Belgium
2 cities available
Belgium punches above its weight as a small country with outsized influence — home to NATO, the EU headquarters, and a high standard of living. With excellent healthcare, strong social protection, and a central location in Western Europe, it's a popular base for international professionals and diplomats.
Weather & Climate
Maritime temperate climate similar to the Netherlands — mild, wet, and often cloudy. Summers are warm (18-22°C), winters cool (1-6°C). About 1,650 sunshine hours per year.
Safety
Belgium is generally safe. Brussels has some areas with higher crime rates, but the city is overall safe for daily life. Antwerp and Ghent are considered safe cities with low violent crime.
Cost of Living
Higher cost of living than Eastern Europe but moderate within Western Europe. Brussels and Antwerp are the most expensive cities. Food, dining, and cultural activities offer good value. Housing has become more expensive in major cities.
Family Friendliness
Excellent family support including generous child allowances (kinderbijslag), quality public schools in both French and Dutch, and strong healthcare. Work-life balance is valued and part-time work is common.
Expat Friendliness
Belgium is extremely international, especially Brussels with its EU and NATO communities. English is widely spoken in professional and international circles. The country is officially trilingual (Dutch, French, German), which can complicate daily life depending on region.
Tax & Salary Context
Belgium has some of Europe's highest income tax rates, progressive from 25% to 50%. Social contributions for employees total approximately 13.07% of gross salary. The overall tax wedge is among the highest in the OECD, though gross salaries tend to reflect this.
Cities in Belgium
Brussels
EU professionals, diplomats, lobbyists, and international organisation employees seeking Europe's political epicentre with world-class food, beer, and cultural life.
Antwerp
Fashion, diamond, and logistics professionals, and those seeking a characterful Belgian city with strong culture, Dutch-speaking environment, and proximity to the Netherlands.