Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Belgium Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Brussels' property market is included in our pack
Brussels is the unofficial capital of the European Union and one of the most international cities on the planet, with nearly 40% of its 1.25 million residents holding non-Belgian nationality.
This guide covers everything you need to know about moving to Brussels in 2026, from visa paperwork and realistic salary expectations to neighborhood safety and international school fees, all based on official Belgian data and real expat experiences.
We constantly update this blog post to keep the information fresh and accurate, so you can trust it when making your relocation decisions.
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 Brussels.
Is Brussels a good place to live in 2026?
Is quality of life getting better or worse in Brussels in 2026?
As of early 2026, quality of life in Brussels remains stable overall, with some pressure points related to housing costs and urban safety, but the city continues to attract thousands of international workers and families each year.
The most noticeable improvement in Brussels over the past two to three years has been the expansion of cycling infrastructure and pedestrian zones, particularly in the city center around the Grand Place area, which has made daily commuting and weekend outings noticeably more pleasant for residents.
On the other hand, housing affordability has remained a persistent challenge in Brussels, with average rents now exceeding €1,300 per month across all communes and annual rent indexation adding uncertainty to expat budgets.
Are hospitals good in Brussels in 2026?
As of early 2026, hospitals in Brussels generally meet or exceed Western European standards, with several university hospitals providing specialized care that ranks among the best in Belgium.
The hospitals expats most commonly recommend in Brussels include Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, UZ Brussel in Jette, and Erasme Hospital in Anderlecht, all of which offer multilingual services and have dedicated international patient departments.
A standard general practitioner consultation in Brussels in 2026 typically costs between €25 and €35 (about $27 to $38), though you may pay significantly more if you visit a non-contracted doctor or a private clinic that charges supplements.
Private health insurance is strongly recommended for expats in Brussels, not because the public system is inadequate, but because it gives you faster access to specialists, single rooms during hospital stays, and better coverage for dental and optical care that the basic mutual fund does not fully reimburse.
Are there any good international schools in Brussels in 2026?
As of early 2026, Brussels offers over 25 international schools, making it one of the strongest cities in Europe for expat families seeking English-language or multilingual education for their children.
The most reputable international schools among expat families in Brussels include International School of Brussels (ISB), British School of Brussels (BSB), and the four European Schools, which serve children of EU institution employees but also accept other students when space allows.
Annual tuition fees for international schools in Brussels in 2026 range from about €12,000 to €40,000 (roughly $13,000 to $44,000), with European Schools charging much lower fees of €4,400 to €8,200 for non-EU staff categories, while private schools like ISB and BSB sit at the higher end of that range.
Waitlists are often long for the most popular international schools in Brussels, especially European Schools which have formal seat allocation phases each year, so expat parents should apply early and keep backup options ready; public Belgian schools are a viable alternative but quality varies significantly by commune and language network.
Is Brussels a dangerous place in 2026?
As of early 2026, Brussels is not considered a dangerous city by default, but it is a large metropolitan area with noticeable block-by-block variation in safety, and expats who choose their neighborhood carefully and follow basic urban precautions typically report feeling secure in their daily lives.
The most common safety concerns for expats in Brussels are pickpocketing, phone snatching, and bicycle theft, particularly in transit hubs like Gare du Midi, busy tourist areas around Grand Place, and on public transport, rather than random violent crime which remains relatively uncommon.
The neighborhoods in Brussels generally considered safest for expats to live include Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Uccle, Watermael-Boitsfort, and the quieter parts of Etterbeek near the European Quarter, where crime rates are lower and the residential atmosphere is more family-friendly.
Women can generally live alone safely in Brussels, with many doing so in areas like Ixelles (especially around Flagey and Châtelain), though common precautions such as staying alert in poorly lit areas at night, avoiding certain transit stations late in the evening, and learning which streets feel less comfortable are recommended just as in any major European city.
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How much does everyday life cost in Brussels in 2026?
What monthly budget do I need to live well in Brussels in 2026?
As of early 2026, a comfortable monthly budget for a single person living in Brussels is around €2,600 to €3,200 net (approximately $2,850 to $3,500 or €2,600 to €3,200), which covers a well-located one-bedroom apartment, regular dining out, fitness activities, and the ability to save a bit each month.
For a more modest but still decent lifestyle in Brussels in 2026, a single person can manage on about €2,000 to €2,400 net per month (around $2,200 to $2,650), though this requires choosing a less central commune, cooking at home more often, and being mindful of discretionary spending.
If you want a more comfortable or upscale lifestyle in Brussels in 2026, including a prime location, frequent travel, and regular dining at nicer restaurants, you should budget €3,800 to €4,500 net per month (approximately $4,150 to $4,900), which is the range where Brussels feels truly easy rather than merely manageable.
