What to know as new resident in Belgium: Language diversity: Dutch, French, German. Required residence permit. High-quality healthcare system. Efficient public transport. Bicycle-friendly culture. VAT and income taxes. School enrollment process. Local recycling regulations. Business hours and holidays. Cultural customs and etiquette.
Language diversity: Dutch, French, German.
In Belgium, understanding the three official languages is essential for effective communication. The majority of the population, about 60%, speaks Dutch, primarily in the region of Flanders. French is spoken by around 40%, mainly in Wallonia and Brussels, while German, used by roughly 1% of the population, is found in the eastern region. Each area has its dominant language, and Brussels stands out as officially bilingual, with a tendency towards French usage. For more insights, explore the Languages of Belgium to enhance your understanding of this multilingual country.
Required residence permit.
To live in Belgium for more than 3 months, you need a Belgian Residence Permit, which requires documents such as a valid passport with a visa D, two passport photos, a rental contract, and proof of your status. You must register your address within 8 working days of arrival and will receive a foreigner's ID card after verification. For detailed information on obtaining a residence permit, visit HousingAnywhere. Following these steps ensures a smooth transition to your new life in Belgium.
High-quality healthcare system.
Belgium's healthcare system is renowned for its comprehensive coverage, high accessibility, and good health outcomes, with a life expectancy of 82.5 years in 2023. However, it faces challenges such as growing demand, staff shortages, and financial pressures. To ensure sustainability and quality of care, a transition to Value-Based Healthcare is necessary. This shift aims to address these challenges while maintaining the high standards that the Belgian healthcare system is known for.
Efficient public transport.
Belgium offers an efficient public transport system managed by several operators, including SNCB/NMBS for trains, and regional operators like STIB/MIVB for Brussels, De Lijn for Flanders, and TEC for Wallonia. You can use the MoBIB card for payment across different modes of transport, and various apps like BeTrains, Whim, and the STIB-MIVB app to plan and pay for your journeys.
Bicycle-friendly culture.
Belgium has a highly bicycle-friendly culture, boasting an extensive network of bike paths, which includes the innovative Knoopunten System and cycle highways, making it easy and safe to navigate the country by bike. The country's infrastructure is continually improved to accommodate increasing bicycle use, with guidelines for wider cycle paths and enhanced accessibility.
VAT and income taxes.
As a new resident in Belgium, it is essential to understand the country's progressive income tax system, which ranges from 25% to 50%, with residents taxed on their worldwide income and non-residents taxed solely on Belgium-sourced income. Additionally, Belgium applies a Value Added Tax (VAT) of 21% as standard, along with reduced rates of 6% and 12% for certain goods and services. For a detailed understanding of taxation in Belgium, you can visit ClearTax, which offers comprehensive insights into these tax structures.
School enrollment process.
To enroll your child in a school in Belgium, you must register within the first 60 days of your municipality registration, providing documents such as proof of identity, residence permit, vaccinations, address, and previous academic records. The enrollment process varies by language community, whether it is Dutch, French, or German, and schools do not operate on catchment areas. This flexibility allows you to choose any school; however, it's important to act swiftly as places can fill up quickly. For further details on the nuances of the enrollment process and educational system, refer to Education in Belgium on Expatica.
Local recycling regulations.
In Belgium, recycling is managed by three regions—Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels-Capital—each with its own distinct rules and organizations. Residents must adhere to a color-coding system for sorting waste, using specific bags for different materials such as blue PMD bags for plastics, metals, and drink cartons. Furthermore, they are encouraged to utilize collection points and recycling centers, which are managed by intermunicipal companies and organizations like Fost Plus and Recupel. For a comprehensive guide on recycling practices, visit the website on Waste And Recycling In Belgium to ensure you are following the most effective methods in line with the region's guidelines.
Business hours and holidays.
In Belgium, there are ten national public holidays, including New Year's Day, Easter Monday, and Christmas Day, during which most businesses and public services are closed. Business hours typically run from 9 AM to 1 PM and 2 to 4:30 PM for banks, and 10 AM to 6 PM for stores, with some variations on Saturdays and Fridays. To gain a deeper understanding of these holidays and how they might affect business operations, you can visit the article on Public Holidays and Paid Leave in Belgium, which provides valuable insights into the country's holiday schedule and its impact on the workforce.
Cultural customs and etiquette.
As a new resident in Belgium, it is crucial to understand that appearances matter greatly, with an emphasis on cleanliness and personal appearance. You should also be aware of formal greetings, dress conservatively, and avoid sensitive topics in conversations. Additionally, it is important to follow strict table manners and business etiquette, such as punctuality and respect for linguistic differences.