Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Belgium Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Belgium Property Pack
Yes, Belgium is a genuinely good place for expats in 2026, with strong healthcare, excellent transport links, and a truly international community in Brussels.
Living costs in Belgium run between 2,500 and 3,500 euros per month for a comfortable single lifestyle in Brussels, though smaller cities like Ghent and Antwerp can be noticeably cheaper.
We constantly update this blog post as new data becomes available, so the numbers and insights you see here reflect the most current situation in Belgium.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Belgium.
Is Belgium a good place to live in 2026?
Is quality of life getting better or worse in Belgium in 2026?
As of early 2026, quality of life in Belgium is on a slight upward trajectory, mainly because inflation has cooled down from the peaks of 2022 and 2023 and purchasing power is stabilizing thanks to Belgium's automatic wage indexation system.
The factor that has improved the most in Belgium over the past two to three years is energy price stability, as households are no longer facing the dramatic utility bill shocks that hit during the energy crisis, and government support schemes helped cushion the blow.
However, a persistent challenge remains housing affordability in Brussels and the major Flemish cities, where rent and property prices have continued to climb faster than incomes, making it harder for newcomers to find good value accommodation.
Are hospitals good in Belgium in 2026?
As of early 2026, hospitals in Belgium are considered high quality by Western European standards, with the OECD ranking Belgian healthcare favorably for access, coverage, and clinical outcomes.
Expats in Belgium most commonly recommend university hospitals like Erasme Hospital in Brussels, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc in Brussels, and UZ Leuven because these facilities have multilingual staff and concentrate specialists in one place.
A standard GP consultation in Belgium in 2026 typically costs between 25 and 35 euros (around 27 to 38 USD) if you see a doctor who follows the official tariffs, though non-conventionné doctors can charge more and you will receive partial reimbursement through your mutuelle health insurance.
Private health insurance is not strictly necessary for expats in Belgium if you are registered with a mutuelle, but many expats still choose supplementary coverage to access private rooms faster or get better dental and vision benefits.
Are there any good international schools in Belgium in 2026?
As of early 2026, Belgium has a strong selection of international schools, especially around Brussels, with over 30 schools offering international curricula including IB, British, American, and European Baccalaureate programs.
Among the most reputable international schools in Belgium are the International School of Brussels, the British School of Brussels, and the official European Schools network, which serve the large expat and EU institution community.
Annual tuition fees at international schools in Belgium in 2026 range from around 6,000 euros (6,500 USD) at European Schools for Category III students to over 40,000 euros (43,500 USD) at top private international schools like ISB, depending on the grade level.
Waitlists at popular international schools in Brussels can be long, especially for mid-year entry or certain language sections, so applying early is essential, while Belgian public schools can be a viable alternative if your child can manage French or Dutch instruction.
Is Belgium a dangerous place in 2026?
As of early 2026, Belgium remains a generally safe country comparable to other Western European nations, ranking in the top 20 of the Global Peace Index, though Brussels has seen increased attention around drug-related gang activity in certain areas.
The most common safety concerns for expats in Belgium are pickpocketing in busy areas like the Brussels Grand-Place and main train stations, bicycle theft, and avoiding specific neighborhoods like parts of Molenbeek, Schaerbeek, and Anderlecht after dark.
The safest neighborhoods in Belgium for expats include Uccle, the Woluwe communes, Watermael-Boitsfort, and Etterbeek in Brussels, as well as residential areas in Ghent like Coupure and in Antwerp like Zurenborg and Berchem.
Women can generally live alone safely in Belgium with normal big-city precautions, such as avoiding poorly lit streets at night in sketchy areas and staying aware of surroundings on public transport, though the overall risk profile is typical for Western Europe.
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How much does everyday life cost in Belgium in 2026?
What monthly budget do I need to live well in Belgium in 2026?
As of early 2026, a single person needs around 2,500 to 3,200 euros per month (2,700 to 3,500 USD) to live comfortably in Brussels, covering rent for a decent apartment, food, transport, and some social activities.
For a modest but decent lifestyle in Belgium in 2026, a single person can manage on about 1,800 to 2,300 euros per month (1,950 to 2,500 USD) if they share accommodation, cook at home often, and limit dining out.
