The Global Expat Hub
Belgium
Brussels is the most international city in Europe, with EU and NATO salaries, superb healthcare and two hours from Paris, Amsterdam and London; grey weather and high taxes.
Your plan for Belgium checklist · timeline · cost breakdown
Estimates for one adult before ongoing rent and living costs; couples and families scale up. Tap a plan for the full breakdown.
Top cities for expats in Belgium
Costs and character vary significantly within Belgium. Here are the cities our readers compare most.
Capital of Europe — international, multilingual and surprisingly affordable
Medieval canal city — tourist-heavy but beautiful and walkable
University city with canal charm and less tourist pressure than Bruges
Fashion and diamond capital with great food and port energy
Belgium by the numbers editorial estimates in US dollars
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🌤️ Climate
Mild maritime; grey, damp and mild year-round, rarely extreme.
Mean temperatures for Brussels.
🌧️ Rain & snow
Rainfall about 850 mm (33 in) a year.
Snow Occasional, light.
⚖️ The law
Official legislationBelgian Official Gazette (Moniteur belge) ↗
OverviewLaw of Belgium on Wikipedia ↗
Driving On the right. Licence rules →
🏛️ Taxes
Property tax Précompte immobilier ~$1,000–2,500/yr.
Local & regional income tax Municipal surcharge 0–9% of income tax; total top rate ~53%.
🎓 University
Near-free: ~$1,100/yr for EU, non-EU $4–5k/yr.
📱 Phone & eSIM
Carriers Proximus, Orange, Telenet (Base).
Average cost Local SIM or eSIM with generous data about $20/month; a 30-day travel eSIM (Airalo, Holafly, Saily and similar) around $15 for 10 GB.
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🎁 Schemes to attract expats
- Impatriate regime: 30% of salary tax-free for 5 years
- Near-free university
- No capital gains tax on most private investments
- Brussels: EU and NATO job market
Figures are national averages for planning, not quotes; big cities run higher. Tax schemes change often and carry conditions. Verify before you rely on them.
Official sources for Belgium embassies, warnings, law and reference
Government, intergovernmental and reference sites only; no reviews or opinion. Links open in a new tab.
Ratings & warnings independent
Follows your Mid-range tier partner listings match your budget
Services & daily life one labelled partner per page
Life in Belgium faith, wellbeing, shopping and play
Holidays & festivalsNational holidays, closures and the festivals worth planning aroundSearch for jobs for free, or post a job — free.
Roles open to foreigners in Belgium: remote work you can do from Brussels, and in-person jobs with employers who hire from abroad. Searching for and posting expat jobs is always free, for job seekers and employers alike. Every listing stays live for 60 days.
Latest listings. Example listings shown until the first real posts go live.
See all jobs in Belgium and post a job →
In the meantime, search these trusted remote job boards
Free to use. These are independent sites we like; opening in a new tab. Come back to post your own role here — posting is always free.
Frequently asked questions
Is Belgium safe for expats?
Belgium scores 80 out of 100 for safety on The Global Expat Hub, and 69 out of 100 for liveability — #24 of the 52 countries we cover. The full breakdown, including official warnings and regional differences, is on the safety page linked from this page.
What is the cost of living in Belgium?
The Global Expat Hub estimates a mid-range lifestyle in Belgium from around $2,250 per month. The figures are national averages for planning, not quotes — big cities run higher — and this page breaks costs down by tier and city.
Can I move to Belgium?
Yes. The routes and incentives The Global Expat Hub lists for Belgium include: Impatriate regime: 30% of salary tax-free for 5 years; near-free university; no capital gains tax on most private investments; brussels: EU and NATO job market. Step-by-step visa and residency detail is on the visa pages linked from this page.
What is the best city in Belgium for expats?
The top cities for expats in Belgium profiled on this page are Brussels, Bruges and Ghent. Brussels is the capital. Each city profile includes typical rent and character to help you compare.