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Belgium at a glance

Belgium is an appealing destination for relocation, offering a blend of historical charm and modern conveniences. The country has a high standard of living, excellent education, and great healthcare. Its central location within Europe makes it ideal for travel, with easy access to neighboring countries (for instance, it takes less than two hours to get from Brussels to Amsterdam by train). The English proficiency is high (around 55% of the Belgium population understands English), making it easier for newcomers to integrate. At the same time, the cost of living in Belgium is pretty high as well.

Capital City

Brussels

Currency

Euro (€)

Languages

German, French, Dutch (all of them are official)

Population size

Approximately 11.7 million

Time zone

Central European Summer Time (CEST)

Economic overview

Belgium has a highly developed, diverse, and open economy, characterized by a strong industrial base, a robust services sector, and high levels of international trade. It benefits from its central location in Europe and its role as a key member of the EU. Major industries include chemicals, machinery, pharmaceuticals, food processing, and steel. The country has a high GDP per capita, but faces challenges such as high public debt, labor market rigidity, and an aging population. Brussels, as the EU capital, also plays a significant role in its economic landscape.

Skills in demand

IT & Digital Skills

Engineering

Healthcare Professionals

Technical and Skilled Trades

Multilingual Communication

Finance & Compliance

Earning potential

Information Technology (IT) : €50,000 – €70,000

Engineering : €45,000 – €65,000

Healthcare : €40,000 – €75,000

Finance and Insurance : €50,000 – €80,000

Pharmaceuticals & Chemicals : €55,000 – €85,000

Logistics & Transport : €35,000 – €55,000

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BELGIUM

Living and Working Exp in Belgium

1. Living and Working Exp in Belgium

Safety

Belgium is generally safe, with low levels of violent crime. Urban areas may experience occasional petty theft, especially in tourist zones.

Healthcare

The country offers high-quality healthcare through a well-organized system. Access is universal and largely funded through mandatory health insurance.

Education

Belgium has a strong education system, offering free public schooling and quality higher education. Instruction is available in Dutch, French, and German, depending on the region.

Environment

Belgium promotes environmental sustainability, with effective recycling and green initiatives. However, air pollution and traffic congestion remain concerns in major cities.

2. Cost of living

Moderate Cost of Living: Cheaper than Austria/Finland, pricier than Spain/Poland

High housing costs in cities; more affordable in suburbs and rural areas.

Reasonable prices for groceries, healthcare, and transport.

Utilities, especially heating, can be expensive in winter.

3. Work culture

Work-Life Balance: Emphasis on personal time; standard workweek is ~38 hours.

Punctuality: Being on time and meeting deadlines is important.

Hierarchy: Clear organizational structure; formal decision-making.

Communication: Polite, direct, and clear, especially in multilingual teams.

4. Visa & immigration

EU/EEA Citizens: No visa or work permit needed
Non-EU Citizens: Need a visa and residence permit for long stays
Application Process: Starts at the Belgian consulate/embassy
Special Routes: Programs for skilled workers, researchers, and entrepreneurs

5. Taxes

Personal Income Tax: Progressive rates from 25% to 50%, plus social security
Corporate Tax: Standard 25%, lower rates for eligible SMEs
VAT: 21% standard rate, with reduced rates for essentials
Social Security: Joint employer-employee funding for benefits.