Let's delve into the intricacies of relocating to Belgium. Whether you're navigating the bureaucratic processes, seeking information on residence permits, or exploring the unique aspects of life in this European country, there's much to uncover in the journey of moving to Belgium.
Moving to Belgium: visa requirements
Relocating to Belgium holds distinct processes for EU/EEA citizens and non-EU/EEA citizens. EU/EEA citizens enjoy the freedom to move to Belgium using their national ID or passport, staying up to three months without a visa. For longer stays, registration at the local town hall, proof of insurance and financial means, and obtaining a foreigner’s identity card are essential.
Non-EU/EEA citizens planning to move to Belgium need a long-stay visa from the Belgian embassy. Upon arrival, they must apply for a residence permit to extend their stay beyond three months, choosing among options like work, study, or family reunification.
Moving to Belgium from the US: checklist
Here's a checklist to guide you through the process of moving to Belgium:
Research
Choose Your Location
Visa Process
Moving Your Belongings
Pet Relocation
Health Insurance
Job Search
Financial Planning
Accommodation
Education
International Driving Permit
Learn Local Languages
Immerse in Belgian Culture
Moving from Spain to Belgium: checklist
Moving from Spain to Belgium requires careful planning. Start by checking the visa requirements for Belgium and obtaining the necessary visa. Once that's sorted, secure accommodation in Belgium, either temporarily or permanently, and notify your landlord in Spain. Open a bank account in Belgium and update your address with your Spanish bank. Additionally, make arrangements for healthcare in Belgium, and be sure to register with the local municipality upon your arrival.
Since arriving in Belgium, I have obtained a VAT number and am working as a self-employed individual. Although I haven't pursued any formal courses, I have completed the integration course and passed language exams at the A2 level. It's important to note that these courses are unrelated to my self-employed status."
Cultural shocks after moving to Belgium
Birthday Celebrations at the Office:
In my home country, birthdays were a time for colleagues to surprise you with gifts and cake. However, in Belgium, the tradition is for the birthday person to provide treats like cake, sweets, or pastries. While I've received signed cards from my teams, catering for the celebration is my responsibility.
Public Nose-Blowing Etiquette:
Belgian customs for clearing nasal congestion in public are quite distinctive. Unlike some cultures where this may be frowned upon, Belgians handle it openly. As someone with allergies, I appreciate the freedom to not conceal it. However, the use of crumpled handkerchiefs in pants pockets by some can be a bit gross (use a tissue, please!).
Nutella as a Regular Breakfast Item:
Nutella, or the more generic "choco paste," is a common breakfast item in Belgium. Unlike my childhood perception of Nutella as a special treat for desserts, here it's a standard spread on bread. The idea of having a chocolate spread for a meal was initially surprising as, back home, it was considered more of a candy than a proper breakfast.
Extended Wait Times for Services:
In Belgium, waiting for certain services can be exceptionally long. To put it in perspective, you could read two volumes of a book series before your scheduled appointment. This is quite a contrast for someone accustomed to readily available services in their home country, where booking a hairdresser or a handyman could be done within days, not weeks.
Repeated Outfits Without Concealment:
Wearing the same outfit two days in a row is not uncommon in Belgium, and what surprised me most was the lack of effort to conceal it. People confidently don the exact same ensemble from head to toe, and the practice is accepted. This was a stark contrast for me, coming from a tropical climate where wearing the same outfit consecutively was unthinkable.