MDM Belgium Forum

What should one know before moving to Belgium?

2 replies · 3 Nov 2026

Newbie_In_Namur

So i just got my visa sorted for a family reunion to be with my partner and i am moving from the states in a few weeks so i am currently trying to wrap my head around everything, i am going to be teaching physics so i am hoping the school situation is okay but honestly the paperwork side of things is already stressing me out a bit because everything seems so different from back home, i am trying to figure out if i should learn dutch or french first or if it even matters if i end up in a bilingual area like brussels, also the housing market looks crazy online so if anyone has tips on finding a place or just what the general vibe is like for an expat it would be great thanks

Accepted answer

map_reader

Moving to Belgium is pretty complex because of the different regions and rules for non-EU citizens. You need to get a Type D visa before you even get here, and if you stay more than three months you must go to the commune to register within eight days of arriving. It is tricky because there is Flanders which speaks Dutch and Wallonia which is French and then Brussels which is both. If you are not from the EU you have to deal the regional rules too. I waited about 3 or 4 months for my single permit after the first decision was positive so be patient. Good luck

Replies

vibes_only_be

The paperwork is a total nightmare (honestly i still cant believe how slow it is!!) some people say it is too much because every region has its own ways of doing things and it makes it super unpredictable...

Add your answer

Answers are reviewed before they appear.