For people aspiring to relocate to Belgium, it is important to know this bustling multi-cultural country. Despite being a small country in terms of size, Belgium is involved in high stake rollers in terms of economy, investment, and standard of living. Brussels, the capital of the country is a vibrant, happening, and bustling city. International facilities and services make even the first-timers feel at home!
Almost every single one of us has watched Smurfs at one point in life or the other. Children across the planet have been inspired by the adventures of Tintin. Ever wonder what nationality these two characters are? Yes, both belong to Belgium. Not only that, the country is well-known for its beers, chocolate, and fries. Belgium is where the French fries were born.
Belgium has everything going positive for her, no wonder then that nearly 12.5% of the entire population are foreigners (expats). Top-notch public facilities, a very friendly and diverse culture, and headquarters of many European Union (EU) institutions make Belgium supremely attractive for expatriates.
Best city to live in Belgium
If you are choosing to become an expatriate in Belgium you may want to also select a city that suits your purpose, preferences, and interests more. Brussels being the capital of the country offers a diverse culture. It is also the economic and business hub of the country, thus offering loads of business and employment opportunities.
In the Flemish region, Antwerp is the largest city. The city hosts ports that are among the world’s largest. Fashion, style, and trendiness inspire coolness, and a large population of expats, especially Dutch-speaking, live in large numbers here.
Cool facts about Belgium
Some of the other cool facts about Belgium are:
- The second largest exporter of chocolate
- Biggest diamond market on the planet (Antwerp)
- World’s smallest city, Durbuy has a total population of 500
- The internet was cofounded by a Belgian, Robert Cailliau. Robert’s hypertext coding system predates the internet itself!
- The largest variety of beers is served in Belgium at the Delirium Café.
The list goes on and on.
Culture
Be it the cultural or the entertainment aspect of the society, Belgium tops the charts. Impressive colossal museums, vibrant theater scene, picturesque cities, and a landscape dotted with castles, set Belgium in a class of its own. Festivities take place around the year, with some festivals even recognized by UNESCO as cultural heritage, for instance, the Carnaval.
Bars and restaurants are in abundance. Serving authentic, Flemish, Dutch, and German cuisines. One can indulge in sports bars too, where he/she is bound to bump into soccer, cycling, and tennis aficionados soon upon entry.
Safety
Safety and security is another aspect that draws herds of foreigners to Belgium to live as expatriates. Freedom of expression allows each individual to be expressive about their thoughts and opinions publicly, and rest assured that no harm will come upon them. Society is intellectually developed enough to absorb the most evolved school of thought.
Healthcare system
Belgium has one of the best healthcare systems in the world. The government has ensured that state-of-the-art technology is not only made accessible to all citizens but also cheaper. Health insurance is provided to every citizen. In 2020, the Bloomberg Health Index placed Belgium at 28th position, and 25th on Life Expectancy Index.
Education
Education is another area where the country outranks a major part of the world. Belgian students under 15 rank among the top 20 in the world in disciplines like mathematics, science, arts, etc. The country offers various schooling and education systems to choose from. As expatriate parents enjoy freedom as to how they want their offspring to pursue their education. Schooling till the age of 18 is compulsory for all, after that student may choose if they want to further carry on with their studies or join the workforce.
Doing business in Belgium
Expatriates with the right documentation and fulfilling the legal requirements may indulge in any business they please, provided it doesn’t conflict with the social and legal norms. Belgium being a highly industrialized country offers ease of entry to any business. Raw materials, manpower, skilled labor, the proper place, marketing channels, supply chains, and investment opportunities are all available in the economy. All one needs is to identify the need and offer a solution.
