The Land of Beer, Bonbons, Lace & Manneken Pis

Information on Relocating to Belgium

• The capital city of Belgium is Brussels with about 955 thousand people. The political centre is also in Brussels where the King also resides. Belgium is federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarch and host the European Union and NATO.

• Languages: The languages spoken are Dutch (Flemish) French and German (less then 1% of the population speaks German). Most Belgians also speak English. The TV programs are in their original languages and subtitled, with about 25 stations available.

• Population: The population is about 10.4 million people - 58% are Flemish, 31% Walloon, and 11% mixed or other cultures.

• Expat areas: Popular areas for the Expat community are Antwerp, Brussels, Tervuren, Ukkel, Waterloo, and Wezembeek-Oppem.

• Housing: The availability of apartments and houses in the country and particularly in these popular areas varies. Most Expats rent their apartment or house; some buy their homes. Both options are available but mainly depend on your company policy, income, and the length of your stay.

• Cost of housing: Varies from area to area and the size of the house or apartment you'll pay anything from Euro 800 to Euro 2800 for an apartment and Euro 2500 to Euro 5000 and higher. The local currency is EURO.

• Schools: We have the American, and the  British school, the International and the Scandinavian school, the Belgium and French school all available. Depending on the age we can tell you about a possible waiting lists, etc.

• Transportation: There is a great public transportation system, Plains, trains like the Eurostar connecting London and Brussels, the Thalys connecting Brussels with for example Paris, Amsterdam, Köln,  Düsseldorf etc, and then of course we have trams, busses and  taxi's.

• Bank: The banks are open Mondays-Fridays from 9.00 am until 4.30 to 6.00 pm and some are open on Saturday morning. Sometimes banks close during lunch-hour.

• Shopping: Is generally done from Monday-Saturday from 10.00 am - 7.00 pm. Department stores often remain open longer up to 9.00 pm on Friday. Outside the main areas some shops may close at lunchtime. The famous Antique and flee markets are usually open on Saturdays and Sundays.

• Climate: Belgium has mild winters, cool summers and is rainy and humid. Belgium, like the Netherlands, has a sea climate with temperatures varying from -8°C to +15°C (18°F to 58°F)  and during the summers the temperatures vary from  15°C to 34°C (58°F to 93°F).

• Culture: Folklore is an important part of life in Belgium. Carnivals, festivals, pageants, plays and religious processions are held all year long. Almost any occasion is cause for a parade and almost every parade includes a giant or two. Besides these parades you can find all kinds of concerts, theatre, cinema, museums, parks and historical sites.

• Public holidays: January 1st-New Years day; Easter Sunday & Easter Monday-(dates vary); May 1st-Labor day; May 17th-Ascension Day; May 27th-Pentecost; May 28th-Pentecost Monday; July 21st-Independence day; August 15th-Assumption Day; November 1st-All Saints Day; November 11th-Armistice Day; December 25th- Christmas Day.