Moving to BelgiumShare
While living in Belgium comes with a higher tax burden of 37.9%, expats often benefit from its robust social infrastructure and high quality of life. With a very high English proficiency score of 608, daily communication and business integration are seamless. It hosts a vibrant and diverse expat community, notably drawing a significant number of residents from Morocco.
Lifestyle & Vibe
Belgium has excellent digital infrastructure, high-speed fiber internet widely available in Brussels, Ghent, and Antwerp, and exceptional public transport with Eurostar and Thalys connections making it a strong European transit hub. The cost of living is high — Brussels ranks among the pricier EU capitals — and income taxes are among the steepest in the OECD, which significantly impacts independent contractors and freelancers. There is no dedicated digital nomad visa; EU citizens can reside freely, while non-EU remote workers must navigate the complex self-employed residency pathway. The expat social scene in Brussels is uniquely international due to EU institutions, but the city can feel bureaucratically dense and somewhat transient.
Digital Freedom & Remote Work
Censorship and network interference data is currently being collected for Belgium.
Society & Demographics
In Belgium, the population is fairly gender-balanced with a slightly higher female presence at 50.69%. With an impressive internet penetration rate of 95.78%, Belgians are well-connected globally. The country scores moderately on English proficiency with an EF score of 608, reflecting a mix of multilingualism and linguistic diversity. Belgium demonstrates low income inequality as indicated by its GINI index of 26.8, with women holding a significant position in parliament at 41.33%. Aging is notable, with 20.56% over the age of 65, and urbanization is high at 87.61%, indicating a predominantly city-dwelling population. The commitment to education is evident through its substantial allocation of 12.01% of GDP towards education spending.
Gender Distribution
Aging Society
Population over 65 years old
Education Spending
UNESCO Data. Indicates focus on public schooling.
Quality of Life
In Belgium, residents enjoy a high quality of life with an impressive life expectancy of 81.51 years, reflecting excellent healthcare access and well-being. The country boasts a robust health system indicated by the Universal Health Coverage Index at 86.00, boasting 33.91 medical doctors per 10,000 people. However, the obesity rate stands at 20.85%, and while air quality is generally good with PM2.5 levels of 11.22 µg/m³, other metrics like an average weekly work schedule of 34.5 hours suggest a balanced approach to work-life integration. Safety is commendable with only 1.08 homicides per 100,000 people annually, contributing to overall well-being. Belgium's happiness score of 6.926 on a scale of 0-10 highlights its inhabitants' positive outlook despite these factors.
Economic Freedom & Business Climate
The Belgian economy operates within a framework that is relatively free, with an Economic Freedom Score of 69.2000, ranking it among the more economically liberal countries. With property rights and judicial effectiveness scores at high levels (91.1000 and 91.6000 respectively), investors can have confidence in legal protections and clear property laws. However, key areas like labor freedom (57.5000) and fiscal health (53.4000) present challenges that could impact economic growth and business climate stability.
Evaluated across 12 quantitative factors. Scores span 0-100, where higher scores indicate greater economic liberty, lighter tax burdens, and stronger property rights.
Climate Profile (Brussels)
Belgium boasts a temperate maritime climate, characterized by mild winters and cool summers, with average temperatures ranging from 6.06°C in January to 23.45°C in August, making it an ideal destination for expats and digital nomads seeking a balanced climate. The country experiences its hottest period from June to August, with July and August being the rainiest months, while the autumn and spring seasons, particularly from April to May and September to October, offer the most comfortable weather, with mild temperatures and fewer rainy days, making them the perfect time to relocate or visit. For those seeking to escape the crowds and enjoy pleasant weather, the spring season, from April to May, is the best time to experience Belgium's picturesque landscapes, rich culture, and vibrant cities, with average high temperatures of 14.81°C to 18.61°C and fewer rainy days, making it an attractive destination for expats, digital nomads, and travelers alike.
Political Stability & Governance
Evaluated across Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGI). Scores span approximately -2.5 to 2.5, where higher scores indicate stronger governance, better stability, and lower corruption.
Relocation Guides & Articles
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the tax burden in Belgium?
The tax burden in Belgium is approximately 37.9%, according to World Bank data.
Is Belgium safe?
The homicide rate in Belgium is 1.1 per 100,000 people (World Bank).
Are people happy in Belgium?
The World Happiness Report scores Belgium at 6.9 out of 10.