A more comfortable or upscale lifestyle in Belgium, with a larger apartment in a prime Brussels neighborhood, regular dining out, and travel, requires around 3,500 to 4,500 euros per month (3,800 to 4,900 USD) for a single person.
Housing typically takes the largest share of a monthly budget in Belgium, often 35 to 45 percent of income in Brussels, followed by food and transport, with the Brussels STIB transit pass costing around 55 euros per month.
What is the average income tax rate in Belgium in 2026?
As of early 2026, a typical middle-income earner in Belgium faces an effective income tax rate of roughly 35 to 45 percent when you factor in both income tax and social security contributions, making Belgium one of the highest-taxed countries in the OECD for labor income.
Belgium's income tax brackets in 2026 are progressive, starting at 25 percent for the lowest band and rising through 40 percent and 45 percent to reach 50 percent on income above approximately 46,000 euros, though various deductions and credits can lower the actual burden.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Belgium versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
What kind of foreigners actually live in Belgium in 2026?
Where do most expats come from in Belgium in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top countries of origin for expats in Belgium are France, the Netherlands, Italy, Romania, Morocco, and Poland, reflecting Belgium's position as an EU hub and its historical migration ties with Mediterranean and Eastern European countries.
Belgium has approximately 1.6 million foreign nationals, representing about 14 percent of the total population, with the Brussels-Capital Region being the most diverse area where 37 percent of residents are non-Belgian citizens.
Most expats from EU countries are drawn to Belgium by employment opportunities with EU institutions, NATO, multinational corporations, and the strong pharma and tech sectors concentrated around Brussels, Antwerp, and Leuven.
The expat population in Belgium is predominantly working professionals and their families, including a significant number of EU institution staff, corporate employees, and international organization workers, rather than retirees or digital nomads.
Where do most expats live in Belgium in 2026?
As of early 2026, expats in Belgium concentrate heavily in Brussels neighborhoods like Ixelles, Etterbeek, the two Woluwe communes, Uccle, and Saint-Gilles, as well as in Antwerp's Zurenborg and Het Zuid districts and Ghent's Patershol area.
These neighborhoods attract expats in Belgium because they combine good public transport connections, English-friendly services, proximity to international schools, and a mix of cafes, restaurants, and green spaces that suit family and professional lifestyles.
Emerging neighborhoods in Belgium that are starting to attract more expats include Forest and Schaerbeek in Brussels for their lower rents and improving infrastructure, as well as Ledeberg in Ghent for budget-conscious young professionals.
Are expats moving in or leaving Belgium in 2026?
As of early 2026, Belgium is experiencing a net inflow of expats, particularly professionals moving to Brussels for EU and corporate roles, though the pace has moderated slightly compared to the post-pandemic surge years.
The main factor driving expats to move to Belgium right now is the strong job market in sectors like EU affairs, pharma, tech, and international organizations, combined with Belgium's central location and high quality of life.
The main factor causing some expats to leave Belgium recently is the high tax burden on labor income and the challenging housing market in Brussels, where rental prices and property costs have outpaced wage growth for many.
Compared to similar destinations like the Netherlands and Luxembourg, Belgium attracts slightly fewer new expats but retains a steady international community thanks to the EU institutions and a more affordable cost base than Luxembourg.
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What paperwork do I need to move to Belgium in 2026?
What visa options are popular in Belgium in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three most popular visa types for expats moving to Belgium are the Single Permit for employed workers, the EU Blue Card for highly skilled professionals, and the Professional Card for self-employed individuals and freelancers.
The Single Permit, which combines work authorization and residence in one document, requires a job offer from a Belgian employer, proof of qualifications, and the employer to demonstrate they could not fill the role locally.
Belgium does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa, but remote workers can use the Professional Card route if they establish self-employed status, or stay up to 90 days visa-free if they are from eligible countries like the US.
The Single Permit is typically valid for the duration of the employment contract up to a maximum of three years and can be renewed, while the Professional Card is initially issued for two years and extendable to five years.
How long does it take to get residency in Belgium in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical processing time for a work-based residence permit in Belgium ranges from two to four months end-to-end, depending on the region handling the work authorization and the municipality processing the registration.
