Belgium
Residence procedure: Registration at the commune (gemeente / commune)
Official government websiteYour 7-step relocation checklist
- Step 1
EU Free Movement confirmed
As an EU citizen, you have the right to live and work in Belgium with no visa. Bring a valid passport or national ID card.
- Step 2
Find accommodation
A local address is required for most other steps (registration, bank, tax number). Check housing costs before you move.
Cost of living in Belgium - Step 3
Register your residence — Registration at the commune (gemeente / commune)
Deadline: Within 8 working days of arrival. This is the local residence registration procedure required under EU Directive 2004/38/EC after your first 3 months.
Official government portal - Step 4
Get your Rijksregisternummer / Numéro national
You need a Rijksregisternummer / Numéro national to work, get paid, or open a bank account in Belgium.
Apply for Rijksregisternummer / Numéro national - Step 5
Register with Mutualité / Ziekenfonds (mandatory health insurance fund)
Once resident and working, register with Mutualité / Ziekenfonds (mandatory health insurance fund). In the meantime your EHIC covers necessary care.
Mutualité / Ziekenfonds (mandatory health insurance fund) portal - Step 6
Open a local bank account
Most Belgium employers pay salary into a local EUR account. Bring your ID, proof of address and Rijksregisternummer / Numéro national.
- Step 7
Calculate your expected net salary
See what you'll actually take home in Belgium after tax and social security.
Open net salary calculator
FAQ — Moving to Belgium
Information verified for 2026 from official Belgium government sources. This guide applies to EU citizens under EU Directive 2004/38/EC.