Is Belgium a good place to raise kids?

Yes, Belgium is generally considered a very good place to raise children, ranking highly in international reports for child well-being due to excellent, affordable childcare, strong education, multilingual opportunities, safety, and a family-friendly environment with great parks, though concerns exist around child poverty and childhood obesity. Key benefits include free education, extensive childcare support (Kind en Gezin, ONE), rich culture (comics, chocolate, festivals), and easy travel within Europe, but parents should be prepared for bureaucracy and potential traffic issues.

Is Belgium a good place to raise a family?

Conclusion. Living in Belgium as an expatriate family offers a rich and diverse experience, full of learning and growth opportunities. While there are challenges, proper preparation and adaptation can transform these difficulties into an enriching adventure for the entire family.

Is Belgium friendly to Americans?

Yes, Belgium is generally very friendly and welcoming to Americans, with a strong historical bond from World War II, a positive public perception of the U.S., and many locals speaking good English, making it easy for Americans to visit and navigate, though standard travel precautions for Europe apply. 

What are the disadvantages of living in Belgium?

Disadvantages

• Taxes are among the highest in Europe.
• The language barrier if you don't speak one of the country's three official languages (French, Dutch and German)
• In Brussels, the rental market is saturated, which also drives up housing prices.

Is Belgium good for kids?

Final Thoughts -- Why Belgium is a Family-Friendly Winner Belgium surprised us. It's compact, clean, incredibly easy to navigate by train, and full of experiences that both kids and adults will love.

7 Things To Know Before Visiting Belgium

What is the 30% rule in Belgium?

Belgium's "30% tax ruling" is a special expat tax regime offering a tax-free allowance of up to 30% of gross salary (recently planned to increase to 35%, with the €90k cap being removed, per BDO Global https://www.bdo.global/en-gb/insights/tax/belgium-special-tax-regime-for-inpatriate-executives-and-researchers-in-flanders/issue-71-october-2025-2025-october-2025.html, BDO Global https://www.bdo.global/en-gb/insights/tax/belgium-special-tax-regime-for-inpatriate-executives-and-researchers-in-flanders/issue-71-october-2025-2025-october-2025.html, Andersen in Belgium https://be.andersen.com/news/important-changes-to-the-belgian-expatriate-tax-regime, BDO Global) for qualifying inbound employees, plus tax-free reimbursement for moving/school costs, to attract foreign talent by reducing tax burdens significantly. This regime, introduced in 2022 and updated recently, allows a significant portion of salary and specific expenses to be exempt from income tax and social security for up to 8 years, requiring specific conditions like recent non-residency in Belgium. 

Is Belgium safe for US citizens?

Country Summary: There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other related activities in Belgium. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning. They target: Tourist locations.

Is it hard for Americans to move to Belgium?

To immigrate to Belgium, you'll need to secure employment, apply for the right visa, and fulfill the residency requirements. Most Americans move to Belgium after securing a job offer from a Belgian employer that a Belgian or EU citizen cannot fill.

What is considered impolite in Belgium?

The language of choice for negotiators in Brussels is English. French is also frequently used. It is considered impolite to snap your fingers. Do not put your hands in your pockets, yawn, scratch or use toothpicks in public.

What is the most common STD in Belgium?

CHLAMYDIA. Chlamydia, caused by the bacterium "Chlamydia trachomatis", is the most frequently detected sexually transmitted infection in Belgium, and the number of cases continues to rise.

Is it okay to speak English in Belgium?

Yes, you can absolutely speak English in Belgium, especially in cities and tourist areas, as high English proficiency is common, particularly among younger generations and in the Flemish-speaking North, though trying a few French or Dutch pleasantries is always appreciated. 

What is Belgium's weakness?

Currently, Belgium is a weak performer in CO2 emissions per capita, energy efficiency, and modern infrastructure. The tax system requires comprehensive reform and simplification.

Does Belgium support Israel or Palestine?

Belgium–Israel relations are the bilateral relations between Belgium and Israel. Belgium voted in favor of the United Nations Partition Plan for Palestine in 1947 and recognized the State of Israel on January 15, 1950. Belgium has an embassy in Tel Aviv, and Israel has an embassy in Brussels.

Which country is the most family-friendly?

• New Zealand. #1 in Family-friendly. #9 in Best Countries Overall. ...
• Spain. #2 in Family-friendly. #19 in Best Countries Overall. ...
• Canada. #3 in Family-friendly. ...
• Norway. #4 in Family-friendly. ...
• Finland. #5 in Family-friendly. ...
• Ireland. #6 in Family-friendly. ...
• Sweden. #7 in Family-friendly. ...
• Italy. #8 in Family-friendly.

Is Belgium cheaper than the USA?

Cost of living in Belgium vs the US

The cost of living in Belgium is generally higher than in the US when excluding rent, with a family of four spending around €4,518 per month compared to €3,755 in the US. For a single person, costs are €1,760 in Belgium versus €1,055 in the US.

What time does school start in Belgium?

A normal school day starts between 8 and 8:30am and ends between 4 and 5 pm, Monday through Friday. Wednesday afternoons are free. Each class takes 50 minutes.

Can I wear a hijab in Belgium?

Laws have been passed in France and Belgium to ban face-covering clothing, popularly described as the "burqa ban", although applies not merely to the Afghani burqa, but to all face coverings ranging from the niqab to bodysuits, and does not apply to hijab which do not conceal the face.

Can I visit Belgium if I only speak English?

It's true that a lot of people you meet in Belgium will speak good English, so technically you can survive without one of the official languages. But do you want to only survive? There is still so much culture and so many opportunities that will be off limits to you without learning French or German.

What is the most common crime in Belgium?

The most common types of crime in Belgium are (2023): Theft and extortion. Bodily harm (including assault and murder) Fraud.

What are the pros and cons of living in Belgium?

If you're thinking about moving your household belongings to Belgium, don't forget to visit our Removals to Belgium for more information.

• Pro - Lots of Job Prospects.
• Con - There's More Than One Language to Learn.
• Pro - Housing is Affordable in Belgium.
• Con - Cost of Living in Belgium.
• Pro - Education is Superb.

What is the easiest country to move to from the US?

These countries tend to be the easiest for Americans to adjust to, thanks to language, cultural familiarity, and strong infrastructure.

• Canada. Canada remains one of the most popular destinations for Americans. ...
• Ireland. ...
• Australia & New Zealand. ...
• Portugal. ...
• Spain. ...
• Germany. ...
• United Kingdom. ...
• Mexico.

Are Belgians friendly to Americans?

Yes, Belgium is generally very friendly and welcoming to Americans, with a strong historical bond from World War II, a positive public perception of the U.S., and many locals speaking good English, making it easy for Americans to visit and navigate, though standard travel precautions for Europe apply. 

Where do Americans live in Belgium?

While Americans can be found across Belgium, certain cities and neighborhoods have become especially popular: Brussels: Home to many international organizations—including the European Union and NATO—Brussels attracts the largest community of American expats.

Can I use my US driver's license in Belgium?

Tourists and temporary visitors are allowed to drive in Belgium on a valid license from a U.S. state. An International Driver's License is not required but some car rental companies may require one. The same rule applies for bearers of Belgian driver's licenses who are temporary visitors to the United States.

What is the safest town in Belgium?

What is the safest city in Brussels for expats? Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, Ixelles, and Uccle are some of the safest municipalities in Belgium for both expats and travelers. While Belgium is considered generally safe, it's a good idea for travelers to be careful while visiting Molenbeek and Gare du Midi.