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Need to know before coming to Belgium

Moving house is never an easy process, but it is does run more smoothly when you’re well prepared. This is especially the case if you’re moving from one country to another. After all, different rules will apply to you depending on whether you’re an EU/EEA citizen or from a country outside the EU.

We have compiled a checklist of everything you need to know before moving to Belgium, and more particularly, Flanders. It covers everything from what to do when you’re preparing to relocate to tips to help you settle in.

Before you move

There’s a lot to sort out before you move. You’ll need all kinds of documents. You’ll also want to start your civic-integration process. And there are also rules about bringing everything from a car to a pet. Work your way through this list before you make your move.

When you arrive

Once you arrive, you’ll need to register with the municipality where you’re staying. You need to do this within three working days of entering Belgium. Exactly how you do it depends, once again, on whether you’re an EU citizen - or the family member of an EU citizen - or a citizen of a country outside the EU.

EU citizens have the right to stay in Belgium for up to three months. If you wish to stay longer than three months, you’ll need to start a residence procedure as an EU jobseeker, employee, self-employed person, student or economically inactive citizen of the EU.

What else do you need to do when you arrive? Tick off everything on the checklist.

Once you’ve settled in

After you’ve been in Flanders or Belgium for a few weeks, you’ll want to start setting up a more permanent life. What does this involve?

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