CONSIDERATIONS FOR EXPATS MOVING TO BELGIUM FROM THE UK
Introduction Belgium is an attractive destination for expatriates looking to relocate within the European Union, not least due to its position as the de facto capital of the EU and home to many European institutions. Let’s look at the practicalities of moving to Belgium, from selecting the most relevant visa category and structuring your finances to finding a home to settle into your new life overseas.
VISA ROUTES FOR BRITISH CITIZENS MOVING TO BELGIUM Belgium offers several potential visa categories depending on the purpose of your move, whether you intend to work or launch a business, and where you are relocating from. The D Visa is the most relevant visa for those outside the EU looking to live long-term in Belgium.
FINDING ACCOMMODATION IN BELGIUM You may choose to rent a property when first arriving in Belgium to have the opportunity to decide on the right location to purchase a home or may need to live in a specific area within a reasonable commute of a workplace. Property prices naturally vary depending on whether you are buying a modern, spacious townhouse or apartment in the heart of the Brussels region or wish to purchase a traditional terraced house in the suburbs.
FINDING ACCOMMODATION IN BELGIUM CONT… As an indication, comparable costs are as follows:
Price Per Square Metre to Purchase a City Centre Property
Price Per Square Metre to Purchase a Property Further Out
UK Average
Belgian Average
£5,234
€3,537 (£3,051)
£3,933
€2,869 (£2,475)
SCHOOL PLACEMENTS FOR EXPATS Like most other countries, foreign nationals moving to Belgium can enroll in local educational institutions once they have secured a long-stay visa or permanent residency. Many expats tend to opt for an English-speaking school initially unless their children are already bilingual. Annual fees for an international primary school placement are an average of €16,730 (£14,433), and a preschool place costs roughly €541 (£467) per child per month.
JOBS IN BELGIUM If you wish to move to Belgium for employment reasons, you need an appropriate work permit. Should you intend to run or launch your own business, you must present your plans to the Belgian immigration authorities before relocating. You will normally require either a self-employed or business visa. Belgium offers myriad job opportunities with many global companies, an unemployment rate well below the average across the EU member states, and buoyant manufacturing, tourism, legal, financial and service sectors.
BELGIAN WORK PERMIT CATEGORIES There are several types of work permits you may need to apply for: A-category work permit applies to any paid occupation and is valid indefinitely. B-category work permits are issued to expats working for and sponsored by a named employer. C-category work permits are offered to foreign national expats moving to Belgium temporarily. Note: It is important to apply for the right work permit category if you intend to work since this may influence the duration of your stay and the type of Belgian visa you qualify for.
ORGANISING FINANCES, TAXATION AND INCOME STREAMS Moving to any EU country requires careful planning, ensuring you know how your finances, income and tax obligations will change. Belgian taxes are amongst the highest in the European Economic Area (EEA), making tax planning even more crucial. Most residents are subject to Belgian taxation against their worldwide income, irrespective of their home country or nationality. However, if you live in Belgium as a non-resident, you only pay local taxes on your earnings from within the country.
EXPERT FINANCIAL GUIDANCE FOR EXPATS MOVING TO BELGIUM
For any further information about planning your move to Belgium from the UK, the costs of your relocation and how best to manage your ongoing finances, please get in touch with the Chase Buchanan Wealth Management Belgium office at your convenience.
Information Source https://chasebuchanan.com/expatsmoving-to-belgium-from-the-uk/
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