Living and working in Brussels: Making a home for yourself

If you come to live and work in Belgium, the first thing you'll notice is that it's a very cosmopolitan place. The cities are a mixture of the old European styles and the very modern. Belgium is one of the crossroads of Europe, and in some cases the world. With the big port of Antwerp being the world's largest shipping port, and close to the three economic giants of Europe, Belgium is one of the world's real hubs of commerce.

The culture is a fascinating mixture. There are three main official language groups, French(31%), and Dutch (59%), with a smaller German speaking sub group.

Belgium is a Federal state, divided into a series of provinces and communes. The communes are local government areas, and function as administrators for their districts. For migrants, the communes are particularly important for matters of residency, accommodation and other public services.

Getting started

Like other modern countries, Belgium has a standard process for creating accounts and financial records. When you first arrive, you can use your passport as an ID for most of your needs for residence and most services, but see below, regarding Belgian ID cards, which are a mandatory legal requirement.

Residence

Your province is the equivalent of a Federal state, with statutory powers. The commune is like local government, but more directly relevant for a range of services. The local commune is your first stop for your ID card, and can provide you with a lot of useful information about your new home.

Belgian ID cards

Most important: You will need a Belgian identity card. They are a legal requirement for resident foreigners and Belgian citizens.

The communes issue these cards. (They cost about 15EU, cash payment only.) The ID card is essential for most services, and should be carried at all times.

When applying for your Belgian ID card you must supply to the commune:

EU citizens:

• Current valid passport,
• Three passport type photos,
• Evidence of financial support. (Usually a letter from an employer, but supporting evidence in the form of financial statements can be used. Enquire with the commune in what form the evidence is required.)

Non-EU citizens

• Five photos,
• A medical certificate from an accredited doctor,
• A certificate of good conduct from your country of citizenship,
• Marriage license (if applicable)
• Birth certificates for children.

Note: Some communes may require additional information. Always check with your local commune to be sure you're providing the information correctly.

After a police check to verify residence and that all other information is in order, a three month temporary permit will be issued. Further checks are made to verify your employment status and social security registration, after which a renewal of your temporary permit is issued. At the end of this process your permanent card is issued.

The standard ID is a five year card. Note: Police are empowered to request production of your ID card, and you can be fined for not carrying it.

Basic services

Connection to utilities:

Requires passport on arrival or Belgian ID card.

Phone, Internet services and cable TV

In Belgium, these services can all come from the same providers as package deals. It's worth shopping around.

Medical services

Doctors

Belgium has the familiar dual private and public health insurance system. Adequate cover is recommended.

Because of the language situation, there can be problems for foreigners seeking medical services. Lists of doctors are specializing in a particular language are kept by embassies.

Note: Cash payment for consultations is the normal method.

Hospitals

Hospitals are a matter of personal choice, but emergency services are generally available. You're advised to carry with you an insurance card or other evidence of payment, but services will not be refused if you're in need of treatment.

Pharmacies

Pharmacies display a green cross sign. Hours of opening are shown on the shop front. To ensure services, the pharmacies work on a rotational hours system. The State Insurance System provides a card for reduced fees for prescription medicine.

Learning the language(s)

There are language schools in Belgium, and they're easy to find. It's advisable to check by area, and contact the schools for details.

• Belgian Dutch is called 'Flemish'. It includes four basic Dutch dialects, as well as local dialects but the official language is modern Dutch.
• Belgian French is very close to modern Parisian French, but there are differences in pronunciation vocabulary and usage.
• Belgian German is modern German.
• 'Walloon' was the original language of the modern French speaking Belgians. It's been largely replaced by French in modern usage, but still exists as an active cultural language.

Most important: Each language relates to the proud traditions of the groups using them. They have a real social and political sensitivity and great cultural significance, and all foreigners should respect the important cultural identities and treasured heritage elements in language use.

The language distribution in Belgium is regional, but you can expect to be dealing with all of the official languages at some point, if not regularly. On principle, it is advisable to have some effective working knowledge of the languages other than your common local language.

You will obviously need fluency in your places of residence and work. On a social basis, good conversational levels of language are your benchmark for effective language skills. You'll find that regular usage is helped by your cosmopolitan environment, and somebody will be able to help when you get stuck.