Housing consistently takes up the largest share of a monthly budget in Brussels, with one-bedroom apartments averaging €1,000 to €1,300 per month and rent indexation rules potentially increasing your rent each year, making it the single most important factor to plan for when budgeting your move.
What is the average income tax rate in Brussels in 2026?
As of early 2026, the effective income tax rate for a typical middle-income earner in Brussels (and all of Belgium) ranges from about 35% to 50% of gross salary when you combine personal income tax with the mandatory 13.07% employee social security contribution, depending on your exact salary and deductions.
Belgium uses a progressive tax system with four main brackets: 25% on the first €15,820, 40% on income from €15,820 to €27,920, 45% on income from €27,920 to €48,320, and 50% on everything above €48,320, which means higher earners in Brussels pay a significant portion of their gross income in taxes.
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 Brussels in 2026?
Where do most expats come from in Brussels in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top countries of origin for expats living in Brussels are France (about 70,800 residents), Romania (46,600), Italy (36,700), and Morocco (33,200), reflecting both EU freedom of movement and historical migration patterns to Belgium.
Nearly 37% of Brussels residents, or about 465,000 people, hold non-Belgian nationality, which is significantly higher than the 10% to 11% foreign population share in Flanders and Wallonia, making Brussels one of the most international cities in Europe.
The main reason expats from the top origin countries are drawn to Brussels is the concentration of EU institutions, NATO headquarters, international organizations, and multinational corporate headquarters, which create a constant demand for professionals who speak multiple languages.
The expat population in Brussels is predominantly working professionals rather than retirees or digital nomads, with the EU affairs sector, international consultancies, and tech companies employing the largest share of foreign residents, though the city also attracts students and entrepreneurs.
Where do most expats live in Brussels in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top neighborhoods where expats concentrate in Brussels are Etterbeek and Ixelles (near the European Quarter and around Flagey), the Woluwe communes (Woluwe-Saint-Pierre and Woluwe-Saint-Lambert), and Uccle for families seeking greener surroundings.
What makes these neighborhoods attractive to expats in Brussels is the combination of walkability, easy access to EU institutions and international employers, a high concentration of English-speaking services and international shops, and the presence of established expat communities that make settling in easier.
Emerging neighborhoods in Brussels that are starting to attract more expats include parts of Saint-Gilles (especially near Parvis de Saint-Gilles), Forest for those seeking a creative vibe at lower rents, and certain pockets of Schaerbeek that offer more affordable housing while still being well-connected by metro.
Are expats moving in or leaving Brussels in 2026?
As of early 2026, Brussels continues to experience a net inflow of expats, with international migration remaining the primary driver of population growth, as over 56,000 people moved to Brussels from abroad in 2023 compared to about 35,000 who emigrated.
The main factor driving expats to move to Brussels right now is the unique concentration of international career opportunities, including EU institutions, NATO, lobbying firms, and multinational headquarters, which is difficult to find in any other European city at this scale.
The main factor causing some expats to leave Brussels recently is the combination of high housing costs, annual rent indexation uncertainty, and concerns about safety in certain areas, with some families relocating to the greener Flemish or Walloon Brabant suburbs while keeping jobs in the city.
Compared to similar destinations like Amsterdam, Paris, or Luxembourg, Brussels still attracts a steady flow of expats because it offers similar international career opportunities at a lower cost of living, though competition from remote work options and cities with lower taxes is increasing.
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What paperwork do I need to move to Brussels in 2026?
What visa options are popular in Brussels in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three most popular visa types for expats moving to Brussels are the Single Permit (which combines work and residence authorization for non-EU nationals), family reunification visas for spouses and children of permit holders, and EU free movement registration for citizens of other EU/EEA countries who simply need to register at their local commune.
The main eligibility requirements for the Single Permit, which is the most commonly used visa for non-EU workers in Brussels, include having a job offer from a Belgian employer who sponsors your application, demonstrating that no suitable EU candidate was available for the role (labor market test), and providing proof of qualifications and clean criminal record.
Belgium does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa like some other European countries, so remote workers without a Belgian employer must typically enter on tourist status (90 days maximum within a 180-day period) or explore options through self-employment permits, which require establishing a Belgian business presence and meeting financial thresholds.
The typical validity period for the Single Permit in Brussels is one year, renewable annually as long as you maintain employment, and after five years of continuous legal residence you may apply for long-term residency or begin the path toward Belgian citizenship, which generally requires 5 to 10 years of residence.
How long does it take to get residency in Brussels in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical processing time to obtain a Single Permit for non-EU workers in Brussels ranges from 3 to 6 months from when your employer submits the application to when you receive your residence card, though some cases move faster (especially for shortage occupations) and others can take longer due to documentation issues.
