Belgium attracts Icelanders due to its high standard of living, stability, and diverse career and educational opportunities. The country, located in the center of Europe, offers excellent conditions for immigrants, including access to the European labor market and high-quality healthcare. For Icelanders seeking stability and a multicultural environment, Belgium is an attractive place to start a new life.
Moving to Belgium requires careful preparation: visa requirements, labor market features, and the healthcare system must be taken into account. Proper preparation and knowledge of all stages of immigration will help Icelandic citizens successfully adapt and make the most of life in Belgium for professional and personal growth.
Visa and residence permit
If you are an Icelandic citizen planning to move to Belgium, you will need to apply for a visa and a residence permit depending on the purpose of your stay. For short-term trips, such as tourism or business, a Schengen visa may be sufficient. However, if you are planning a long-term stay or work, you will need to apply for a long-term visa and residence permit. It is important to familiarize yourself with the requirements of the Belgian consulate in Iceland in advance to ensure that you have all the necessary documents in order.
The application process for a visa to Belgium involves several steps, from filling out an application form and providing biometric data to receiving a visa decision. To obtain a long-term residence permit, you will need to go through several administrative procedures, including a medical check and proof of financial solvency. It is important to know that a decision on a visa and residence permit can take several weeks, so it is best to start preparing early.
Steps to Obtaining a Visa and Residence Permit in Belgium for Icelandic Citizens
- Filling out an application form to obtain a visa or residence permit
First, you need to fill out a visa or residence permit application form. The forms can be found on the website of the Belgian Consulate in Iceland. In the application form, you need to provide all your personal information, the purpose of your trip, and the planned duration of your stay in Belgium.
Where to find the form:
- Website of the Belgian Consulate in Iceland: https://www.diplomatie.be/en
- Information phone: +354 511 6500
- Collection and preparation of necessary documents
Once the application form is completed, you will need to collect documents confirming your financial solvency, health insurance, and documents related to the purpose of your trip (for example, an invitation from an employer or educational institution).
Required documents:
- Passport (valid for at least 3 months after the end of the trip).
- Photos (recent, up to standard).
- Medical insurance for the entire period of stay.
- Financial documents (proof of income or bank statements).
- Invitation or proof of the purpose of the trip (work, study, tourism, etc.).
- Submitting documents to the Belgian Consulate in Iceland
All documents must be submitted to the Belgian consulate. Applications are submitted by appointment, which can be made through the consulate’s online service.
Address of the Belgian Consulate in Iceland:
- Embassy of Belgium in Iceland
- Address: Fríkirkjuvegi 4, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland
- Opening hours: Mon-Fri from 9:00 to 16:00 (with a lunch break from 12:00 to 13:00).
Contacts:
- Phone: +354 511 6500
- Email: reykjavik@diplobel.fed.be
- Online registration: https://reykjavik.diplomatie.belgium.be/en
- Passing an interview and submitting biometric data
After submitting your documents, you may be scheduled for an interview at the consulate. At this stage, biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) will also be provided. The interview allows you to clarify all the details of your application and confirm the data provided.
- Waiting for a decision and obtaining a visa or residence permit
After submitting all the documents and passing the interview, you will need to wait for the decision of the consulate. This can take from 15 to 60 working days, depending on the type of visa and the complexity of your case. During this time, the consulate checks the documents provided and makes a decision on issuing a visa.
- Registration with local authorities in Belgium
Once you have received your visa and moved to Belgium, you must register with the local authorities (e.g. your local town hall) within 8 days of your arrival in the country. This is mandatory for long-term stays.
The cost of a visa or residence permit depends on the type of visa. Usually it is 35-200 euros, depending on the type of visa (Schengen visa, long-term visa, work visa, etc.). Payment is made upon submission of documents.
Approximate prices:
- Schengen visa: about 80 euros.
- Long-term stay visa: 200 euros.
The waiting time depends on the type of visa:
- Schengen visa – from 15 to 20 working days.
- Long-term visa – from 30 to 60 working days.
Once you have your visa and residence permit, you will be able to enjoy all the rights and opportunities that life in Belgium offers, whether it is working, studying or simply staying in the country.
Tip: To speed up the process, check the document requirements with the Belgian Consulate in Iceland in advance.
