Living in Ghent: the ultimate expat guide

Ghent offers a dynamic job market with particular strength in technology, biotechnology, logistics, and creative industries. The city is home to Bio-Energy Valley, a major hub for cleantech innovation, and benefits from its proximity to the Port of Ghent, one of Europe's largest seaports. English-speaking professionals will find opportunities across multiple sectors, particularly in international companies and the university ecosystem.

Key Industries and Employers

The tech sector in Ghent continues to expand, with companies like Showpad, Teamleader, and numerous startups offering positions for developers, data scientists, and digital marketers. The biotech and pharmaceutical industries provide roles for researchers and engineers, while the logistics sector around the port creates demand for supply chain professionals. Ghent University and Vlerick Business School are major employers for academic and administrative staff.

Work Permits and Salaries

EU/EEA citizens can work freely in Belgium. Non-EU nationals typically need a Single Permit (combined work and residence permit), which employers must apply for. The application process takes approximately 4 months. Belgium offers competitive salaries with strong worker protections and automatic wage indexation to inflation.

Sources: Statbel, Numbeo

Ghent is one of Belgium's premier university cities, home to institutions that consistently rank among Europe's best. The strong academic presence creates a youthful, international atmosphere and drives innovation across multiple sectors. International students benefit from numerous English-taught programs and a supportive environment designed to ease their transition.

Ghent University (UGent)

Ghent University is one of Europe's leading research universities, ranking in the top 100 globally according to the Academic Ranking of World Universities. Founded in 1817, it hosts approximately 49,000 students, including nearly 5,000 international students from over 130 countries. The university offers numerous master's programs taught entirely in English across faculties including Engineering, Sciences, Economics, and Arts.

Tuition fees for EU/EEA students are approximately €1,000 per year. Non-EU students pay between €4,900 and €8,000 annually, depending on the program. The Master Mind Scholarship provides up to €8,000 per year to cover tuition and living expenses for international students.

Other Institutions

Vlerick Business School, affiliated with both Ghent University and KU Leuven, offers internationally accredited MBA and executive education programs. HOGENT and Artevelde University of Applied Sciences provide practice-oriented bachelor's and master's degrees in fields ranging from business to healthcare.

Sources: Ghent University, Vlerick Business School

Belgium has a well-developed education system, and Ghent offers options for international families seeking English-language instruction. Education is compulsory from ages 6 to 18, though most children begin school at 2.5 years old. Public schools in Flanders teach in Dutch, which can be an excellent immersion opportunity for younger children.

International School of Ghent (ISG)

The International School of Ghent is the only English-medium international school in East and West Flanders. Located in the heart of the city within the renovated Leopoldskazerne, ISG provides education for children aged 2.5 to 12 years following the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) and the National Curriculum of England. Class sizes are small, with students representing over 40 nationalities.

Annual tuition fees at ISG range from €14,500 to €15,500 per child. As a non-profit organization without government subsidies, the school relies entirely on tuition income. Ghent University provides support for staff members enrolling children at ISG.

Belgian Schools and Alternatives

Public schools in Belgium are free and offer high-quality education. Some Ghent schools provide additional English lessons after regular hours. For secondary education (ages 12-18), families often consider schools in nearby Brussels or Antwerp, which offer British, American, and International Baccalaureate curricula. The British School of Brussels and Antwerp International School are popular choices, both accessible within an hour's commute.

Sources: International School of Ghent, City of Ghent

Finding accommodation in Ghent requires patience but rewards those who plan ahead. The rental market is competitive, particularly near the university and city center. Most apartments in Belgium come unfurnished but include a fitted kitchen. Expect to pay a deposit of 2-3 months' rent, typically held in a blocked bank account.

