Moving to Belgium

Never underestimate a small nation like Belgium.

For centuries, the Romans, Spanish and Germans colonized it. It gained its independence from the Netherlands in 1830 and was occupied by Germany during both World Wars, which brought about the multicultural, multilingual nation it is today. Most importantly, it is one of the founders of the European Community.

Today, Belgium is the home to a thriving international business community, NATO's euro-politicians and the center of the European Union. Belgium has certainly joined the top ranks of the EU's prominent countries.

And lest we forget, Belgium is Europe's best-kept gastronomical wonderland with its delightful chocolates, pastries, and fine dining.

Belgium is a federal state, with two relatively autonomous regions: Flanders in the north, where the official language is Dutch or "Flemish", and Wallonia in the south. Hence, the country is fragmented into linguistic communities - French, Flemish and German. Belgians are not inclined to identify themselves with a national culture, but rather with the culture associated with their language.

The Kingdom of Belgium has a population of 10,839,905 inhabitants; its land is surrounded by the Netherlands in the north, Germany in the east, Luxembourg in the south east, and France in the south.

Even with spectacular contemporary building facades, Belgium's charisma is not found in its city skyscrapers, but instead in its mesmerizing cobbled streets, charming cafés, and graceful art nouveau architecture. You will be impressed by the architectural magnificence of the city's churches, town halls and castles all dating back to the early Middle Ages.

The capital city, Brussels, can be explored on foot, by bus, or by tram. You can even go museum hopping for a day. The Grand-Place, which hosts concerts and musical events, is the city's main tourist attraction; just sit back on one of its many terraces with the company of a good Belgian beer.

However, before you give in to the lure of life in Belgium, consult the Belgium Consulate in your home country. Before immigrating to Belgium, the appropriate visa must be obtained. Without it your stay in Belgium will be limited to 90 days.

On arrival in Belgium, you must notify the local authorities (administration communale) of your presence within ten working days and present your passport or identity card. You must follow this simple procedure in order to obtain the ‘declaration of presence' that allows you to stay on Belgian territory for a period of less than three months.

If you are relocating with a pet, be prepared to present a certificate issued by a veterinarian (less than 30 prior to entry) validating that the pet has been vaccinated against rabies and is in good health.

If you relocate with your car, remember the speed limit of 50 km per hour in town.

Belgians have very strict rules. The vast majority of Belgians are religiously conservative and advocate Roman Catholic customs and traditions. Most also value their privacy.

Sport also occupies an important place in Belgian society; popular sports include football, cycling, judo, volleyball, tennis and motocross.

Belgium is certainly much more than the mouth-watering waffles, pastries, chocolates, pralines and beer it offers. Contrary to the name, it's Belgium who gave the world French fries. Its people, despite stark differences in culture and language, are united in placing value in hard work, passion for the arts, and a zest for life.