Moving to Belgium? Here’s Your Essential Pre-Departure Checklist
Belgium, with its charming cities, diverse culture, and delectable cuisine, is an enticing destination for expats. However, a successful relocation requires careful preparation and planning. This comprehensive guide outlines the key steps to take before embarking on your Belgian adventure, ensuring a smooth transition and a fulfilling experience in your new home.
Join Namaste Belgium Community
Namaste belgium is a community of indian expats staying in belgium. We recommend every one moving new to belgium (from indian origin) to do the following
- Download namaste belgium android/ios app – Search “namaste belgium” on app store or play store.
- Register for whatsapp community : largest whatsapp community in belgium
Research About Your Move
before taking the leap and relocating to Belgium, it’s crucial to delve deeper than the tourist clichés and uncover the realities of everyday life. Understanding the cost of living, grocery prices, school options, and even connecting with local expat communities are all vital steps in making an informed decision.
To kickstart your research and gain valuable insights into life in Belgium, we’ve compiled a selection of informative articles that cover a range of topics relevant to your move:
By thoroughly researching and preparing for your move, you can ensure a smooth transition and make the most of your Belgian experience.
Decide Safe Areas to Live in Belgium
Identify the city and area within the city best suited for your stay. Ensure its well connected with public transportation and safe to stay and easy to reach from your work place. This can be a hard thing to identify without coming to belgium. Communities (like namaste whatsapp community) can be a good resource to ask for help and information.
Sort Out Visa and Immigration Requirements
As an Indian expat, your journey to Belgium begins with understanding the visa requirements. If you’re planning a short visit, you may need a Schengen visa, which allows you to stay in Belgium and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This visa is suitable for tourism, business trips, or short-term studies.
However, if you’re relocating to Belgium for work, studies, or family reunification, you’ll need a long-stay visa (Type D). This visa allows you to stay in Belgium for more than 90 days and is often a stepping stone towards obtaining a residence permit.
The specific visa requirements and application process can vary, so it’s crucial to consult the official website of the Belgian embassy or consulate in India for the most up-to-date information. Their guide on visas and immigration in Belgium offers detailed information on the different visa types, required documents, and application procedures.
Plan Your Pets Relocation
If relocating to Belgium with your pet is on your agenda, prioritizing their needs should be a top priority on your moving checklist. However, be aware that the process can be time-consuming, particularly for those arriving from outside the EU. Therefore, it’s wise to start planning early to ensure a smooth transition for your beloved animal companion. This guide can be useful to you planning your pets relocation Relocating Your Pet to Belgium
Book a Temporary Accomodation
For many expats, securing accommodation in Belgium is a DIY endeavor. While some lucky individuals may have housing arranged by their employer, most newcomers must proactively find their own place to stay. If you need a temporary solution upon arrival, consider renting a serviced apartment for the initial weeks or months. These fully furnished apartments offer convenience and flexibility while you search for a more permanent home. Following guides may be useful for you Renting with BBF Finding Your Home Away From Home: A Guide to Renting Accommodation in Belgium