Digital Nomad Life in Liege, Belgium

"Finding a place to live in Liege, involves several steps. First, you need to determine your budget and the type of accommodation you're looking for. This could range from a studio apartment to a larger family home. Next, you should research the different neighborhoods in Liege to find one that suits your lifestyle and needs. Some popular areas include the city center, Outremeuse, and Saint-Leonard. Once you have an idea of where you'd like to live, you can start your search. There are several online platforms that list properties for rent or sale in Liege, such as Immoweb, Zimmo, and Immovlan. These websites allow you to filter your search based on location, price, size, and other features. You can also consider hiring a real estate agent to help with your search. They can provide valuable local knowledge and help negotiate the rental or purchase agreement. When you find a property you're interested in, arrange a viewing. This will give you a chance to inspect the property and ask any questions. If you're planning to rent, you'll likely need to provide proof of income, references, and possibly a security deposit. If you're buying, you'll need to secure financing and possibly hire a notary to handle the legal aspects of the purchase. Finally, once you've found your new home and signed the necessary paperwork, you can start planning your move. This might involve hiring a moving company, setting up utilities, and changing your address with various institutions. Remember, finding a place to live can take time, so it's important to start your search well in advance of when you plan to move," explained one person living in Liege, Belgium.

"Expats in Liege often appreciate the city's rich history and architecture, with many historical buildings and landmarks scattered throughout the city. They also enjoy the vibrant arts and culture scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and theaters offering a wide range of exhibitions and performances. The local cuisine is another highlight, with Liege known for its delicious waffles, beer, and other Belgian specialties. Expats also appreciate the friendly and welcoming nature of the locals, who are often more than happy to help newcomers settle in. The city's location, with its close proximity to other major European cities, is another advantage, making it easy for expats to travel and explore the region. Lastly, the quality of life in Liege is highly valued, with a good balance between work and leisure, excellent healthcare and education systems, and a generally safe and clean environment," explained one person living in Liege, Belgium.

"Expats in Liege often find the language barrier to be the most challenging aspect of the local culture. While many locals do speak English, the primary languages are French and Dutch, which can make everyday tasks like shopping or using public transportation difficult for those who do not speak these languages. Another challenge is the Belgian concept of privacy. Belgians are known for being reserved and private, which can make it difficult for expats to form close relationships or feel integrated into the community. Additionally, the Belgian bureaucracy can be quite complex and time-consuming. This can be particularly challenging for expats who are trying to navigate things like work permits, housing contracts, and healthcare. The weather in Liege can also be a challenge for some expats. The city is known for its rainy climate, which can be a significant adjustment for those coming from sunnier locales. Lastly, while Belgians are generally known for their politeness, they also have a reputation for being direct and straightforward in their communication. This can sometimes come off as blunt or rude to expats who are not used to this style of communication," said one expat in Liege.

"If you are planning to stay in Liege for a while, the type of visa or residency document you need will depend on your nationality, the purpose of your stay, and the length of your stay. If you are a citizen of a European Union (EU) country, you do not need a visa to enter Belgium. However, if you plan to stay for more than three months, you will need to register with the local authorities and obtain a residency card. If you are a non-EU citizen and you plan to stay in Belgium for less than 90 days, you may need a Schengen visa, depending on your nationality. This visa allows you to travel freely within the Schengen area, which includes Belgium. If you are a non-EU citizen and you plan to stay in Belgium for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a long-stay visa before you arrive. This visa also serves as a residency permit. The type of long-stay visa you need will depend on the purpose of your stay, such as work, study, or family reunification. In addition to a visa, you may also need other documents to enter Belgium, such as a valid passport, proof of sufficient funds, and proof of accommodation. Please note that visa requirements can change, so it's important to check the latest information from the Belgian embassy or consulate in your home country before you travel," explained one expat living in Liege, Belgium.

"In Liege, it is considered rude to not greet people with a handshake or a kiss on the cheek. It's also important to remember to say "please" and "thank you" as Belgians place a high value on politeness. Belgians are known for their love of food, so refusing food or drink offered to you can be seen as impolite. It's also considered bad manners to leave food on your plate, as it implies you didn't enjoy the meal. Belgians are generally private people, so avoid asking personal questions unless you know the person well. It's also considered impolite to interrupt someone while they're speaking. In Belgium, punctuality is highly valued. Arriving late to an appointment or meeting can be seen as disrespectful. Belgians are proud of their languages and culture, so making derogatory comments or jokes about their country, language or culture is considered highly offensive. It's also important to remember that tipping is not customary in Belgium. Service charge is usually included in the bill, so tipping is not expected unless you received exceptional service. Lastly, avoid discussing sensitive topics such as politics, religion, and the linguistic divide between the French-speaking and Dutch-speaking regions of Belgium. These topics can lead to heated debates and are best avoided unless you are well-informed about them," explained one expat living in Liege, Belgium.