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Chapter 2 of 15

Regions & cities

Flanders, Wallonia, Brussels — character, costs and language per region

Summary

Belgium is small but extraordinarily diverse. On an area of 30,689 km² (smaller than the Dutch provinces of North and South Holland combined), you'll find three regions, each with their own identity, language, government, and atmosphere. Your choice of region and city determines not only your living costs but also which language you speak, which rules apply, and how quickly you integrate. This chapter provides an honest overview of the main regions and cities.

What you need to know

Flanders

Antwerp

The largest city in Flanders (530,000 inhabitants) and Belgium's economic engine. Antwerp is a port city with a vibrant cultural life, excellent restaurants, and a strong fashion sector. Het Eilandje and the South are popular neighborhoods for expats and young professionals. The Diamond District is world-famous.

  • Rent: EUR 800-1,200 for a 2-bedroom apartment in the city
  • Purchase price: EUR 280,000-400,000 for an apartment
  • Character: Cosmopolitan, entrepreneurial, proud
  • Accessibility: 1.5 hours to Amsterdam, own airport (Deurne), high-speed train station
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1. Why Belgium?

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3. Cost of living

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Knowledge Base

Glossary
  • eID (Electronic Identity Card)

    The Belgian electronic identity card. As an EU citizen you receive an E-card or E+-card. Use it to identify yourself with the government, bank and for online services via Itsme or eID software.

  • Rijksregister (National Register)

    The Belgian national population register. You receive a national register number when registering in your municipality. This number is required for work, taxes, health insurance and all official matters.

  • Mutualiteit (Health Insurance Fund)

    The Belgian health insurance fund. You are required to join a mutualiteit for your health insurance. Choose from: CM, Solidaris, Liberal Mutuality, Independent Fund, or the Auxiliary Fund (CAAMI).

  • Crossroads Bank for Social Security

    The central database connecting all Belgian social security institutions. Your national register number is the key to this system.

  • Kinderbijslag (Child Benefit)

    Belgian child benefit, called "Groeipakket" in Flanders. Automatic entitlement when living and working in Belgium. Amounts vary by region (Flanders, Wallonia, Brussels).

  • FOD Financiën (Federal Finance Department)

    The Belgian federal tax department. Here you file your annual tax return (Tax-on-Web), register as a taxpayer and handle all fiscal matters.

  • Personenbelasting (Personal Income Tax)

    The Belgian personal income tax. Progressive rates from 25% to 50%. Belgium has one of the highest tax burdens in Europe, but also many deductions and benefits.

  • Gemeente (Town Hall)

    The Belgian town hall. Here you register, request documents, and handle administrative matters. In Brussels and Wallonia this is called "commune" or "maison communale".

  • Zorgkas (Care Fund)

    The Flemish care insurance for non-medical care (home care, care homes). Mandatory for all residents of Flanders and Brussels. Annual contribution of ~€54.

  • Itsme (Digital Identity App)

    The Belgian digital identity app. Essential for online government services, banking and signing contracts. Comparable to DigiD but on your smartphone.

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