Common factors that can delay the residency application process in Brussels include incomplete documentation, delays in obtaining translated and apostilled documents from your home country, and the back-and-forth between the regional employment authority (Brussels Economy and Employment) and the federal Immigration Office, while having a shortage occupation or strong employer sponsorship can speed things up.
An expat must typically live in Belgium for five continuous years before becoming eligible for permanent residency, and Belgian citizenship generally requires 5 to 10 years of legal residence depending on your integration level, language skills, and employment history, with the process requiring proof of social and economic integration.
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 Brussels in 2026?
Which industries are hiring the most in Brussels in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three industries hiring the most in Brussels are EU affairs and public policy (including consultancies, NGOs, and lobbying firms), information technology and digital services, and healthcare roles that appear on the official labor shortage list, which gives employers more flexibility to hire foreign workers.
It is realistic for expats to get hired in Brussels without speaking French or Dutch if you target EU institutions, international organizations, or multinational corporate headquarters where English is the working language, but for local Belgian companies, SMEs, and most service sector jobs, fluency in French (and ideally Dutch) significantly improves your chances.
The types of roles most accessible to foreign job seekers in Brussels include policy advisors, legal and regulatory specialists, communications and public affairs managers, software developers, data analysts, and healthcare professionals, especially nursing and technical medical roles that are on the official shortage occupation list maintained by Actiris and Brussels Economy and Employment.
What salary ranges are common for expats in Brussels in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical salary range for expats working in Brussels is €2,500 to €4,500 net per month (approximately $2,750 to $4,950 or €2,500 to €4,500), though this varies widely depending on industry, seniority, and whether you work for an EU institution, international organization, or private sector company.
For entry-level or mid-level expat positions in Brussels in 2026, net salaries typically range from €2,200 to €3,500 per month (about $2,400 to $3,850), which is sufficient for a comfortable life in the city if you manage housing costs carefully and live in a reasonably priced commune.
Senior or specialized expat roles in Brussels in 2026, such as senior policy advisors, tech leads, legal directors, or executives, typically command net salaries of €4,500 to €7,000+ per month (approximately $4,950 to $7,700+), with some EU institution positions and corporate leadership roles paying even higher.
Employers in Brussels commonly sponsor work visas for foreign hires when the role is on the official labor shortage list or when the candidate has specialized skills that are hard to find locally, with large employers, EU-adjacent organizations, and tech companies being the most sponsor-friendly.
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What's daily life really like for expats in Brussels right now?
What do expats love most about living in Brussels right now?
The top things expats love most about living in Brussels are the incredibly international atmosphere where being foreign is the norm rather than the exception, the compact size that makes the city walkable and bikeable, and the unbeatable geographic position that puts you within two hours of Paris, Amsterdam, London, and Cologne by train.
The lifestyle benefit most frequently praised by expats in Brussels is the work-life balance, with shorter commutes than comparable capitals, generous vacation policies by European standards, and a café culture that encourages long lunches and after-work socializing in neighborhood bars.
The practical advantage expats appreciate most in Brussels is the excellent public transportation network, including trams, buses, and metro that cover the entire region for about €50 per month, plus the fact that you can easily live without a car and still access everything you need.
What makes Brussels particularly enjoyable socially is the ease of meeting people from all over the world, the abundance of expat meetups, international clubs, and English-speaking social events, and the genuine warmth once you break through the initial Belgian reserve.
What do expats dislike most about life in Brussels right now?
The top complaints expats have about living in Brussels are the high and unpredictable housing costs (especially with annual rent indexation), the variable cleanliness of certain streets and public spaces, and the pockets of the city that feel less safe, particularly around major train stations and some western communes.
The daily inconvenience that frustrates expats the most in Brussels is the complex bureaucracy at the commune level, where opening hours are limited, staff may only speak French or Dutch, and simple tasks like registering your address or renewing ID cards can require multiple visits and long waits.
The bureaucratic issue that causes the most headaches for expats in Brussels is the commune registration process when you first arrive, which involves waiting for a police verification visit, collecting multiple documents, and navigating a system that varies significantly in efficiency depending on which of the 19 communes you live in.
These common frustrations are generally manageable rather than deal-breakers for most expats in Brussels, as the career opportunities, international lifestyle, and European connectivity tend to outweigh the administrative hassles once you settle into routines and learn how the system works.
What are the biggest culture shocks in Brussels right now?
The biggest culture shocks expats experience when moving to Brussels are the dual-language reality (where you need to navigate French and Dutch in official contexts even though everyone speaks English casually), the importance of the commune system (which affects nearly every aspect of daily administration), and the Belgian tendency toward indirect communication that can feel confusing at first.
