Settling-In Tips from
Staff at Crown Brussels

What is special or unique about your city?

Brussels is the capital of the European Union (EU). It is also the cultural and commercial meeting place of Western Europe. Foreigners actually make up 30 percent of the city's population. In addition to its richly multicultural atmosphere, Brussels boasts well-reputed gourmet food, hundreds of beers and the famous Belgian chocolates.

What are a newcomer's first impressions of your city?

Most people find Brussels to be pleasant and hospitable. Also, Brussels is very international and easygoing. It is not stressful compared to many of the really large European cities.

Are these impressions likely to change?

Fortunately, it's not likely that a newcomer would change his or her mind about these things.

What is the local language?

Two official languages: French and Flemish. Dutch (which is similar to Flemish) and German are also spoken by many.

How easily could I live in this city without knowing this language?

English-speakers should have no problem, as English is widely spoken.

What are good things to remember in order to avoid offending the other residents of this city?

It is preferable to not speak French to Flemish people. It's better to speak English.

How might the local weather affect my daily life?

Belgium is seldom too cold or too hot. The average temperature is between 0 to 6 degrees Celsius (32 to 43 degrees Fahrenheit) in the winter and 13 to 21 degrees Celsius (54 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit) during the summer.

Is there anything else I should know about the overall character of your city or its people?

Brussels is split into 19 autonomous and semi-autonomous communes with their own town halls, mayors and councils. Each also has its own police force and social services.

Useful Links

News and current events in Belgium www.brussels.com Bulletin - a local magazine in English www.bulletin.be

 

As a foreign resident, what is my status in your country?

Nationals of the 15 EU countries as well as those from Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Malta, Monaco, Norway, San Marino and Switzerland (who are not visiting Belgium to take up an economic activity) enjoy free movement. An ID card or passport to establish the identity and nationality of the holder is enough to allow a person to enter Belgium and remain there provided his or her stay is regularized with the municipal authorities. A national of a non-European Union country who wishes to remain in Belgium for over three months requires a visa.

What kinds of visas are available?

Visas for short visits (up to three months) are appropriate for temporary workers and visitors. Visa for long periods of residence (more than three months) are for permanent workers and visitors. Keep in mind that people from EU countries - and also those arriving from Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Malta, Monaco, Norway, San Marino and Switzerland - do not need visas.

What is required to obtain these visas?

To get a visa to Belgium, one must visit the Belgian consulate in the last country of residence and get an application form. Necessary documents are: a passport, valid for at least 15 months two recent passport photos certificate of good conduct (criminal record-history) issued by the police authorities in the last country of residence a valid work permit (if the person is employed) a medical certificate from a doctor recognized by the Belgian Embassy. Usually these documents must be translated by a certified translator. There is also a visa application fee of about 60 euros (as of 2003). The following offices have further information that might be useful. Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Visa Office phone: 02 501 81 11 Ministry of Home Affairs - Aliens' Office phone: 02 206 13 00

Are spouses permitted and/or likely to find work?

A spouse is permitted to work if he or she has a work permit. You do not need a work permit if you are from an EU-member state or EEA country (except Switzerland) or you are married to a citizen of an EU-member state. Obtaining a work permit is not very easy. Spouses are most likely to find work with the help of an employment agency or through personal contacts.

What are the main forms of identification and how does a newcomer obtain them?

A Belgian ID card is obtained through the local town hall where you have registered (see below). This card must be renewed annually. It is essential that you carry it with you at all times, as the police may ask to see it.

Are there any other important permits I must obtain, or places where I must register right away?

You must register at your local town hall - within eight days of arrival for EU citizens and three days of arrival for non-EU citizens. In 2003, the registration fee was about 15 euros. You must also present: a passport, valid for at least 15 months five recent passport photos certificate of good conduct (criminal record-history) issued by the police authorities in the last country of residence a valid work permit a medical certificate from a doctor recognized by the Belgian Embassy.

What items should I avoid bringing into the country?

It is not a good idea to bring firearms or illegal drugs into Belgium. Also, beware that alcoholic beverages are subject to duties and taxation.

Is there anything else I should know about entering and remaining in the country legally?

Please contact Crown Brussels for further information.