Popular Neighbourhoods for Expats

Patershol is a charming medieval quarter with cobblestone streets, excellent restaurants, and canal views – ideal for those seeking historic character. Gentbrugge attracts families and professionals with its green spaces, good schools, and easy access to public transport. Sint-Amandsberg and Ledeberg offer more affordable options with a vibrant, up-and-coming atmosphere. The city center (Centrum) suits young professionals who want walkability and nightlife, while Watersportbaan-Ekkergem is popular with students due to its proximity to Ghent University.

Rental Prices

Rental prices in Ghent are moderate compared to Brussels or London but have risen steadily in recent years. The table below shows average monthly rents based on current market data.

Sources: Numbeo December 2025, Immoweb

Ghent punches well above its weight in cultural offerings. The city's medieval heritage, world-class museums, and year-round festivals create endless opportunities for exploration. From canal-side strolls to cutting-edge contemporary art, there's something for every taste.

Museums and Attractions

Saint Bavo's Cathedral houses the famous Ghent Altarpiece by Jan van Eyck, one of the most significant artworks in history. The imposing Gravensteen Castle offers panoramic city views, while SMAK (Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art) showcases works by Andy Warhol, Francis Bacon, and Belgian masters. The Design Museum Gent and STAM City Museum provide fascinating insights into design history and Ghent's evolution. For something unique, the Museum Dr. Guislain explores the history of psychiatry through outsider art.

Festivals and Events

The Gentse Feesten (Ghent Festivities) in July is one of Europe's largest cultural festivals, attracting 1.5 million visitors over 10 days with free concerts, street theatre, and celebrations across the historic center. The Ghent Light Festival (every three years) transforms the city into an illuminated wonderland. Film Fest Gent in October brings international cinema to historic venues, while OdeGand kicks off the Festival of Flanders with performances on boats and in churches.

Parks and Recreation

Citadelpark offers walking paths and a playground near the arts quarter, while Blaarmeersen provides swimming, water sports, and beaches in summer. Gentbrugse Meersen features nature walks and family-friendly facilities. The city's canal network offers boat tours and kayaking opportunities.

Sources: Visit Ghent, Visit Flanders

Life in Ghent moves at a comfortable pace. The city's compact size means most daily activities can be accomplished on foot or by bicycle. With 51 hectares of car-free zones in the historic center, Ghent prioritizes pedestrians and cyclists, creating a pleasant and sustainable urban environment. Shops typically open from 10:00 to 18:00, with supermarkets staying open until 20:00 or later.

Getting Around

Public transport is operated by De Lijn, with an efficient network of 4 tram lines and numerous bus routes running from early morning until around 1:00 AM. A single ticket costs €3, while a monthly pass (Omnipas) costs approximately €50-67 depending on age. Contactless payment is available on all vehicles. Two main train stations – Gent-Sint-Pieters and Gent-Dampoort – connect the city to Brussels (30 minutes), Bruges (25 minutes), and Antwerp (50 minutes).

Cycling is deeply embedded in Ghent's culture. The city boasts extensive bike lanes and public rental systems. De Fietsambassade offers bike rentals starting at €5 per day, and many residents use cycling as their primary mode of transport year-round.

Cultural Habits

Belgians value work-life balance, with most shops closed on Sundays. The famous Belgian beer culture thrives in Ghent's many cafés and pubs. Thursday evenings see locals gathering on canal-side terraces, while weekends bring farmers' markets to squares like Groentenmarkt and Kouter. Learning basic Dutch phrases is appreciated, though English is widely spoken in shops, restaurants, and workplaces.

Sources: City of Ghent, De Lijn

Ghent offers a more affordable alternative to Brussels while maintaining excellent quality of life. Overall, the cost of living is moderate compared to other Western European cities – approximately 25% lower than London and comparable to cities like Manchester or Melbourne. Housing represents the largest expense, followed by groceries and transportation.

Monthly Budget for a Single Person

The following table provides estimated monthly expenses for a single person living in Ghent, excluding rent.

Monthly Budget for a Family of Four

Sources: Numbeo December 2025