The scenic nation of Belgium is for sure one of Europe’s hidden beauties for those looking to relocate there. There is much about Belgium to fall in love with, from the expansive beaches of the Belgian coast to the lush hills of the Ardennes. And that’s without taking a waffle or paper cone of fries and exploring the nation’s unique capital, Brussels, or one of its many other fascinating cities.
There are a few things you should take into account if you’re thinking about relocating to Ghent, Genk, or any of the other fantastic Belgian towns or cities. You’ll need to consider Belgian visa requirements, education choices, and other factors, just like with any international move.
However, this useful checklist has all the information you need to know about migrating to Belgium to give you a head start on what you need to consider.
1. Research Extensively
When considering moving abroad to start a new life, Belgium might not be the first place that comes to mind. However, the nation has a lot to offer expats, including its charming medieval cities, fantastic beer culture, and breathtaking nature. However, if you’re thinking about moving there, it’s important to look past all the waffle(s) and learn more about what life is truly like in Belgium before moving in.
Everything from the general cost of living, the cost of food at the grocery store, and the standard of education in the area should be included in your research of life in Belgium. Connecting with local expats in the area you are moving to may also be a good idea.
If you are a Belgium national, you should also check out the process of moving back as so many things might have changed over the time you were away. Understanding the entire process and knowing what you are getting into is one step to relocating smoothly.
2. Identify your Desired Residence
You’ll need to start considering where to live once you are convinced that you want to relocate to Belgium. Where you will live should be tied to where you will get employment or the comfort of your family. A new residence especially in a new country comes with a number of challenges and to avoid them, identifying a residence beforehand will do you good.
3. Plan your Finances
Having a solid understanding of your financial status is crucial if you’re moving to Belgium from Uganda. After all, you’ll be shocked by how rapidly your money vanishes even when you strive to keep costs low whenever possible. There are always additional expenses and fees that even the most well-planned relocation doesn’t account for, as any seasoned expat can tell you.
You must use an online money transfer provider in order to keep fees as low as possible while sending money. This might be an excellent way to transfer money to Belgium without incurring bank fees. It is a great strategy to get by till that crucial first salary comes in.
Belgium’s currency value is way higher than the Ugandan Shilling. Therefore, it is important to do the necessary conversions to ensure you have enough money to sustain yourself before getting your first paycheck.
4. Start your Job Search Early
You might be relocating from Uganda to Belgium after securing a job already. For many others, moving to Belgium entails entering the local employment market right away. If this describes you, start looking for a job before you move to Belgium to make those first few weeks there a little simpler.
The work market in Belgium varies across the nation. The greatest place to hunt for English-speaking jobs, for instance, is Brussels. However, there are other prospects in other towns and cities around Belgium.
If your French or Dutch is good enough, your chances of getting a job are high. However, regardless of your language skills, you should make sure to write your resume for the local market and get your job search in Belgium off to a good start.
5. Relocating as a Belgium National
If you are a Belgium national living in Uganda, your work contract in Uganda might have come to an end or it could just be time to return home. The first thing to do is to notify the Belgium embassy or consulate about your departure.
After arriving in Belgium, you should ideally report to your new municipality within eight working days. You will be listed in the registry after confirming your primary residence. The municipality where you had your primary residence before moving to Uganda will be notified by your new municipality. They will send your administrative records to your new municipality if they still have them. The process to issue a new identity card begins as soon as you have been registered.
6. Signing-Up with the Local Government
If you are not Belgian and want to move to Belgium, you must have the appropriate documentation for residency. The residency process that a Ugandan national must follow depends on the length of the stay in Belgium, and the reason for it.
In order to extend your stay in Belgium past three months as a foreign national, you must submit a report to the municipality where you are staying within eight days of your arrival. You must have a physical address in this municipality in order to be included on the National Register.
7. Obtaining the Required Visa
Visa-free entry is available to nationals of the EU into Belgium. There are unique visa waiver options for several nations outside of the EU for short-term stays as well.
Get in touch with the Belgian embassy in your area to learn which kind of visa you require. Before you relocate to Belgium, you must submit any visa applications to the Belgian embassy or consulate that is closest to you.
For short-term visas (up to 90 days) and long-term visas, separate application forms are available. Depending on the reason for your visit, other documents may be needed in addition to your valid passport. Those moving to Belgium from outside the EU require a long-term visa.
8. Check the Belgian Educational Systems
Finding a new school for your children will likely be at the top of your to-do list if you are relocating to Belgium with children. In Belgium, you often have an option between public and private schools. Although all citizens of Belgium have access to public education, as one might anticipate, the systems in the Dutch, French, and German-speaking regions differ greatly.
Many parents who relocate to Belgium decide to enrol their kids in neighbourhood international or private schools. Even if they might be a better option for older kids, be mindful of the costs before enrolling in anything.
9. Relocating your Pet to Belgium
Pets of all sizes and shapes will love Belgium. Your pets won’t be bored, whether you have a puppy who will like racing along the expansive Belgian beaches or a cat who will appreciate exploring the Liège roofs.
However, if you plan to bring a pet to Belgium, taking care of their needs should be at the top of your priority list for moving there. Just be aware that the procedure may take some time, especially if you are travelling from a non-EU nation. It makes sense to start organizing things early.
There are several alternatives to assist you to sort things out, but it’s crucial to be aware of the regulations and procedures for bringing a pet into Belgium. For instance, an international moving firm can assist with organizing each aspect of your pet’s journey, from obtaining the necessary documentation to set up any accommodations your furry pals may want along the route.
Your pet may find the trip a little frightening, but you can be sure that once they arrive in Belgium, they will quickly become accustomed to their new home.
10. Moving Household Goods
Decide whether you want to relocate your household goods to Belgium on your own or if you’ll need the help of an international moving company. You will likely require expert assistance to ship your belongings unless you are travelling very light or undertaking a relatively short transfer.
First, request bids from different relocation companies, making sure they visit your house to take comprehensive surveys. If you want the relocation company to pack your belongings for you, it can be worth the extra cost since Belgium is far from Uganda and they need special handling during the lengthy flight. Make sure to alert them on anything of high value or fragile that needs to be wrapped and packed with extra care.
Find out if the price the relocation company charges is inclusive of insurance or if you must pay extra for it.
Any customs and importation paperwork should be handled on your behalf by the moving company, but if you are organizing the move yourself, you will need to learn what paperwork is needed and what import charges and taxes are due (and whether you are eligible for exemption from these).
Make sure to separate the crucial papers you’ll need for the trip, like your passport and tickets, and keep them in your hand luggage so they’re easy to get to.