Useful Links

Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Visa Office www.diplobel.fgov.be Ministry of Home Affairs - Aliens' Office www.mibz.fgov.be

 

What is the local currency?

The euro (eur)

What denominations does it come in?

Notes (euros): 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Coins (euros): 1 and 2 Coins (cents): 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50

What is the best way to exchange currency?

Try foreign exchange offices. Many are open on Sundays.

What are commonly-used forms of payment for everyday purchases (such as groceries)?

Cash Cash cards (Proton cards) Debit cards (Mister Cash/Bancontact) Credit cards (Visa, Eurocard, Diners Club, American Express)

Will I be able to use my credit card around town? If not, list when I’ll need cash.

While major credit cards are very popular, there are still many places in Brussels that do not accept credit cards. Since you can never be too sure which places these are, be sure to carry at least a small amount of cash at all times. For quick withdrawals, a bank will usually have an ATM machine.

By what method are bills (such as rent and utilities) paid?

Pre-authorized debit is an efficient way of paying gas, water and electricity bills. By this method, your bills are automatically deducted from your bank account. The various utility companies can help you with the arrangements. Additionally, a bank transfer/payment slip (red and white) - found at the bottom of almost all Belgian bills - is filled in, signed and handed in at your bank before the due date of the bill.

What are the requirements for opening a bank account? At what stage of the settling-in process should I open it?

You'll need a passport and a work contract. A bank account can be opened at any stage, but the sooner the better. You do not need a permanent address in order to open an account.

Will foreign residents be able to find banking services in their native languages?

Yes. Some useful links are listed below. Some banks even offer: preparation of a credit card before arrival of the expat (ready for use) preparation of a cash/debit card before arrival (also ready for immediate use, but limited) an expat contact center (telephone service from early morning to late evening and on Saturdays) personal tax check

Are there any restrictions on services for those who are new to your country?

No restrictions that are known.

What are typical banking hours?

Monday through Friday, 9am until 3:30pm (sometimes 4pm). Several banks close for lunch. They are also closed on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

Are automatic teller machines (ATMs) available around the clock?

Yes.

Is there any other money information that might help me?

The most common card in Belgium is the Mister Cash/Bancontact card, which is a card linked to your current bank account. This card is accepted at department stores, supermarkets, gas stations and restaurants. The Mister Cash/Bancontact is a good complement to other cards as there are many places in Belgium that do not accept credit/debit cards. The Proton card is used as a rechargeable electronic purse and may be used to pay for items such as newspapers and cigarettes, as well as items in the supermarket or bakery. It can also be used to pay for gas and parking. The card is recharged via a cash dispenser using a four-digit PIN code. You can load the card with up to 1240 euros, which are taken from you current bank account.

Useful Links

KBC Bank www.kbc.be/ ING Belgium Bank www.ing.be Fortis - financial services www.fortis.be

 

What are the top factors to keep in mind when searching for a place to live in your city?

The characteristics of the neighborhood Traffic (for security and noise level) Parking possibilities Proximity to public transport, schools, work, shops, cinemas, churches, etc.

What are the most popular neighborhoods in your city for expats?

The biggest concentration of English-speaking foreigners is in the south and southeast of Brussels. Some of these areas are listed below. Note that in Brussels, a 'house' is a dwelling that shares one or two walls with the neighbors. A villa is a stand-alone structure. Central Brussels: Ixelles/Elsene, St Gilles - choose from apartments or houses Woluwe St Pierre - choose from apartments or houses East Brussels: Woluwe St Lambert - choose from apartments or houses Auderghem - choose from apartments or houses Etterbeek - choose from apartments or houses Kraainem - choose from apartments, houses or villas Tervuren - choose from apartments, houses or villas South Brussels: Uccle/Ukkel (embassy area) - choose from apartments, houses or villas Watermael-Boisfort/Bosvoorde - choose from apartments or houses Overijse - choose from houses or villas Rhode-St.-Genese - only villas available Waterloo - only villas available

Do expats tend to buy or rent their homes?

Rent.

Typically, will I be required to pay additional money up front (such as a deposit) before moving into leased housing? If so, how much is common?

Three month's deposit is usually required. A special bank account is opened for this purpose. This account is then blocked for the duration of the contract.

