Welcome to Belgium

Introduction

Are you moving to Belgium as an expat and don’t know much about the country yet? No shame, there are many other expats like you. In fact, Belgium is a popular choice for expats. Copper has listed the most important things that you need to know. This way you will be fully prepared for your stay in Belgium.

Why is Belgium a popular destination for expats?

As mentioned earlier, Belgium is an attractive destination for expats, but why is that? Belgium is known for a high standard of living, excellent health care, public facilities and education. Right now there is a record number of expats residing in Belgium.

Geographics

Belgium is a small country, yet it consists of three separate and almost autonomous regions and each one has a different language. Flanders is located in the north of the country and forms the largest part of Belgium. About 58% of the population lives here. People here speak dutch and flemish.

Wallonia is the country’s southern French-speaking region. Only 11% of the country’s inhabitants live here. Brussels, the capital and home of the European Union, is bilingual. This division makes politics very complicated. There is a federal government, three regional governments and three community governments.

A slightly easier subject, the weather. It’s not too hot, not too cold. But you never know what kind of weather it’s gonna be. You can have four seasons in one day. The day can start sunny and end rainy. There is rain every season but there are beautiful days too. So packing for each season is the message!

Health Insurance

You will probably wonder how to arrange everything for your health insurance. Belgium is known for a very good health care system. Copper has figured it out and written it out for you. Read it here.

Where is your new home?

Do you have no idea yet where you would like to live in Belgium? It’s an important decision because it’s soon going to be your new home. Belgium is a small country but there are a lot of options for expats. Most expats go to the capital, where the most english-speaking job opportunities are. Next to the capital, Ghent, Antwerp and Liege are also popular destinations with internationals. The Belgian coast is very beautiful and a bit quieter. Copper is happy to help you find your new home!

Some Belgian culture

Are you ready to immerse yourself in Belgian culture? Get a small preview here. Let’s start in the kitchen. Belgium is known for a good and extensive cuisine. The most famous food that you really have to try are waffles, beer and frites.

Also, Belgium has many museums you can visit, movies you can watch, shopping areas and much more. Do some day trips in the most famous cities: Antwerp, Brussels, Ghent,… or go on a nature trip to the Ardennes. That’s how you will discover everything about Belgium.

Career opportunities

There are a lot of you expats that come to Belgium but haven’t found a job yet. Good news, the Belgian job market is very diverse. Are you looking for an English-speaking job? Then you will definitely find something in Brussels or in another big city of Belgium.

The most important tip we can pass along is that your resume should be well tailored to the local market.

Expat Services, your partner in your expat adventure

 Hopefully we were able to help you a lot further with this article. But if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask. We are here to help you and make sure you will have a carefree stay and most of all, enjoy your expat experience.

 Article by https://copper.be/nl