Living and Working in Belgium
Quick links: Accommodation / Bank Accounts / Healthcare / Pay & Bens / Tax / Visas / Travel
Accommodation
It’s easy to find accommodation in Belgium and whilst there are differences between costs in major, urban centres and the more rural districts, prices are on average lower than those in other European countries.
The standard lease for a rental property is between three and nine years, with deposits usually the equivalent of three months' rent. You may lose part of your deposit if you end the contract within the first three years. If you are considering a short term stay you may be better off in a hotel, youth hostel or B&B.
The tenant is responsible for minor repairs and maintenance. It’s always a good idea to check which utilities are included in the lease - fire insurance is obligatory.
Bank Accounts
Opening a current account in Belgium is easy. All you need is a valid passport, a signed and completed application form and proof of address. You can also open an account online and some banks permit visitors to set one up before they arrive in Belgium.
Once established it can take a fortnight before the debit card, PIN and passwords come through the post. Bank statements are sent out monthly, but it’s possible to increase their frequency by paying a small fee.
Healthcare
Belgium is renowned for having one of the best healthcare systems in Europe. GPs may be linked to a private practice, clinic or hospital; who you register with is entirely up to you. Similarly you can arrange to see a specialist of your choice at any hospital. In an emergency you can dial 100 or 112 for an ambulance or admit yourself to A&E for immediate treatment.
Health insurance covers both the policy holder and any dependents, to benefit you will need to join a fund mutuelle or ziekenfonds. Comprehensive though this cover may be, don’t forget to take cash when you visit a GP, especially if you use an international practice in Brussels or one of the other larger cities.
Pay & Benefits
Rates of pay in Belgium are competitive, with salaried employees paid monthly and earning an average €125.19 per day. Contractors net an average €131.14 per day and are paid fortnightly. Benefits include medical insurance, company car and frequently subsidized lunches.
Tax
You are eligible to pay taxes if you are resident within Belgium, work in Belgium or are seconded there for a period exceeding 183 days. Tax is relatively high, with deductions calculated according to family status. In addition to income tax there is a 13.07% social security contribution. Child benefit is tax free and paid independently.
Visas
To work in Belgium you need a Type D visa. To obtain this visa you must present the authorities with a work permit, a reference from your previous job and a medical certificate. You need to ask your Belgian employer for a work permit.
Travel
Belgium has a highly developed road network, the densest in the world. Modern marvels like the Wallonia Motorway are fed by regional expressways, threading the countryside to converge at Brussels. There are no tolls but traffic jams are an issue; public transport is a good option at rush hour.
NMBS/SNCB:
Belgium’s rail provider: www.b-rail.be/main/N
De lijn:
Belgium’s bus company: www.delijn.be
MIVB/STIB:
The Belgian Tram network: www.mivb.be
