to live in the country for more than 90 days. The grounds for obtaining one may vary: work, study, business, marriage or family reunification. It is important to prepare a package of documents in advance and take into account the peculiarities of Belgian bureaucracy.

The procedure for obtaining a residence permit in Belgium for Hungarians:

1. Arrival in Belgium and registration at the place of residence
   • Where to apply: to the commune (city administration) at your place of residence
   • Delivery time: within 8 working days after arrival
   • Price: from 20 to 40 euros (depending on the region)
   • Waiting time: initial registration – 1 day, address verification – 2-4 weeks
2. Applying for a Residence Permit Card (E/E+ Card)
   • Where to apply: to the same commune, to the department for registration of foreigners
   • Required documents: passport, lease agreement or proof of residence, health insurance, documents confirming the purpose of stay
   • Cost: from 20 to 30 euros for the card
   • Waiting time: 4 to 8 weeks depending on region and workload
3. Verification of actual residence
   • It is carried out by a local police officer, who must ensure that the applicant actually lives at the specified address
   • Waiting time: 1-3 weeks after application submission
4. Obtaining an E card (if temporary stay) or E+ (if long-term stay)
   • Where to apply: to the commune where the application was submitted
   • Waiting time: up to 2 weeks after approval and verification
5. Extension of Residence Permit
   • You must contact the commune 45 days before the card expires.
   • Extension cost: about 20 euros
   • Processing time: 1 to 4 weeks
6. Applying for long-term residence (after 5 years)
   • Where to apply: to the commune’s department for foreigners
   • Requirements: continuous residence in Belgium, financial independence, health insurance
   • Waiting time: from 1 to 3 months

The process of obtaining a residence permit in Belgium for Hungarians is formally simplified, but requires precision and attention. It is important to strictly adhere to the deadlines for submitting documents and keep all supporting papers. If difficulties arise, it is better to immediately seek advice from the local administration or from migration specialists. A responsible attitude to each stage reduces the risk of being refused.

If a residence permit is denied, it is necessary to request an official document explaining the reasons. As a rule, the applicant has 15 to 30 days to file an appeal through the Conseil du Contents des Étrangers. The support of a lawyer at this stage can be decisive, especially if the refusal is based on insufficient documentation or formal errors.

Tip: Even if you are an EU citizen, official registration with the commune is mandatory for access to healthcare, education and social protection.

Belgian citizenship for Hungarians

Many Hungarians who have moved to Belgium sooner or later think about obtaining citizenship. This step gives the opportunity to fully participate in the life of the country, vote in elections and move freely around the EU without additional restrictions. The naturalization process may seem complicated, but with a stable status and compliance with all requirements, it is quite realistic. Let’s consider how Hungarians can go through this path step by step.

The procedure for obtaining citizenship in Belgium for Hungarians

1. Permanent residence in Belgium for at least 5 years
   • Where to apply: to the local commune at the place of registration (for example, Administration communale de Brussels – Rue du Progress 80, 1030 Brussels )
   • Waiting time: residence without long trips minimum 5 years
   • Cost: free, but registration at the place of residence is required
2. Basic knowledge of one of the national languages
   • Where to apply: certified language schools (for example, CVO Brussel or Lire et )​
   • Waiting time: training from 3 to 12 months, depending on the level
   • Cost: from 0 to 300 euros (depending on the region and school)
3. Integration into Belgian society
   • Where to apply: civic integration courses (e.g. be in Flanders or BAPA BXL in Brussels)
   • Waiting time: 6-12 months
   • Cost: usually free or a symbolic fee (up to 50 euros)
4. Financial independence
   • Proof of official income (employment, business, pension)
   • Where to contact: your employer, the tax office or the bank to confirm your income
   • Waiting time: as soon as documents are ready
   • Cost: only possible administrative fees for statements and transfers (up to 50 euros)
5. Collecting documents and applying for citizenship
   • Where to apply: to the commune at your place of residence (for example, Maison community d’Ixelles – Chaussée d’Ixelles 168, 1050 Ixelles )
   • Required documents: passport, resident card, proof of income, language certificate, certificate of no criminal record
   • Waiting time: Application review may take between 4 and 12 months
   • Cost: 150 euros (state fee for filing an application)
6. Obtaining a decision on granting citizenship
   • Where to apply: Notification comes by mail from FPS Justice
   • Waiting time: on average 6-12 months after submitting documents
   • Cost: no extra charge

If you have been denied citizenship, it is important to find out the reason – often it is related to insufficient integration or an incomplete set of documents. In this case, you can re-apply a year after correcting the deficiencies. It is also possible to appeal the decision through the Belgian administrative court. The main thing is to remain calm and act according to the law, without wasting time.

Tip: If you have children born in Belgium and living here for 3 consecutive years, they can obtain citizenship automatically when their parents apply.

Cost of Living in Belgium

Renting a house in Belgium depends on the region: in Brussels, a one-room apartment in the center will cost 900-1200 euros, on the outskirts – from 700 euros. In smaller cities, such as Liege or Ghent, prices can be 20-30% lower. The cost of buying an apartment starts from 2500 euros per square meter, and in the capital – from 3500 euros. A private house outside the metropolises can be found from 200,000 euros, but will require renovation.

Finding a job for a Hungarian in Belgium is quite possible, especially in the fields of logistics, construction, elderly care and IT. The average salary in the country is about 3,000 euros gross, the minimum is about 2,000 euros. The unemployment rate is low, and knowledge of one of the official languages of Belgium significantly increases the chances. Job ads can be found on the websites of VDAB, Actiris, Forem and through local agencies.

The medical system in Belgium is considered one of the best in Europe, but requires compulsory health insurance. The monthly contribution to the insurance company is on average 80-150 euros per person. A consultation with a general practitioner costs 25-50 euros, part of which is returned to the insurance company. Without insurance, medical care will be significantly more expensive, especially in private clinics.

Approximate table of expenses and income (in euros, per person per month):

Education in Belgium is also available to foreign citizens, including Hungarians. Education in state schools is free, but some expenses (office supplies, travel, uniform) are covered by parents. Kindergartens accept children from 2.5 years old, and most of them are financed by the state – the cost varies from a symbolic fee to 200 euros per month. Higher education is also possible with a residence permit, the cost of education is from 800 to 4000 euros per year.

Prices for food in supermarkets are moderate: a weekly food basket for one person costs about 50-80 euros. Dinner in a regular restaurant will cost 20-35 euros, a cup of coffee – 2-3 euros. There are many options for leisure: museums, cinema, bike rides, nature, and much of this is free or for a small fee. Belgians like to relax actively, and it is easy for migrants to fit into this rhythm.