Belgium Key Information
Documents & Legal Basics
Part of the Schengen Area (90 days within 180 days)
Residence & immigration handled by Belgian authorities
Official immigration portal:
Types of stay:
Schengen visa / visa-free stay
Single Permit (combined work + residence for non-EU nationals)
Residence permit for study, family reunification, research
Permanent residence (after long-term legal stay)
Registration required after arrival:
Register at the local municipality within 8 days
Residence & immigration info:
Housing Basics
Websites:
Immoweb: https://www.immoweb.be
Zimmo: https://www.zimmo.be
Realo: https://www.realo.be
Facebook groups:
Housing in Brussels
Antwerp Rentals
Beware of scams:
Paying before viewing
No written lease
Unrealistically low rent offers
Public Transport
National trains:
SNCB/NMBS: https://www.belgiantrain.be
City & regional transport:
STIB/MIVB (Brussels): https://www.stib-mivb.be
De Lijn (Flanders): https://www.delijn.be
TEC (Wallonia): https://www.letec.be
MOBIB card used across major transport systems
Monthly passes available
Belgium is a Western European country known for its complex history, cultural diversity, and central role in European politics. It gained independence in 1830 after separating from the Netherlands and later became a constitutional monarchy. Belgium experienced significant destruction during both World Wars due to its strategic location, but rebuilt into a stable and influential state. Today, Brussels serves as the headquarters of the European Union and NATO, placing Belgium at the heart of European decision-making.
Belgian culture is shaped by its linguistic and regional diversity, with three official languages: Dutch, French, and German. The country is divided into Flanders, Wallonia, and the Brussels-Capital Region, each with distinct traditions and identities. Belgium is famous for its medieval towns, comic art (such as Tintin), chocolate, waffles, and beer. A strong tradition of art, architecture, and local festivals reflects a society that blends historic heritage with a modern European outlook.
Work & Residence Permits
Single Permit (work + residence):
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens do not need a work permit
Official labour & permit info:
Banking, Money & Taxes
Banks:
BNP Paribas Fortis: https://www.bnpparibasfortis.be
ING Belgium: https://www.ing.be
KBC/CBC: https://www.kbc.be
Belfius: https://www.belfius.be
Online banks commonly used:
Revolut: https://www.revolut.com
Wise: https://wise.com
N26: https://n26.com
Usually needed: Passport/ID, proof of address, municipality registration
Local Belgian IBAN often required for salary and rent
SIM Card & Internet
Operators:
Proximus: https://www.proximus.be
Orange Belgium: https://www.orange.be
BASE: https://www.base.be
Mobile Vikings: https://mobilevikings.be
ID required for SIM registration
Prepaid and contract plans available
Healthcare Basics
Mandatory health insurance via a health insurance fund (mutuality)
Residents must register with a mutuality to receive reimbursements
EU citizens may use EHIC temporarily
Emergency: 112
Healthcare access info:
Work Basics
Job sites:
VDAB (Flanders): https://www.vdab.be
Actiris (Brussels): https://www.actiris.brussels
Le Forem (Wallonia): https://www.leforem.be
EURES: https://ec.europa.eu/eures
Statutory minimum wage applies
Language & Support
Languages:
Dutch (Flanders)
French (Wallonia)
German (small eastern region)
Integration & migrant support:
Fedasil: https://www.fedasil.be
Medimmigrant (healthcare access): https://www.medimmigrant.be
Official integration info: https://www.belgium.be