Living in Brussels: the ultimate expat guide
Everything you need to know for a successful life in Brussels.
As Belgium's capital city, Brussels is a dynamic and multicultural global cosmopolitan area. It is very popular with international companies, as well as convention people and expatriates looking forward to enjoy a lively expat experience in Europe.
Brussels is the ideal destination for professional expatriates, international students and retirees. Remember that no visa is required for European Union nationals.
Generalities
Get an overview of living in Brussels with general information to discover the destination.
Discover Brussels
One of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, Brussels is regularly ranked among the best ...
Adjusting to the local culture in Brussels
As it is such a vibrant and diverse city, it should come as no surprise to learn that Brussels is ...
How to make new friends in Brussels
As Brussels is home to such an international crowd, there are many ways newcomers to the city can ...
Work
Dive into the Brussels labour market, legal framework and tips on how to find a job in Brussels.
Finding work in Brussels
Home to a diverse array of peoples, cultures, and languages, Brussels is a very multicultural city ...
The labor market in Brussels
In addition to the European Union and NATO, which are based in the city, Brussels has numerous ...
Jobs in Brussels
Discover professional opportunities in Brussels and boost your career.
Accommodation
Explore real estate or temporary rentals in Brussels. Find out more about renting or buying a house or a flat, real estate agents, leases and rental agreements.
Accommodation in Brussels
As it's a multicultural city with a healthy job market, it's no surprise that Brussels ...
Buying property in Brussels
Compared with other European capitals, buying property in Brussels is very affordable. ...
Find your ideal home in Brussels
Explore real estate listings in Brussels to buy or rent your next home.
Study
Universities, training courses, student visas, registration procedures: all you need to know about being an international student in Brussels.
Transport
From public transports to renting or buying a car, explore the best options to getting around in Brussels.
Transportation in Brussels
When moving to Brussels and starting a new job, you'll want to know a little bit about what transport options are on offer before deciding on a ...
Leisure
Sports, leisure, culture and other activities expats can enjoy in their spare time in Brussels.
Things to do in Brussels with a crowd or alone
When you move to a new place, finding things to do with your friends and solo is always great. This ...
The local cuisine in Brussels
When it comes to good restaurants, Brussels is truly blessed, and you rarely have a bad meal. As it ...
Nightlife in Brussels
While Brussels may not be known for its nightlife, visitors will be pleasantly surprised at all of ...
Articles from the magazine
Aneesh in Brussels: "Potatoes, waffles, chocolates and beer are big part of the Belgian lifestyle"
Aneesh, Indian expat, settled in Brussels three years ago. IT engineer, he also enjoys traveling across Belgium and the European Union with his family...
Brussels has it all: Love, friends and Italian food
Charlotte comes from London. Her partner's posting brought her to Belgium in January 2016. Since then, every day is an adventure. She shares her time between work and fun wanders among the cobbled streets of Brussels where there's always a new bar or restaurant waiting to be discovered. She shares with Expat.com her life in what she describes as being a very European city with a laidback lifestyle.
Howard in Chastre: "Courtesy is an art here"
American expat, Howard moved to Belgium to live with his wife. They settled in Chastre, a country commune in central Belgium...
Kerry-Ann in Leuven: "Belgians are quite easy-going and proud of their country"
Kerry-Ann comes from Mauritius. She moved to Leuven more than six months ago following her postgraduate studies to be with her boyfriend. She particularly enjoys biking and exploring the city.
Sean in Genk: "The cultural diversity of Belgium in general is a pleasant surprise"
Sean comes from South Africa. Former professional truck driver, he traveled to 35 countries since 1994. He settled in Genk with his wife Sabine five years ago and now works in automotive production.
Ivory Pomegranate
My name is Kirstin, I'm originally from Pennsylvania, USA. I was working in Baghdad in 2009/2010 when I decided to move to Bishkek.
How do I insure my home as an expat in Belgium?
If you're thinking about moving to Belgium, taking out a home insurance policy will be one of your priorities. Here is everything you need to know.
Author Melanie Cheng discusses the impact of a bicultural upbringing on identity
Join us as we explore the journey of Melanie Cheng, a writer profoundly influenced by her upbringing in Hong Kong and Australia. Her unique bicultural background has deeply shaped her perspective and voice as a storyteller. Today, Melanie shares insights into how navigating two distinct cultures has enriched her writing, offering a nuanced exploration of identity, belonging, and the complex interplay of language and tradition in her work.
