Belgium: all programs

Belgium in brief

Belgium is a federal kingdom in Western Europe between France, the Netherlands, Germany and Luxembourg, with a population of about 11.9 million. The country is divided into three regions: Flanders in the north, where Dutch is spoken, Wallonia in the south, where French is spoken, and the capital Brussels, officially bilingual. In the east there is a small German-speaking community. Brussels hosts the main institutions of the European Union and NATO headquarters, and the port of Antwerp-Bruges is the second largest in Europe.

Belgium suits professionals working for international organisations and companies, families who value free schools, strong healthcare and life at the heart of Europe, and those who want a European Union passport through naturalisation in 5 years while keeping their previous citizenship. It suits less those seeking low taxes and simple bureaucracy.

History and government

Belgium became independent in 1830, separating from the Netherlands, and has remained a constitutional monarchy ever since: Philippe has been King since 2013. From the 1970s the country gradually became a federation in which regions and language communities decide on the economy, housing, education and culture. Belgium is one of the six founding countries of European integration in 1957 and, together with the Netherlands and Luxembourg, forms the Benelux union. Hence the strong international environment of Brussels, home to tens of thousands of European Union staff, lobbyists and lawyers.

How to move in 2026

Belgium has no residence by investment programme or permit for wealthy people without work. Citizenship is available after 5 years of legal residence with A2 in one of the national languages, proof of integration and work; the declaration fee is 1,030 euros, about $1,160. More on the page about naturalisation in Belgium.

Taxes

Belgium has one of the highest tax burdens on salaries. Income tax is 25%, 40%, 45% and 50% on income above 51,070 euros a year (about $57,220), plus a municipal surcharge of 0% to 9% of the tax, about 7% on average. Employees pay 13.07% social contributions. VAT is 21%, with 12% and 6% on food and some services. Corporate tax is 25%. Since 1 January 2026 a 10% tax applies to capital gains on financial assets, including crypto. A special tax regime applies to highly paid specialists recruited from abroad. More on the page about Belgian taxes.

First steps after moving

• Registering with the commune. Within 8 working days of arrival you must report to the commune where you live; the police then check the address and the commune issues a residence card.
• Health fund. Every resident must join a health insurance fund, which reimburses most doctor and medicine costs.
• Bank and number. After registration you receive a national number, used to open a bank account and access digital services.
• Driving licence exchange. Licences from many countries can be exchanged; others require new tests.

Cost of living

Housing in Belgium is cheaper than in Paris, Amsterdam and London, and Wallonia is noticeably more affordable than Flanders and Brussels. Groceries and services are on a par with neighbouring Western European countries. State schools are free and teach in the regional language, and Brussels has European and international schools. Nurseries are partly state-funded, and families receive child benefits. Healthcare is strong, with most costs covered by the health fund.

Where to live

• Brussels. The European Union capital, an international environment, English at work. Newcomers often choose the communes of Ixelles, Uccle, Etterbeek and Woluwe.
• Antwerp. A port and business city, the centre of the diamond trade, Dutch-speaking.
• Ghent and Leuven. University cities with historic centres and a young crowd.
• Liège and Namur. Wallonia, French-speaking, with the most affordable housing among the big cities.
• Bruges. A medieval city near the sea, quiet life and tourism.

Practicalities

• Language. Dutch in Flanders, French in Wallonia, both in Brussels, where English is widely used in business.
• Transport. A dense rail network: Brussels to Paris takes about an hour and a half, to London and Amsterdam about two.
• Climate. Maritime: mild winters around 3-6 degrees, cool summers around 20-23, frequent rain.
• How the country works. Many matters are decided by the regions, so rules on work, housing and property taxes differ between Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels.

Business and companies

The most popular form is the private limited company: there is no minimum capital, but a financial plan and sufficient starting capital are required, and the articles are executed before a notary. A foreigner from outside the European Union who wants to run a business personally needs a professional card. The company is registered in the central enterprise register and receives a VAT number. More on the page about company registration in Belgium.

Who Belgium suits

Belgium is a good choice for those moving for work or with a business who want a European Union passport in 5 years without giving up their own. High taxes on salaries are offset by free education, strong healthcare and a mild tax on capital. Write in the chat and we will choose a basis for your move and plan the path to citizenship for your family.