Belgium
BELBelgium is an EU and Schengen member, founding state of the EU, and host of the EU institutions in Brussels. Trilingual (Dutch / French / German), highly cosmopolitan, with universal healthcare and strong English proficiency. Long-stay residency for non-EU foreigners is via the Single Permit (combined work + residence), the Professional Card (self-employed), family reunification, or the EU Blue Card. Naturalisation requires 5 years of legal residence with B1 in one of the official languages and integration. Belgium permits dual citizenship since 2008.
Passport Rank
#6
Visa-Free
191
destinations
Country Details
- Capital
- Brussels
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Languages
- Dutch, French, German
- Population
- 11,750,000
- Tax System
- Residence Based
- Dual Citizenship
- Allowed
- Naturalisation
- 5 years
- Schengen / EU
- Schengen / EU
- Climate
- Oceanic temperate
- English Proficiency Rank
- #6
Belgium operates the New Expat Tax Regime (introduced January 2022, replacing the previous Special Tax Regime for expatriates). 30% of gross remuneration tax-free for 5 years (extendable by 3) for foreign hires meeting income (€75k+) and recruitment criteria.
Indices
Cost of Living
70
Safety
60
Healthcare
80
Quality of Life
175
Tax Summary
- Tax System
- Residence Based
- Territorial Taxation
- No — worldwide income taxed for residents
- Naturalisation
- 5 years of legal residency
- Dual Citizenship
- Allowed
- Special Tax Regime
- Belgium operates the New Expat Tax Regime (introduced January 2022, replacing the previous Special Tax Regime for expatriates). 30% of gross remuneration tax-free for 5 years (extendable by 3) for foreign hires meeting income (€75k+) and recruitment criteria.
Cost of Living by City
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| City | Rent 1BR centre | Rent outside | Groceries | Utilities | Transit pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brussels | — | — | — | — | $55 |
| Antwerp | — | — | — | — | $50 |
| Ghent | — | — | — | — | $48 |
Monthly USD figures. Typical central 1-bedroom rent, grocery basket for one, household utilities, monthly transit pass.
Climate
Brussels
Rainfall range: 55–80 mm/month · Daylight 8h (winter) to 16.5h (summer)
Visa Categories & Immigration Authority
Major Visa Categories
- Schengen C
- Long-stay D
- Single Permit
- EU Blue Card
- Professional Card (Self-Employed)
- Student
- Family Reunification
- Authority
- Office des étrangers / Dienst Vreemdelingenzaken
- Official Portal
- dofi.ibz.be
- Phone
- +32 2 793 80 00
- [email protected]
Naturalisation Details
- Residence Years
- 5
- Language Test
- Yes (Dutch / French / German A2)
- Civic Test
- Yes
- Oath Required
- Yes
- Dual Allowed
- Yes
- Fee
- $165
- Processing
- ~12 months
Safety
GPI Rank
#18
Global Peace Index ranking (lower is safer)
Common Risks
- ⚠Pickpocketing on Brussels metro and at Grand Place
- ⚠Fake charity collectors in tourist zones
- ⚠Overcharging unlicensed taxis
LGBTQ+ Legal Status
- Same-Sex Marriage
- Legal
- Civil Partnerships
- Recognised
- Anti-Discrimination Law
- Yes
- ILGA Rank
- #8
Religious Life
- Halal Food
- Widely available
- Kosher Food
- Widely available
- Prayer Facilities
- Common
Related Guides
Fastest paths to an EU passport in 2025
A sourced comparison of the shortest EU naturalisation timelines, from 2-year descent fast-tracks to 5-year residency routes — plus the hidden requirements that extend them in practice.
Zero and low-tax residencies: the real list
Countries with zero personal income tax, territorial-only taxation, or special expatriate regimes — and what each one actually requires from you to qualify as a resident.
Exit tax: countries that charge you to leave
Country-by-country reference of departure taxes, deemed-disposition rules, and wealth-locking regimes that trigger when tax residency ends.
Visa Programs
Citizenship by Descent
Sources & last verified
- Last verified 2026-05-05