Digital Nomad Life in Belgium

"Expats in Belgium often join clubs and activities such as language classes, sports teams, and cultural events. Expats can also meet people by attending local festivals, joining meetup groups, or attending networking events. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups related to their interests. This can be a great way to connect with other expats and locals in Belgium," explained one person living in Belgium.

"Living in Belgium as an expat or digital nomad can be a rewarding experience. The country is known for its high quality of life, with excellent public transportation, a vibrant cultural scene, and a wide variety of activities to enjoy. Expats and digital nomads can find plenty of opportunities to network and collaborate with other professionals in the area. The cost of living in Belgium is relatively high, but there are plenty of affordable housing options available. The country is also known for its excellent healthcare system, making it a great place to live for those with medical needs. Expats and digital nomads can also take advantage of the country's excellent education system, with a wide range of universities and colleges to choose from," said one expat who made the move to Belgium.

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Belgium is to use online resources such as websites and apps. Websites such as Immoweb, Immovlan, and Logic-Immo are popular in Belgium and offer a wide range of rental properties. Additionally, there are many Facebook groups dedicated to helping people find housing in Belgium. You can also contact local real estate agents who can help you find a place to live. Additionally, you can look for rental postings in local newspapers and on bulletin boards in supermarkets and other public places," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Belgium.

"I visited estate agents and one of them introduced me to my gorgeous furnished flat. It's difficult to find furnished properties for rent in Bruges. They're mostly unfurnished. I paid the commission and administrative charges happily. The rent is ludicrously cheap," explained one person living in Bruges, Belgium.

"1. Expats should research the cost of living in Belgium before retiring, as it can be quite expensive. 2. It is important to understand the Belgian tax system and the implications for expats. 3. Expats should also familiarize themselves with the healthcare system in Belgium, as it is different from other countries. 4. It is important to learn the language, as most Belgians speak Dutch, French, or German. 5. Expats should also research the different types of visas available and the requirements for obtaining them. 6. It is important to understand the cultural norms and customs of Belgium before retiring there. 7. Expats should also research the different types of housing available and the cost of renting or buying a property," said one person in Belgium.

"Expats in Belgium appreciate the country's rich cultural heritage, which includes a variety of art, music, and architecture. They also enjoy the country's diverse cuisine, which features a variety of regional specialties. Additionally, expats appreciate the friendly and welcoming nature of the Belgian people, who are known for their hospitality and openness to foreigners. Finally, expats enjoy the country's excellent public transportation system, which makes it easy to get around and explore the country," said one person in Belgium.

"Expats in Belgium often find the local culture to be quite different from what they are used to. The language barrier can be a challenge, as many Belgians speak both French and Dutch, and English is not as widely spoken as in other countries. Additionally, the Belgian culture is quite formal, and expats may find it difficult to adjust to the more formal way of interacting with people. Furthermore, the Belgian bureaucracy can be complex and time-consuming, making it difficult for expats to navigate the system. Finally, the cost of living in Belgium is quite high, and expats may find it difficult to adjust to the higher prices," said one person in Belgium.

"If you plan to stay in Belgium for a while, you will need to apply for a residence permit. Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a visa before entering Belgium. You will also need to provide proof of identity, such as a passport or national identity card, and proof of financial means, such as a bank statement. Additionally, you may need to provide proof of accommodation, such as a rental agreement or proof of ownership," said one person in Belgium.

"As an EU national with a working record in Belgium it is completely straightforward," said one expat who made the move to Brussels.

"It is important to be aware of cultural differences when visiting Belgium. It is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions. It is considered rude to be late for appointments or social engagements. It is also important to dress appropriately for the occasion, as Belgians tend to dress more formally than in other countries. It is also important to be aware of the local language, as many Belgians speak both French and Dutch. It is considered impolite to speak loudly in public places, and it is important to be aware of the local etiquette when dining out. Finally, it is important to be aware of the local laws and regulations, and to respect them," explained one expat living in Belgium.

"Belgium offers a wide range of healthcare services, including primary care, specialist care, hospital care, and mental health services. The public healthcare system in Belgium is funded by the government and is generally of high quality. Foreign residents are eligible to use the public healthcare system, although they may need to pay a fee for certain services. Expats in Belgium can use the public healthcare system by registering with their local commune and obtaining a Belgian health insurance card. This card allows them to access the same healthcare services as Belgian citizens, including free or discounted care," said one member in Belgium.

"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the high quality of life in Belgium, with its excellent public transportation, modern infrastructure, and vibrant cultural scene. They also enjoy the country's diverse cuisine, with its wide range of international restaurants and local specialties. Additionally, Belgium's central location in Europe makes it an ideal base for exploring the continent. On the other hand, expats and digital nomads may find the cost of living in Belgium to be quite high, and the language barrier can be a challenge for those who don't speak Dutch or French," explained one digital nomad living in Belgium.

"Public transport is good, services are regular but some are 30 mins or more between buses. Restaurants can be a pain to get into. Book in advance especially in the City centre. ," said one member in Ghent.