Moving To Belgium
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Comprehensive Guide on Relocating to Belgium
If you are thinking of migrating to Belgium, now is the time to read our comprehensive guide, which covers everything from the immigration process to education, taxation, healthcare, and more. Continue reading to learn more about migrating to Belgium from the Sri Lanka.
Belgium, located in northwest Europe, is a trilingual country. Yes, you read correctly. The Belgian constitution is also trilingual, with Dutch, German, and French as the country’s official languages.
Here are some official details about Belgium:
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Capital | Brussels |
| Population | 1.16 crores Approx |
| Official Languages | German, Dutch, and French |
| Currency | Euro |
| Popular Cities | Brussels, Antwerp, Bruges |
When one thinks of Belgium, one thinks of waffles, fries, and beer. The country is incredibly accommodating, and there are numerous promising career options. Various universities and worldwide educational institutions are springing up, paving the path for future generations.
Aside from delicious food and beer, there are numerous other reasons why Belgium is an excellent location to live. Belgium, for example, has more cheap accommodations, superior transit ease, one of the best healthcare systems, and so on.
In this article, we will go over everything from immigration procedures to housing. Read on, and we’re confident you’ll benefit from the knowledge you receive!
Benefits of Moving to Belgium:
– English-speaking population
– Great salary and work benefits
– Travel convenience
– Great food and beer
– Affordable and accessible accommodation
– One of the best healthcare
How To Move To Belgium
Moving from one country to another can be a tedious and time-consuming procedure. As a result, in order to minimize hassles after landing, one must carefully prepare and conduct research. You might start by investigating the country’s jobs, accommodations, and foreign policy. When it comes to relocating your stuff, you don’t need to look for international moving firms in Belgium. ISS Relocations will take care of that!
We also provide a warehouse in Belgium to ensure that all of your things and furnishings arrive safely as soon as you step into Belgian territory. As a result, you may focus on the more crucial components of the relocation. One such essential component is Belgium’s visa process.
Visa Requirements For Moving To Belgium
You can apply for a Belgian visa at any consulate or embassy near your location. It is recommended that you use at least four weeks before your anticipated move date to Belgium. This is a precaution because many visas take longer to process than expected. Visa applications for extended stays [i.e., more than the required 90 days for tourists] must be submitted solely to the embassy or consulates.
Several types of long-term visas are available, depending on your reason for remaining and your occupation. The processing period ranges from a few weeks to months, and the price charged is usually 130 EUR, regardless of the visa you are seeking.
Here are the types of long-term visas in Belgium:
- Student visa: This visa is for students who have been accepted into any Belgian educational institution. You must demonstrate your sources of financial support and submit verification of acceptance from the relevant university.
- Research visa: Research visas are intended for individuals who have completed their degree but are moving for research purposes. They are exempt from the work permit for a maximum of three years.
- Employment visa: This sort of visa can only be issued if your employer provides a work permit. It is intended for persons who want to work in the nation and live there for an extended period.
- Self-employment visa: Only people with a Federation Public Service for Economy, Self Employment, SMEs, and Energy authorization are eligible to apply for this visa. You can receive this authorization from the Belgian Embassy by submitting a few documents, which we’ll go over in further detail soon. This visa is intended for self-employed individuals who wish to start a business in Belgium. Businesspeople must get a professional card, which can take up to four months to process.
- Specialized visa: These visas are intended for people with unusual circumstances who plan to stay in Belgium, such as au pairs, interns, relationships with one partner who lives in Belgium, investors, and so forth.
In this section, we’ll go over the general and specific document requirements.
General visa documentation requirements:
– A completed visa application form, signed
– Two passport-sized photographs
– Passport having at least 3 blank pages and a minimum validity of three months.
– Copies of prior visas (if any)
– Language preference form.
– Proof of Schengen travel insurance.
– Proof of residence and civil status.
– Proof of financial support and maintenance
These were the general visa requirements.
- Employee visa:
- A work permit is required if you are relocating for professional or employment reasons. You must obtain this work permit from your employer by submitting a medical certificate and three passport-sized photographs.
- A passport.
- Two filled and signed application forms.
- Three passport pictures.
- Disclose criminal records.
- A medical certificate is included with the work permit.
- Self-employed visa:
- Three completed and signed application forms.
- Passport.
- Criminal records from the previous year.
- A business project strategy.
- A detailed CV that includes letters of recommendation, diplomas, and other relevant information.
- Student visa:
- A passport
- Two completed and signed application forms.
- Two passport photos.
- Disclosure of criminal records from the previous year.
- Two copies of the medical certificate, including the original.
- Two copies and one original letter of acceptance from the relevant university.
- A handwritten vow not to overstay the period of the visa.
- Evidence of financial support and maintenance.
Another crucial criterion for foreigners settling in Belgium is a valid electronic card. Anyone who plans to stay for longer than three months must apply for this card upon arrival. You must apply for this card as soon as possible because it is an important document, especially for newcomers.
It is an identity card comparable to that of Belgian nationals, and it replaces the several traditional paper licenses that ex-pats formerly had to carry around in folders. It has made identification and other parts of life for expats easier and simpler because these cards are accepted throughout the country. It comprises your photograph and two fingerprints.
