Belgium is a good destination for those working in public affairs or social policy. But as many people in the country are bilingual, it is important to remember that when getting a job, a knowledge of the official language will put you at a great advantage. Jobs are also available in high skill areas such as engineering and computing, but expect that you will need to be fluent in French or German. Many of these jobs are very well paid, which goes along with the high cost of living in the country. Employers do, however, pay a 13th month ‘bonus’ which is usually awarded at the end of the financial year.
Moving to Belgium is relatively simple, although in recent years, high levels of immigration have forced the government to implement tighter restrictions on those that want to become permanent residents in the country. If you are unsure on which kind of visa you require, just visit this site for all the information you need. Belgians have quite a strict administrational agency, so it is incredibly important that all letters, calls or summons are responded to quickly. Anyone wanting to stay for longer than three months will be classified as a ‘resident’. You therefore have 8 working days to go to your local municipal administration office/town hall in order to be registered on the Foreigner’s register. This will enable you to get a residency card. Contacting the commune in your local area will enable you to find out the details of your local town hall.
Start planning early
Before diving headfirst into the moving process, careful planning is essential. A good way to start is by creating a timeline or to-do list of the most important tasks. Here are some of the things you should include:
Sort and pack your belongings
To make packing easier, give your belongings a spring clean by selling, donating, or disposing of any items you don;t want to take. Remember: reducing your load might mean being able to save money by using our part-load services.
If you are packing yourself, remember that fragile items, such as family heirlooms, breakable items, or expensive technology, need to be packed securely and tightly, with added protection to avoid breakage or damage. It’s best to use specialist packing materials, such as export wrap, bubble wrap, and secure boxes, which we can provide. Alternatively, why not use one of our Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum packing services and let us do the hard work for you.
Research removals services
Whether you’re located in Brussels, Antwerp, or Dendermonde, choosing a reliable removal company is paramount for a smooth transition from Belgium to the UK.
Take the time to research and compare removal services, considering factors such as experience, reputation, and cost. At Matthew James, we offer a range of complementary services, such as customs assistance, priority delivery, and in-house supervision.
Understand legal requirements
Even if you’re a British citizen, relocating back to the UK can require researching and filling in necessary documentation. Examples include: passports, visas, residency permits, NHS coverage documentation, and any other relevant customs documentation. It might be helpful to hire a specialist to help.
Keep in mind that Matthew James will support you with all customs-related documentation, leaving you to focus only on personal paperwork.
Notify authorities in your local area
Ensure you notify the relevant authorities prior to leaving Belgium. This includes updating your address with government agencies, banks, utility companies, insurance providers, and any other relevant parties.
By preparing a smooth transition of services in advance, dealing with other aspects of the move will be easier to manage.
Review everything in advance
As your moving date approaches, make sure you confirm arrangements with your moving company and utility providers, and any other relevant bodies in good time.
If you have any last-minute questions, or need to make short notice changes, don’t worry. Your Move Manager is only a call away. Our friendly British team will help you with any last-minute emergencies, meaning you can relax knowing your consignment is in safe hands.
