Belgium doesn’t get as much attention as Spain or France in expat relocation guides, but it’s one of the more significant destinations for UK professionals moving to Europe. The density of international institutions in Brussels, the multinational business hub in Antwerp, and the quality of life across cities like Ghent, Bruges, and Liège draw a steady stream of relocations each year.
The move itself – like all UK to EU relocations post-Brexit – requires more preparation than it used to. Here’s what to expect.
The customs process
Moving from the UK to Belgium requires full customs documentation on both sides of the border. On the UK side, your removal company needs to file a UK export declaration before the goods leave. On the Belgian side, goods arrive under a T1 transit document and go through Belgian customs clearance (handled by SPF Finances / TAXUD).
If you’re establishing permanent residence in Belgium and importing your personal belongings from outside the EU, you can apply for Transfer of Residence Relief (Verhuisboedelvrijstelling in Dutch, Franchise de droits à l’importation in French). This allows duty-free and VAT-free import of household goods and personal effects. The application goes to Belgian customs and must be submitted before your goods arrive.
Belgian customs has specific requirements around how long you’ve been resident outside Belgium and how recently you’ve established residence there – worth confirming with your removal company before assuming the relief applies in your specific case.
Registration in Belgium
Once you arrive, your first administrative priority is registering with the local commune (gemeente in Dutch, commune in French). This triggers a home visit from a local police officer who verifies your address – a process unique to Belgium that catches many newcomers off guard. Once confirmed, you’re registered in the national register and issued a Carte d’Identité Étranger (CEI) or its Dutch equivalent.
The registration timeline in larger cities – particularly Brussels – can stretch to several weeks, and you’ll need your address confirmed before you can do much else administratively. If you’re renting, make sure your landlord is aware of the registration process and has no objections.
Healthcare and social security
Belgium has a compulsory health insurance system. Once registered, you need to affiliate with a mutualité (health insurance fund) – the main ones being Mutualité Chrétienne/Christelijke Mutualiteit, Mutualité Socialiste/Socialistische Mutualiteit, and Mutualité Libérale/Liberale Mutualiteit, among others. If you’re employed in Belgium, affiliation typically happens through your employer. If self-employed, you’ll need to arrange it directly.
Your NISS number (Numéro d’Identification à la Sécurité Sociale) is issued through registration and is required for most official interactions.
Practical notes on delivery in Belgian cities
Brussels in particular has strict traffic regulations in the city centre, including low-emission zones (LEZ) that restrict older vehicles. Your removal company should be aware of these zones and plan accordingly – not all vehicles can legally enter certain postcodes.
Antwerp’s LEZ is one of the most expansive in Europe and applies year-round. If your removal company is operating an older diesel vehicle on their fleet, this is worth confirming before the move date.
Some buildings in Brussels and Antwerp, particularly older apartment blocks, have freight elevator requirements and require advance coordination with building management. Mention this at the survey stage so it’s factored into the plan.
Language
Belgium has three official languages: Dutch (Flanders and Brussels), French (Wallonia and Brussels), and German (a small eastern region). Brussels is officially bilingual (French and Dutch) but predominantly French-speaking in daily life. Most administrative processes in Brussels can be handled in French or English – but registration documents, commune correspondence, and some official notices will be in French or Dutch depending on where you live.
JCL Transport Group handles moves from the UK to Belgium regularly, including Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent and Liège. In-house customs clearance and Transfer of Residence Relief applications are included as standard. Get in touch for a fixed quote and a clear timeline for your specific move.
If you’re planning a family move from the UK to Europe and want to talk through the logistics – timelines, packing, pet transport, customs – get in touch. We’ve moved a lot of families, with a lot of dogs, and we’re happy to help you think it through before you commit to anything.
JCL Transport Group offers door-to-door international removals from the UK to Europe. We handle customs clearance in-house and work with families relocating to Spain, France, Poland, the Netherlands and beyond.