Common factors that can delay residency in Belgium include incomplete documentation, slow municipality appointment availability, and applications submitted during peak periods, while having an employer experienced with the process can speed things up.
An expat must live in Belgium legally for five continuous years before becoming eligible for permanent residency, and Belgian citizenship requires five years of legal residence plus proof of social integration and language knowledge.
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Belgium. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
How hard is it to find a job in Belgium in 2026?
Which industries are hiring the most in Belgium in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three industries hiring in Belgium are pharma and life sciences (with major employers like UCB, Janssen, and GSK), tech and cybersecurity, and EU affairs and public policy roles concentrated in Brussels.
It is realistic for expats to get hired in Belgium without speaking Dutch or French if they target Brussels-based international organizations, EU institutions, and multinational corporate headquarters, though language skills open more doors in Flanders and Wallonia.
The roles most accessible to foreign job seekers in Belgium include policy advisors and lobbyists, data scientists and software engineers, clinical research professionals, and multilingual customer service positions at corporate shared service centers.
What salary ranges are common for expats in Belgium in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical gross salary range for expats working in Belgium is between 45,000 and 90,000 euros per year (49,000 to 98,000 USD), depending on industry, experience level, and whether the role includes expat benefits.
Entry-level to mid-level expat positions in Belgium typically pay between 35,000 and 60,000 euros gross per year (38,000 to 65,000 USD), with roles in NGOs and smaller companies at the lower end and corporate positions at the higher end.
Senior or specialized expat roles in Belgium, such as pharma directors, senior EU affairs consultants, or tech leads, commonly pay between 80,000 and 130,000 euros gross per year (87,000 to 141,000 USD) or more with bonuses.
Employers in Belgium do sponsor work visas, particularly larger companies and international organizations experienced with the Single Permit process, though smaller firms may be less willing due to the administrative burden.
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What's daily life really like for expats in Belgium right now?
What do expats love most about living in Belgium right now?
Expats in Belgium consistently praise the country's central European location that puts Paris, Amsterdam, London, and Cologne within a few hours by train, the vibrant international community in Brussels, and the excellent food and beer culture.
The lifestyle benefit most frequently praised by expats in Belgium is the work-life balance, with reasonable working hours, generous vacation allowances, and the ability to enjoy weekend trips to the coast, the Ardennes, or neighboring countries.
The practical advantage expats appreciate most in Belgium is the strong public healthcare system with broad coverage through the mutuelle insurance, combined with reliable public transport that makes car ownership optional in cities.
Culturally, expats enjoy Belgium's multilingual environment where you can hear French, Dutch, English, and many other languages daily, along with the lively cafe culture, world-class museums, and the quirky Belgian sense of humor.
What do expats dislike most about life in Belgium right now?
The top complaints from expats in Belgium are the high income tax burden that significantly reduces take-home pay, the gray and rainy weather that can feel relentless from October to April, and the complexity of navigating Belgium's multilingual administrative systems.
The daily inconvenience that frustrates expats the most in Belgium is the unpredictable train delays and occasional strikes that disrupt commutes, combined with the difficulty of scheduling appointments at some municipal offices.
The bureaucratic issue causing the most headaches for expats in Belgium is the fragmented regional structure, where rules differ between Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels, making it confusing to understand which regulations apply to you.
Most expats find these frustrations manageable rather than deal-breakers, especially once they adapt to Belgian rhythms and learn which commune offices are more efficient than others.
What are the biggest culture shocks in Belgium right now?
The biggest culture shocks for expats moving to Belgium are discovering that Belgium functions as three distinct regions with different languages and cultures, the importance of choosing the "right" language in bilingual Brussels, and how much your specific commune affects your daily experience.
The social norm that surprises newcomers most in Belgium is the reserved initial demeanor of Belgians, who can seem distant at first but become warm and loyal friends once you break through, which takes patience and repeated social contact.
The aspect of daily routines in Belgium that takes the longest to adjust to is the strict adherence to opening hours, with many shops closing early on weekdays and entirely on Sundays, and the need to plan ahead for appointments and administrative tasks.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Belgium compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
Can I buy a home as a foreigner in Belgium in 2026?
