Pros of living in Belgium
Although Belgium is a small country, it has a very diverse culture offering numerous advantages to those who choose to live there. In this section we explore what Belgium is like and list the most prominent pros of living in Belgium.
Belgium's four-day work week
Belgium is the first country in Europe to enact legislation for a four-day work week. This progressive move grants all employees in Belgium the option to work either nine and a half hours a day over four days, or eight hours a day over five days. The total number of working hours stays the same, but it allows individuals to enjoy extended weekends.
For many professionals, a four-day work week allows more flexibility and greatly enhances their work-life balance.
Belgian cuisine is great
Belgium is known for its many traditional dishes. Their chocolate is renowned worldwide for its quality, and you can find an extensive range of delectable chocolates throughout the country. In addition to chocolate, Belgium boasts a rich beer culture that entices enthusiasts from around the globe — and let's not forget Belgium's famous waffles and fries.
Cheap rent (comparably)
Renting in Belgium is considerably cheaper than in the United States or neighbouring countries such as the Netherlands. The rent-to-salary ratio in Belgium is also favourable, meaning that housing costs generally align well with income levels. If you kickstart your career in Belgium and have a specific work permit, such as an EU Blue Card, you may enjoy the added benefit of a higher minimum wage.
More about the cost of living in Belgium
Want to learn more about the cost of living in Belgium? We've written a dedicated article in which we explain everything you can expect — the average salary, and a comparison of several cost-of-living factors with other countries. Read more about the cost of living in Belgium, or call one of our advisors on the phone number below.
Easy (regional) travel
Belgium is a relatively small country and you will have no issue getting around with public transport in a short amount of time. Whether you opt for trains, trams, buses or metros, you can rely on a well-connected network that seamlessly links cities and small towns.
Another good thing about living in Belgium is that it is strategically located in the heart of Europe. The country shares borders with multiple countries, and it is very easy to visit exciting capital cities such as London, Amsterdam or Paris — a perfect opportunity to explore not only the country itself but also the surrounding area.
Sold on the pros so far?
Fill in the form and a CallMePower adviser will call you back free of charge to answer questions about your move.
Cons of living in Belgium
While Belgium offers numerous advantages, like any other place there are certain cons to living in Belgium. In the following paragraphs we explore the most noteworthy aspects that one might consider bad things about living in Belgium.
The language situation
Belgium is divided into two main regions: Flanders in the north and Wallonia in the south. Depending on where you move, you might find that the local language in Belgium differs. The main languages spoken in the country are Dutch, French and, to a lesser extent, German. That said, in major cities like Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent the majority of the population is multilingual.
Although in large cities you are likely to get by with English, learning the local language can be very helpful when venturing outside major urban areas — and it allows you to foster stronger connections with the local residents.
The weather is unpredictable
Belgium has a temperate maritime climate influenced by the proximity to the North Sea. One of the bad things about living in Belgium is that the weather is characterised by frequent rainfall, with cool summers and moderate winters. The morning might greet you with bright sunshine, only to be followed by cloudy skies and occasional showers in the afternoon.
If you're seeking a country with consistently warm and sunny weather, Belgium may not be the ideal choice. That said, the diverse seasons and temperate climate have their own unique charm.
There is a high tax rate
When considering employment opportunities in Belgium, you should be aware that the country has some of the highest income tax rates in the European Union. A significant portion of your earnings will be allocated to taxes. When starting a new job, inquire about your post-tax salary — the difference between gross income and net income can be substantial.
On the bright side, Belgium has a robust public service sector. The funds generated from income taxes are invested in public services that you'll likely use yourself: healthcare, education, transportation infrastructure and social security.
Energy prices in Belgium
Not only the tax rate is high in Belgium — energy prices have been steadily rising over the past few years. If you're moving to Belgium, make sure to pick the cheapest energy supplier. Call one of our experts on the phone number below to learn more about the energy market in Belgium.
It might be difficult to land a job
The last con about living in Belgium is that if you are from a country outside the European Union, it might be complicated to find a job. The primary reason lies in the additional costs and administrative complexities that companies face when hiring non-EU citizens. The hiring process often involves additional legal requirements, such as obtaining work permits and a Belgian visa. As a result, most job openings in Belgium are limited to members of the European Union.
Is Belgium a good place to live?
Determining whether Belgium is a good place to live depends on the factors that hold the greatest significance for you. If you prioritise a good work-life balance, a great culinary experience and a well-established transportation system, then Belgium may be an ideal destination.
However, if abundant sunshine matters a lot to you, or if you are reluctant to learn a new language, then Belgium might not be the perfect fit. Identify which variables matter most to you and assess whether Belgium is a good fit from there.
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Belgium
The most-cited reasons are the four-day work week option (the first in Europe), excellent food culture (chocolate, beer, waffles), affordable rent compared to neighbouring countries, a central European location with easy travel to London, Amsterdam and Paris, and a robust public service sector funded by income taxes.
The biggest downsides are the high income tax rate (among the highest in the EU), unpredictable weather with frequent rainfall, the trilingual situation that can make administration harder, and the difficulty of finding a job as a non-EU citizen because employers face extra paperwork.
Brussels is by far the most expat-friendly — it is officially bilingual French/Dutch, the working language in many companies is English, and the international community is large. Antwerp and Ghent are great alternatives in Flanders, while Leuven attracts academics and researchers thanks to KU Leuven.
Yes in major cities. In Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent most people under 50 speak English well, and many companies use it as a working language. Outside the major urban centres, expect French in Wallonia and Dutch in Flanders to be the dominant languages and English to be less reliable.
Yes for most expat families. Belgium offers universal child benefits, free or heavily subsidised public schools (in French or Dutch), excellent international schools in Brussels, generous parental leave and one of the best public healthcare systems in Europe. The downside is the cost of childcare for under-3s, which can be high.
More about living in Belgium