About Belgium
Do you consider moving to Belgium?
Belgium is the centre of Europe and a beautiful country to live and work in. Have you already decided to move here? Then you have made the right choice. Belgium is a country with a big international community and wide variety of interesting cultures. This big diversity makes it easy for everybody to feel at home in Belgium. Moving to Belgium is a big step, and a lot of decisions need to be made before settling down. There are some things you should consider before moving to Belgium.
The languages
Belgium has 3 official languages; French, Dutch and German. Luckily, the Belgians also speak relatively good English, therefore it is not a big problem if you are not fluent in those 3 languages. In the northern region of Belgium, you will find primarily Flemish speaking Belgians, which share the same linguistic family as their northern neighbours – The Dutch. When you go to the southern parts of Belgium, French is the official language spoken by the Walloons. When you go to the German-Belgian border, there are 2 smaller regions where the population talks German. There is not a lot of industry or international companies there, so it would be rather unlikely for an expat to relocate to these areas. There are a lot of language schools if you want to learn Walloon or Flemish and they are in general not too expensive. Globe Properties offers extra services like finding an appropriate school for your children and helping you with the inscription.
Brussels
Belgium is not a big country, but it is a country with an international flair !
Brussels is the vibrant capital of Belgium and Europe where a lot of expats can be found. The city is known for its rich history, impressive architecture, and international character. In Brussels, you will find beautiful squares such as the Grand Place, charming Art Nouveau buildings, and the iconic Atomium. As a multicultural metropolis, Brussels is home to numerous European institutions and attracts people from all over the world. Brussels hosts the Council of the European Union, the European Commission, the European Parliament and the NATO headquarters. The city offers a unique mix of languages, cultures, gastronomy, and conviviality—with world-famous chocolate, fries, and beer. Brussels is at once a political center, a cultural crossroads, and a warm home base.
Flanders
Flanders is the northern part of Belgium, where Dutch is the main language spoken. It is a region with a rich history, vibrant cities such as Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges, and Leuven, and a strong economy driven by innovation, trade, and industry. Flanders is known for its Burgundian lifestyle, art and culture, picturesque villages, and excellent education and healthcare systems. The region combines tradition with modernity and offers a high quality of life, making it attractive to both residents and expats.
Wallonia
Wallonia is the southern, French-speaking part of Belgium, known for its beautiful nature, charming towns, and rich history. From the rolling hills of the Ardennes to historic cities such as Namur, Liège, and Mons, Wallonia offers a peaceful and authentic lifestyle. The region is renowned for its hospitality, Burgundian cuisine, and cultural heritage, with castles, abbeys, and picturesque villages dotted across the landscape. Ideal for those who love nature, tranquility, and a touch of adventure.
Belgian culture
What is not to love about the Belgian culture?! You need to feel it and to see it. It is an integral part of European culture. The Flemish draw a bit more on the Dutch and English-speaking culture and the Walloons more on French-speaking culture. There are however parts of the culture that are purely Belgian- think about the well-known cartoons (Tintin, The Smurfs, Lucky Luke and many more), famous painters (Rubens), Belgian beers (Trappist) Brussels waffles and Belgian chocolat.
Belgian culture is rich and diverse, with influences from both the Germanic and Latin worlds. Belgium is known for its Burgundian lifestyle: good food, good beer, and warm hospitality are important values. Each region has its own traditions, dialects, and festivals, such as carnival in Wallonia or fairs in Flanders. Art and history play a major role, with famous painters such as Magritte and rich medieval architecture. Belgians are often modest, polite, and attach great importance to mutual respect and punctuality.
Understand the BELGIAN CULTURE
From three kisses on the cheeck to quirky food habits – Belgium is full of charming customs.
As an expat, it can take some getting used to—that's why we not only help you with practical matters, but also with understanding the Belgian way of life.
Greetings & social etiquette
- Three kisses are customary in informal encounters (but not always in a business context)
- A firm handshake is standard for business introductions
- Belgians like politeness and reserve during first encounters.
Business etiquette
- Punctuality is important—arriving on time is a sign of respect.
- Address people with “Mr./Ms.” + surname until they tell you that you can use their first name.
- Small talk happens, but is often limited to the beginning of a meeting.
- Emails are generally polite and formal in tone.
Table manners & invitations
- Wait until everyone is seated and the food is served before you start eating.
- Say “smakelijk” or “bon appétit.”
- Bring something with you when you are invited to someone's home (flowers, wine, or chocolate).
- Use cutlery in the European style: fork on the left, knife on the right.
Holidays & culture
- New Year’s Day : January 1
- Easter Monday
- Labor Day: May 1
- Pentecost Monday
- National holiday: July 21
- Assumption Day: August 15
- All Saints' Day: November 1
- Armistice Day: November 11
- Christmas: December 25
Sinterklaas on December 6 (especially popular with children)
Local fairs, beer festivals, and food festivals are typically Belgian.
Practical tips for everyday life
- Supermarkets usually close around 8 p.m. (some even earlier) and are often closed on Sunday (afternoons).
- Cycling is popular in cities, especially where there are many students.
- Public transport is well developed: NMBS (train), De Lijn (bus in Flanders), TEC (bus in Wallonia), MIVB (Brussels subway)
- Pay by card (Bancontact is more common than Visa)
- Garbage collection can vary between cities and municipalities
We not only help you find a place to live, but also make sure you feel truly at home.
BELGIUM; A Love story
Belgium is in the top 20 of the happiest nations worldwide for some years now. The expats living in Belgium seem to agree with that, they ranked the Belgium one of the best places in the world to be an expat. Belgium offers a lot of interesting jobs and attracts a wide variety of job seekers. In case your partner is searching for a job, we can give you contact details.
Don’t wait any longer and move to Belgium!
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