Can foreigners legally own property in Belgium in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreigners can legally buy and own property in Belgium without restrictions, as Belgian law does not discriminate based on nationality for real estate purchases.
The main considerations for foreigners buying property in Belgium are the mandatory notary process, registration fees of 6 to 12.5 percent depending on the region, and different tax treatment for residents versus non-residents on rental income and capital gains.
Foreigners in Belgium can purchase all property types including apartments, houses, and land, with no restrictions on freehold ownership, making Belgium one of the more open European markets for international buyers.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing the whole property buying process for foreigners in Belgium.
What is the average price per m² in Belgium in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average price per square meter for residential property in Belgium is approximately 2,800 euros (3,050 USD), though prices vary significantly by region, with Brussels City averaging around 3,500 euros per m² and Ghent around 3,500 euros per m² for apartments.
Property prices in Belgium have shown moderate growth over the past two to three years, with prices stabilizing in 2024 and 2025 after the rapid increases of 2021 and 2022, and the market now reflecting more balanced conditions between buyers and sellers.
Also, you'll find our latest property market analysis about Belgium here.
Do banks give mortgages to foreigners in Belgium in 2026?
As of early 2026, mortgages are available to foreigners in Belgium from major banks, though non-residents typically face stricter requirements including higher down payments of 20 to 30 percent compared to 10 to 20 percent for residents.
Banks in Belgium known for offering mortgages to foreign buyers include BNP Paribas Fortis, KBC Bank, and ING Belgium, all of which have experience processing international applications and offer multilingual support.
Typical mortgage conditions for foreigners in Belgium in 2026 include interest rates of 3.2 to 4.5 percent, loan-to-value ratios of 70 to 80 percent for non-residents, and maximum terms of 20 to 25 years depending on the borrower's age and profile.
Foreigners applying for a mortgage in Belgium need to provide proof of stable income, tax returns from the past two years, bank statements, a property valuation, and often translated and apostilled documents if originating from outside the EU.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Belgium.
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What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Belgium, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why It's Authoritative | How We Used It |
|---|---|---|
| Statbel (Belgian Statistics Office) | Belgium's official statistics office for prices, inflation, and household data. | We used Statbel CPI data to anchor everyday cost estimates through December 2025. We then adjusted spending figures for early 2026 inflation trends. |
| Belgian Federal Planning Bureau | Federal government body used by institutions for Belgium-wide forecasts. | We used their inflation forecasts to project 2026 price pressure. We applied these projections to nudge 2025 figures into realistic early 2026 estimates. |
| National Bank of Belgium | Belgium's central bank providing top-tier macroeconomic outlooks. | We used NBB projections as a sanity check on 2026 economic direction. We triangulated it with the Planning Bureau to avoid guesswork on trends. |
| OECD Health at a Glance 2025 | OECD indicators are internationally comparable and built from official data. | We used it to ground claims about Belgian healthcare quality in measurable metrics. We avoided vague statements by anchoring to recognized indicators. |
| European Schools Official Fee Schedule | The official fee structure from the European Schools system. | We used it to provide verified 2025/2026 school fee baselines for Brussels. We treated private schools as typically higher than this floor. |
| Belgian Immigration Office (IBZ) | Federal immigration authority responsible for residence and work rules. | We used IBZ guidance to describe the Single Permit pathway accurately. We framed realistic processing flows based on their official procedures. |
| Immoweb Price Index | Belgium's dominant property portal with transparent price-per-m² data. | We used it to provide early 2026 property price estimates by city. We treated figures as market index data rather than exact transaction prices. |
| OECD Taxing Wages 2025 | Standard international benchmark for labor tax burden comparisons. | We used it to contextualize Belgium's high tax wedge versus other countries. We combined it with EU TEDB for official structure details. |
| STIB/MIVB Brussels Transit | The official operator tariff page for Brussels public transport costs. | We used it to price a realistic Brussels monthly commute in 2026. We plugged that into our monthly budget calculations. |
| Belgium.be Official Portal | The Belgian government's official information portal for residents. | We used it to outline arrival and registration steps for newcomers. We kept our paperwork checklist aligned to official guidance. |
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Belgium. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.