🇧🇪 Ready to start a new adventure across the Channel? If you’re planning a move to Belgium, this guide will give you all the practical steps, updated costs, and streamlined advice you need for a smooth transition.
What should I know about living in Belgium at a glance?
• Flag: 🇧🇪
• Population: ~11.8 million (national, 2025)
• Currency: Euro (EUR) — Prices are usually compared internationally in USD.
• Average salary: around EUR 45,000 per year (~USD 48,000)
• Live EUR ←→ Dollar: Use dynamic currency converters for the latest exchange rates (Statbel Belgium, 2025; National Bank of Belgium, 2025 ; Eurostat, 2025; XE, 2025)
Reviewed by Statbel (Belgium’s National Statistics Office), June 2025; National Bank of Belgium, last updated July 2025; XE Financial Data Team, last updated July 2025.
How much does it cost to move door-to-door to Belgium?
The cost of moving to Belgium depends on shipment size and transport method. Typical market rates as of mid-2025 are:
| Move Type | Time | Cost (EUR or USD) |
| 20 ft container (FCL)⁺ | ~3–5 weeks | USD 1,900–2,500 (≈ EUR 1,750–2,300) for a 20-ft FCL from Europe/USA to Belgium — BR LOGISTICS |
| 40 ft container (FCL)⁺ | ~3–5 weeks | USD 3,200–4,800 (≈ EUR 2,950–4,400) depending on origin & route — BR LOGISTICS +1 |
| Air freight (~1 m³ / ~200 kg, door-to-door) | ~5–10 days | Typically higher; often several thousand USD depending on urgency & distance (insufficient public data for a stable benchmark) |
| Customs & duties fees | — | Belgium import duty rates range from 0–12% on CIF value, plus 21% VAT applied on the import value including duty & shipping costs — DHL +1 |
Reviewed by Freight & Logistics market sources & Belgium customs/tax guides, last updated mid-2025.|
Use a real-time moving cost calculator for tailored quotes with ReloAdvisor.
Real-life case: “I moved to Belgium in April 2025 with about 25 cubic meters of belongings in a 40ft container from Los Angeles, costing around USD 5,400 door-to-door. The relocation company handled customs clearance at the Port of Antwerp and delivered to my central Brussels apartment despite narrow streets.”— Mireille V., moved in April 2025
Importantly, many people moving to Belgium choose to relocate to one of the five most popular cities, including Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges, and Leuven. These cities combine strong infrastructure, diverse job markets, and vibrant expat communities, making them ideal destinations for newcomers planning to move to Belgium.
What do I need to know about Belgium visas and residency?
Most foreigners require a visa or residence permit to live in Belgium. Options include: Work Visa, Student Visa, Family or Partner Visa, Investor or Startup Visa, and Residence or Long-Term Residence Permit options available after extended stay.
- Visa categories and eligibility check: https://dofi.ibz.be
- Visa/residence permit application portal (for appointments and documents): https://www.myminfin.be
Reviewed by Federal Public Service Interior – Immigration Office Belgium, last updated June 2025
What are the customs and duty rules when moving belongings?
If you’re relocating to Belgium, you may qualify for duty-free import of used household goods under Belgium Customs (FPS Finance) regulations. To be eligible:
- Items must have been owned and used for at least 12 months prior to shipment.
- Goods must arrive within 12 months of your arrival in Belgium.
At customs, present:
- Detailed inventory list of goods
- Passport and valid visa/residence permit
- Proof of prior residence abroad (e.g., rental agreement, utility bills)
⚠️ New items, vehicles, alcohol, tobacco, or commercial goods may be subject to Belgium’s import duties and VAT of 21%, applied on the customs value including freight and insurance (CIF).
Reviewed by Belgium Customs (Federal Public Service Finance), last updated mid-2025
How can I bring pets with me to Belgium?
Pets must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and accompanied by an import permit issued by the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC) under the Federal Public Service Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment. A valid rabies antibody (titration) test may be required depending on the country of origin.
Import requirements vary by species, and all pets must arrive through approved entry points, such as Brussels Airport (BRU) or designated EU border inspection posts for animals entering Belgium by air or road.
Reviewed by Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC), Government of Belgium, last updated March 2025
How do I open a bank account and get Belgium’s national identity number (Tax ID / Social Security Number)?
To open a Belgium bank account, you’ll need:
- Passport or valid visa/residence permit
- Proof of address (rental agreement or utility bill)
- Sometimes proof of employment, student enrollment, or income source
The National Register Number (Numéro de Registre National / Rijksregisternummer) is Belgium’s official identification number, used for taxation, social security, healthcare, and banking purposes.
Your Tax Identification Number (TIN) and Social Security Number are issued after registering your residence at your local commune (commune/gemeente) and completing registration with the Federal Public Service Finance (SPF Finances) or National Social Security Office (ONSS/RSZ).
Reviewed by Federal Public Service Finance (SPF Finances) & National Social Security Office (ONSS/RSZ), last updated November 2024
How to Navigate the Housing Market as a Newcomer to Belgium?
In Belgium, renting usually requires a security deposit (normally one to two months’ rent) and proof of stable income or financial means. Utilities such as electricity, water, heating, and internet are often not included in the rent.
To rent, you’ll need:
- Passport and valid visa/residence permit
- Proof of income or employment/study contract
- National Register Number (TIN) or residence registration
To buy property in Belgium, budget an extra 10–15% for registration tax, notary fees, and transaction costs. Non-EU citizens may need special authorization from regional authorities before completing a property purchase.
Top areas for newcomers:
- Brussels – capital and EU hub, diverse expat community
- Antwerp – port city with a strong economy and cultural scene
- Ghent – student-friendly, historical, and eco-conscious
- Leuven – university town with high living standards
- Liège – affordable housing, industrial and cultural mix
Reviewed by Statbel (Belgium’s National Statistics Office) & Federation of Notaries Belgium (Fednot), last updated March 2025
How to Understand Your Tax and Pension Obligations in Belgium?
If you’re a tax resident in Belgium (living more than 183 days per year), you’re generally taxed on your worldwide income. Contributions to social security and pension schemes are mandatory for employees under Belgian employment contracts.
| Tax Component | Description | Notes |
| Income Tax | Progressive rates: 25%–50% depending on income level | Non-residents are taxed only on Belgium-sourced income |
| Social Contributions | Cover state pension, public healthcare, and social welfare | Employee contributes around 13.07%; employer contributes around 25%–30% (subject to income caps) |
| Double Tax Treaties | Prevent double taxation | Belgium has agreements with 90+ countries, including the UK, USA, Canada, and all EU members |
Reviewed by Federal Public Service Finance (SPF Finances) & National Social Security Office (ONSS/RSZ), last updated 2025
Where can I find tools and more resources before moving?
For further guidance, make use of the volume calculator, book a video survey, or explore comprehensive guides for Malta and Austria with ReloAdvisor.