Work and taxes
Belgium is an attractive country for employment and professional development, and Icelanders can find many opportunities there. In order to find a job, it is important to know the country’s labor market and taxation. Here, as in most European countries, it is not only skills and experience that are important, but also an understanding of how the tax and social security systems work. In this section, we will tell you how to find a job in Belgium, what taxes and contributions there are, and how to formalize an employment contract.
Job Search Tips:
- Before you start looking for a job, it is important to familiarize yourself with the local job market. In Belgium, there are many online resources such as VDAB, Actiris, as well as job search sites such as Indeed and LinkedIn.
- An employment contract in Belgium can be concluded on both a temporary and permanent basis. It is important to carefully study the terms of the contract in order to understand all rights and obligations.
If you have specific skills or experience that are in demand, such as in technology, medicine or engineering, this will greatly increase your chances of getting a job.
Features of taxation and social protection in Belgium for citizens of Iceland:
- Income taxes: Belgium has a progressive tax system, with rates reaching 50% for high incomes. However, there are a number of tax incentives that can reduce the tax burden.
- Social Security: Workers are required to pay contributions to a social security system that includes health care, pension contributions, and unemployment insurance.
- Salaries: The average salary in Belgium varies by sector and region, but is generally quite high compared to other European countries. The minimum wage for adult workers in Belgium is around €1,800 per month.
Employment in Belgium for Icelandic citizens is not only an opportunity for career growth, but also a chance to become part of a developed social system with high living standards. It is important to properly prepare for a job search, understand the tax system and the specifics of social benefits in order to settle in a new country as effectively as possible.
Tip: Knowledge of French or Dutch significantly increases your chances of finding a successful job in Belgium.
Life in Belgium
Belgium is a country with a high quality of life, but there are some nuances that are important to consider. The cost of living in Belgium varies by region, but is generally higher than in Iceland, especially in larger cities such as Brussels and Antwerp. Housing in Belgium can also be expensive, especially in the capital, but smaller towns and rural areas offer more affordable options. Transportation in Belgium is well developed: public transportation (buses, trams, and trains) is available and convenient, making getting around the country quick and easy.
The Belgian healthcare system is of high quality, but it is important for immigrants to have health insurance that covers basic healthcare. Belgium has both a public and private healthcare system, allowing you to choose the most suitable option for everyone. Education in Belgium is of a high standard for both children and adults. The country has both free public schools and private institutions offering programs in a variety of languages. Adults can take courses in French, Dutch, and other languages.
Tips for settling in Belgium for Icelandic citizens:
- Learn about the healthcare system and get health insurance.
- Find accommodation in advance, especially if you plan to live in a large city.
- Learn about transport routes and payment methods.
- Pay attention to educational opportunities: choose suitable schools or courses.
- Learn the culture and language to adapt faster to a new environment.
Living in Belgium for Icelandic citizens is a great chance to experience new opportunities in a safe and comfortable environment, but it is important to be prepared for the specifics in order to adapt as effectively as possible.
Tip: The Belgian lifestyle is not only about work and study, but also about spending time: discover Belgian festivals and cultural events!
Cultural aspects
Living in Belgium requires immigrants to be able to adapt to cultural and linguistic peculiarities. The country has three official languages – French, Dutch and German. Depending on the region, you will encounter different traditions, norms of communication and habits, which is especially important for citizens of Iceland, who are accustomed to a more homogeneous linguistic environment.
To adapt quickly, it is important to understand the peculiarities of Belgian society. The French-speaking inhabitants of Wallonia, the Dutch-speaking Flemings and the German-speaking communities in the east of the country have different cultural codes. Compared to Iceland, where the culture is more individualistic and less formal, in Belgium formality in communication and respect for the traditions of each region are valued.
Cultural adaptation tips for Icelandic citizens in Belgium:
- Start learning French or Dutch before you move.
- Participate in local events and celebrations to better understand the culture of the region.
- Maintain openness and respect for different cultural norms and traditions.
- Avoid comparing your new surroundings with Iceland – this will help you accept the local reality faster.
- Be patient: it may take several months or even a year to adapt.
- Interact with locals, not just other immigrants.
- Study the history and traditions of the region in which you plan to live.
- Accept differences with interest, not criticism.
Understanding the Belgian culture and actively working on adaptation will help Icelanders feel confident in their new surroundings. The sooner you accept the differences and start building connections with the local community, the easier the integration will be.
Tip: Sometimes a simple phrase in the local language can open doors that remain closed to those who rely only on English.