The social norm that surprises newcomers the most in Brussels is the Belgian approach to friendship, where relationships tend to develop slowly and social plans are often made far in advance, which can feel distant to expats from cultures where friendships form more spontaneously.
The aspect of daily routines that takes the longest for expats to adjust to in Brussels is the rigid schedule of shops and services, with many stores closing on Sundays, limited evening hours, and a general expectation that you plan your errands around fixed business hours rather than having 24/7 convenience.
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 Brussels in 2026?
Can foreigners legally own property in Brussels in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreign property ownership in Brussels is fully allowed with no restrictions based on nationality, meaning non-EU and EU citizens alike can purchase apartments, houses, and land under the same legal framework as Belgian residents.
The specific restrictions that apply to foreigners buying property in Brussels are minimal: there is no quota, no special permits required, and no requirement to live in the country, though you will need a Belgian notary to complete the transaction and must pay the same registration duties and taxes as any other buyer.
Foreigners can own all property types in Brussels, including apartments, townhouses, detached houses, mixed-use buildings, and even land, with no legal distinction between what Belgian citizens and foreign nationals may purchase or own.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing the whole property buying process for foreigners in Brussels.
What is the average price per m² in Brussels in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average price per square meter for residential property in Brussels is approximately €3,400 (about $3,930 or €3,400), with apartments averaging €3,400 to €3,500 per square meter and houses slightly lower at around €3,200 to €3,300 per square meter, though prices vary dramatically by commune.
Property prices in Brussels have trended upward over the past two to three years, with a 13.5% increase since 2020 and moderate growth of about 3% year-over-year through 2025, driven by limited housing supply, continued international demand, and improved mortgage conditions following ECB interest rate cuts.
Also, you'll find our latest property market analysis about Brussels here.
Do banks give mortgages to foreigners in Brussels in 2026?
As of early 2026, mortgages for foreigners in Brussels are widely available from major Belgian banks, with both residents and non-residents able to apply, though non-residents typically face stricter requirements and higher down payment demands than people already living and working in Belgium.
The banks in Brussels known to offer mortgages to foreigners include BNP Paribas Fortis, KBC, and ING Belgium, all of which have experience processing applications from international clients and offer English-language support for the mortgage process.
The typical mortgage conditions for foreigners in Brussels in 2026 include a down payment of 10% to 20% for residents (20% to 30% for non-residents), interest rates ranging from 3.2% to 4.5% depending on your profile and loan term, and maximum loan terms of 20 to 25 years for foreign buyers.
To qualify for a mortgage in Brussels as a foreigner, you typically need three months of payslips or proof of stable income, employment contracts, two years of tax returns, bank statements from all accounts, proof of the down payment source, and often a credit report from your home country, with all foreign documents requiring certified translation and sometimes apostille stamps.
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 Brussels, 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 (Belgium's national statistics office) | It's Belgium's official producer of income, housing, and price statistics. | We used it to anchor housing prices and inflation using official transaction data. We then cross-checked Brussels-specific figures with regional sources. |
| IBSA/BISA (Brussels Institute for Statistics and Analysis) | It's the official statistics institute for the Brussels-Capital Region. | We used it to understand who lives in Brussels by nationality and origin. We then used that data to identify where expat communities cluster. |
| KCE (Belgian Health Care Knowledge Centre) | It's an official federal research body evaluating Belgium's health system. | We used it to assess hospital quality beyond anecdotes. We then paired it with practical expat healthcare guidance. |
| INAMI/RIZIV (National Health Insurance Institute) | It's the official body that sets reimbursable medical tariffs. | We used it to anchor what doctor visits cost under regulated fee schedules. We then explained when you might pay more. |
| safe.brussels (Brussels Security Observatory) | It's Brussels' official security observatory using multiple data sources. | We used it to add Brussels-specific safety nuance. We then translated it into practical neighborhood advice. |
| Actiris (Brussels Public Employment Service) | It's the official labor market data hub for the Brussels region. | We used it to ground job market difficulty in real numbers. We then paired it with the shortage occupation list. |
| Working in Belgium (Federal Portal) | It's an official federal portal explaining work and residence authorization. | We used it to outline the Single Permit process for non-EU workers. We then added practical timing estimates. |
| European Schools (Official System) | It's the official fee and enrollment documentation for European Schools. | We used it to anchor school fees for 2025/2026. We then compared it to private international schools. |
| Immoweb (Belgium's Largest Property Portal) | It provides transparent price-per-square-meter data by location. | We used it for practical price estimates that expats can actually use. We then verified against official transaction data. |
| Brussels-Capital Region (Official Housing Portal) | It's the Brussels government's official guidance on rent rules. | We used it to explain rent indexation mechanics. We then built budgeting guidance around annual lease adjustments. |
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.
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