Can expats live in Brussels?

If you’re considering moving to Brussels, as an expat, you may be wondering if this relocation is possible. Luckily, Brussels welcomes expats from around the world and provides countless opportunities for individuals looking to start a new life in a foreign city. To answer the question: yes, expats can certainly live in Brussels.Brussels is the capital city of Belgium and it is home to more than 1 million people from all over the world. There is a long history of expat residents in Brussels, and many continue to call this city home due to its excellent job opportunities and its booming economy. Expats come from all corners of the world and for different reasons; some come for work, some for study, some for business, and some just for the amazing quality of life.In this blog post, we will explore everything you need to know if you’re planning to move to Brussels as an expat.

Visas and permits

First and foremost, we need to address your visa situation when moving to Brussels. Depending on your nationality and the purpose of your stay, there are several visas and permits available.If you are a member of the EU and you are planning on staying in Brussels for more than three months, then you will need to register your residence at the town hall of your local commune. You just need a European Health Insurance card as proof to do this. Registration of your residenceis free, but remember to register within three months of your arrival in Brussels or the region you are planning on living in. Failing to do so may result in a fine or even deportation.If you are a non-EU national, then you will need a valid visa to be allowed to stay and work in Belgium, depending on the duration of your stay and the kind of job you take up. The type of visa and permit you need depends on your nationality and purpose for staying in Belgium for more than 90 days. In general, if you come from outside Europe, you will have to apply for a long term visa from a Belgian embassy or consulate in your country of origin before moving to Belgium. Your visa should also include a residence permit if you plan on staying for more than three months. Once you arrive in Belgium, you will then have to apply for a residence permit with the local authorities as soon as possible.

Finding accommodation

Once you have sorted out all the paperwork (visas, permits etc.), the next step is finding accommodation in Brussels. This can be quite challenging depending on your budget, because Belgium is not cheap! Apartments are usually rented out unfurnished and so it is important to think about what furniture you need before leaving home and bringing it with you to Belgium. If you are a university student or an employee at one of Brussels’ many universities/companies then you may find it easier to secure accommodation as these types of establishments often have dedicated services for students and employees to help them find housing in their city or town. Renting an apartment is usually the most popular and practical choice for expats. Brussels has a wide range of properties available to rent; from single rooms in shared apartments in the city centre, to entire villas in the suburbs. Be prepared to do quite a bit of research as prices can vary quite dramatically depending on area and size of the property. It’s also worth noting that rental prices are higher the closer they are located to city centre and the more luxury they offer. It is also recommended that you look around for estate agents that specialise in helping expats with their housing search. These agents usually speak English (or at least know someone who does) and can provide specific advice regarding types of property available, regulations, costs and more. There are many great online resources too such as TheFirstArrival website which offers plenty of advice on all aspects of relocating to Brussels.

Employment opportunities

Finding the right job is one of the most important aspects when considering a move abroad – especially if you plan on staying in Brussels long-term! Fortunately, there’s no shortage of employment opportunities in Brussels; not only as a resident but also as an expat living in this city. As one of the largest cities in Europe and the heart of many big multinational companies, Brussels provides excellent job opportunities for expats who want to start working in this vibrant city. The options are numerous and range from teaching English in one of Brussels’ many international schools to working as an analyst or professional at a large bank or firm (most importantly make sure that your visa or residence permit allows you to work). In addition, there are numerous financial institutions based in Belgium that hire specialists from all over the world. If you’re looking for something a little less formal, there are also plenty of freelancing opportunities available; from web design, marketing and content writing gigs – all the way to virtual assistance jobs such as virtual assistants or administrators. Moreover, there are lots of part time jobs available such as bar tending, waiting tables or cleaning jobs if you’re looking for something to get by or some pocket money. One thing is for sure, there’s something for everyone in Brussels! It pays to be proactive when searching for jobs too; networking with fellow expats or getting involved with organisations such as BECI (Brussels Enterprises Commerce and Industry) can land you job opportunities that aren’t advertised elsewhere!

Leisure activities

As an expat living in Brussels, there won’t be any shortage of fun activities either! This vibrant capital city holds so many hidden treasures – whether it’s small art galleries or vintage shopping spots or secret bars where locals hang out – so it pays to take your time exploring the streets of Brussels! One thing that stands out straight away is how bike friendly this city is – nearly everybody cycles here – taking buses or sharing rides is no match compared to biking around town when one just wants some fresh air! Brussels is home to some amazing parks as well; parks such as The Royal Park, The Park of Forests and The Botanical Garden – perfect places for your outdoor adventures! And if museums are more your thing then there is Parc Du Cinquantenaire which has several museums located within its vicinity like Autoworld Museum, ARCH NEMO Museum and Army Museum! All these places offer entertainment for both young and old – so you really don’t need to worry about getting bored on weekends! Apart from these attraction spots mentioned above (which are definitely worth checking out) there are countless cafes, pubs, cafes and concerts all over Brussels – waiting for you to experience them! This city offers endless possibilities when it comes to leisure activities – making it one of the best locations for expats looking for entertainment sources that fit their interests!

Conclusion

In conclusion, moving to Brussels as an expat can be an exciting adventure full of opportunities and new experiences. As long as you get your paperwork done correctly and research thoroughly before departing (especially accommodation), then you can find yourself feeling right at home in this Belgian city! If you’re looking for career opportunities then many multinationals have a presence here; ranging from banks and tech firms right through to marketing agencies and services companies – there’s something out there for everyone! Lastly, don’t forget that there are plenty of leisure activities that can fulfil your need for exploration while keeping you busy during weekends/holidays! All said, getting ready for relocation requires some effort but there’s no denying that Brussels is worth it!