Are utilities generally included in the price of rent, or are they extra?

For furnished accommodation, utilities are generally included in the price of rent. Unfurnished accommodation can be rented with or without utilities (both situations are equally common). There is generally at least a cooker (stove) included in the rent. Other utilities are to be provided by the tenant. Sometimes it is also possible for the landlord to adapt to the needs of the tenant. In addition, tenants often pay monthly charges to cover the maintenance of shared areas such as the hall, staircase and elevator.

Are there special security concerns I should be aware of in regards to my home or choice of neighborhood?

There aren't really any security concerns particular to Brussels neighborhoods, though it is always a good to get input from friends and colleagues who are familiar with the city.

I’m not sure if I should bring my appliances. What is the electric current, Hz and plug shape in your city?

Electric current: AC 220-240 volts Frequency (Hz): 50 Compatible with electrical appliances from the UK. Appliances from the USA (110 volts/60 Hz) need a step-down transformer. Plug shape: standard two-pinned type. Plug adapters can be bought in most electrical shops.

Do you have any other accommodation information that might help me?

Keep in mind that Brussels is not a big city. You can drive from north to south in 15 to 20 minutes. Accommodation in Belgium is still fairly easy to find and not too expensive, compared with other larger European countries. However, there is a tendency toward adapting prices to the other big cities. Some useful terms when searching for a home in Brussels: Studio/flat: has one convertible living room, bedroom with separate kitchenette and bathroom. Apartment: has a separate living room, a full kitchen and one or more bedrooms. Maison de maître: townhouse En filade: usually three rooms in a row, sometimes separated by doors. Duplex: apartment with one room on a higher level. Usually the room on the higher level is open, with no door separating. Cuisine americaine: open kitchen, with no door separating. Very common. Equipped kitchen: includes at least a cooker (stove) and a fridge. Semi-equipped: includes at least a sink, often a cooker (stove). Super-equipped: includes dishwasher.

Useful Links

Living in Belgium www.expatica.com/belgium.asp

 

What types of schools do most expats in your city choose for their children?

Expats in Brussels who do not speak French tend to choose an English-language international school for their children. Such schools use British, American or international curricula. Many parents find these schools preferable because their programs are similar around the world, and thus children can well integrate into a new school when the family moves again. Parents who speak French at home may choose an international school, French-speaking private school or a French-speaking local school for their children. Japanese transferees tend to send their kids to the Japanese school.

What are some examples of these schools?

British Schools: The British International School of Brussels - British style education primary school for children of all nationalities. Antwerp British School - International curriculum for children of all nationalities, ages 2 ½ to 14. British Junior Academy of Brussels - British National Curriculum for children ages 3 to 11. British Primary School - British National Curriculum for children ages 3 to 9. British School of Brussels - British curriculum, all levels. City International School - British education system for children ages 3 to 18. Da Vinci International School - British curriculum for children ages 2 ½ to 18. Other foreign schools: Scandinavian School of Brussels - Scandinavian curricula offered in Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish, Danish and Icelandic for children ages 2 ½ to 19. Deutsche Schule Brüssel - German curriculum for all levels. Deutsche Schule Antwerpen - German curriculum for children ages 3 to 12. Japanese School of Brussels - Japanese curriculum for children ages 6 to 15. Nederlandse Basisschool - Dutch basic curriculum for children ages 3 ½ to 12. Jewish Program - from pre-kindergarten through secondary school.

Is there a lot of competition for spots in local schools?

Contact Crown Brussels for current information on the schools you're interested in.

Are pre-schools also widely available (for children approx. 2 to 5 years old)?

Yes.

How are most kids transported to and from school?

Most schools operate school bus transportation.

When does the typical school year start and end?

September 1 to June 30.

Is there anything else I should know about local schools?

Again, feel free to contact Crown Brussels if you have any questions.

Useful Links

British International School of Brussels www.bisb.org British Junior Academy of Brussels www.bjab.org British Primary www.britishprimary.com British School of Brussels www.britishschool.be

 

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Crown Relocations has made every effort to present accurate information. However, regulations, rates and other variables are subject to change and Crown Relocations cannot accept responsibility for the errors that might result. Please contact your closest embassy or consulate for confirmation.