The Cost of Relocating to Belgium
These are the fees for travel and visa processing. In the next few parts, we will discuss the costs of housing, healthcare, and other services.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Visa charges | 180 EUR |
| Average travel cost | Approx. 550 EUR |
| Transport pass | 35 to 50 EUR |
Housing & Warehouse In Belgium
Once you have prepared for the visa process, it is time to look for accommodations, as you will also require the necessary paperwork for visa applications. If you are a student, your university will most likely provide a hostel or other form of lodging for a charge. However, if that is not the case, below is an overview of Belgium’s housing situation.
Suppose you do not have an accommodation arrangement while relocating. In that case, you can hire a temporary apartment and store your extra items in any Belgian warehouse that is close to your location and the location you are planning to move to as well.
As previously stated, overall home prices in Belgium are rather modest compared to other EU countries. There are no rules that prevent foreigners from owning or renting an apartment, so expats can easily locate housing here.
You’ll need three things for this. Your identity proof, proof of right to residence (such as a visa), and proof of financial stability to verify that you can pay for the property or rent. In addition, you must pay a security deposit.
In Belgium, you can rent or purchase both houses and apartments. You can consult relevant companies or search online, which is a more handy choice if you don’t know anyone in the country.
Accommodation in Belgium is pretty reasonable and easily accessible through a variety of channels. However, rent varies by locale.
Here is a list of types of housing alternatives and some information on renting them:
As a result, you can look at several home possibilities either online or with an agent. Don’t worry about transporting your goods from your home nation to Belgium. ISS will handle all of your Belgian removals. Our skilled crew will handle your personal items, including furniture and office items, with the utmost care. Your new home in Belgium will look exactly like your old flat since your furniture will look as if it was never taken out!
| Type of Property | Specialties | Rent [in EUR] per month |
|---|---|---|
| Unfurnished residential apartments | Spacious, 1/2 bedrooms | 700 to 1500 EUR |
| Townhouses and family homes | Spacious, come with gardens and better privacy | 800 to 3,000 EUR |
| Shared apartments or houses | Cheaper, accessible, and convenient | Depends on the type of housing |
| Short-term serviced apartments | Better for emergency short stays, flexible lease, accessible | Depends on duration and location |
HealthCare System In Belgium
Belgium’s healthcare system is famous for its high quality and efficiency. It is critical to have insurance in place to protect yourself in the event of an emergency. Here are some things to consider while picking an insurance company.
Make certain that the plan you select covers all of the areas of insurance that you may require. People frequently choose lower-cost insurance to save money. However, they may not cover certain medical aspects, and if you need assistance for a medical emergency that they do not cover, you must pay for it yourself.
Scrutinize the policy and agreement for any hidden fees or voluntary deductibles.
Taxation In Belgium
Belgium taxes all residents, regardless of their nationality. These taxes are levied on both registered citizens’ worldwide income and non-resident Belgian income. This section focuses on the tax system for expatriates.
A new tax law was recently passed in Belgium, establishing new tax systems for foreigners. This statute specifies the taxation laws for expats.
Employees and directors each receive 30% of their income tax-free. The total payment is up to 90,000 euros. Unless you are in Belgium for research, your income must exceed 75,000 euros. The term is 5 years, with a three-year extension.
Education In Belgium
The three languages [Dutch, German, and French] each have their educational regulatory frameworks. However, obligatory education is separated into two parts: basic and secondary education.
There are three primary types of educational institutions in Belgium.
– Community schools are those in which the state oversees the curriculum and other features. This type of school has no religious affiliation.
– Municipalities manage and operate subsidized public schools. Private institutions, on the other hand, are affiliated with a religious community.
– Fee-paying private schools are private institutes such as Montessori and international educational institutions.
Work Market In Belgium
Finding a job as a foreigner in Belgium is not difficult because many international and local firms operate here. However, if you are fluent in Dutch, German, and French, you should have no trouble finding work in a trilingual country like this.
Belgium has lower unemployment rates than other EU countries. This means that many jobs are available, and new ones are being created, allowing practically everyone to find work.
Belgium’s job market offers excellent opportunities for highly trained individuals specializing in finance, education, social services, business, real estate, brewing, insurance, and other areas.
Best Cities To Living In Belgium
Belgium is well-known for its high level of living, as well as its picturesque cities. Along with being beautiful and pleasant, these cities provide several chances for employment and facilitate settlement. Here are some of the best Belgian cities:
Brussels:
Brussels, Belgium’s capital, is alive with activity and opportunities. It is also an excellent area for foreigners, as it has a large population of residents of foreign descent. The city boasts one of the greatest per capita earnings and GDP contributions.
Ghent:
The city is a popular destination for students and is regarded as one of the most beautiful in Europe. It boasts relatively reasonable accommodation and the famed Ghent University.
Antwerp:
Antwerp is an excellent choice, particularly for expats, due to its incredible ethnic milieu. It boasts excellent international schools, restaurants, and bars. Antwerp, known for its welcoming atmosphere and some of the lowest crime rates in Belgium, is an excellent alternative for those considering transferring to the country.
Have Any Questions?
What visa do I need to move to Belgium?
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