Belgium
Belgium’s patchwork of languages and regions creates a living mosaic, from Flemish art cities to the wooded Ardennes.
Overview
At the crossroads of Western Europe, Belgium is defined by Dutch, French, and German language communities, each shaping distinct regional identities. Brussels anchors the country’s cosmopolitan side, while Antwerp, Walloon towns, and rural landscapes offer contrasting textures. The interplay of language and history is ever-present, inviting deeper exploration.
At a glance
Languages
- Dutch(Official)
- French(Official)
- German(Official)
- English(Widespread)
Population11,825,551
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
1 EUR = 1.1664 USD
1 USD = 0.8574 EUR
Popular places
Belgium
Cost of living
Numbeo publishes these source indexes relative to New York City.
Cost of LivingPotentially much less expensiveSource category: All | 2026
RentPotentially much less expensiveSource category: Rent | 2026
GroceriesPotentially less expensiveSource category: Grocery | 2026
RestaurantPotentially less expensiveSource category: Restaurant | 2026
Local Purchasing PowerStronger local purchasing powerSource category: Purchasing Power | 2026
Sources
- Numbeo Cost of Living Index
Quality of life
Quality of Life IndexStrongSource category: Quality Of Life | 2026 | Overall quality of life index
Healthcare IndexGenerally favorableSource category: Healthcare | 2026 | Healthcare quality index (100 = best healthcare)
Crime IndexModerateSource category: Crime | 2026 | Crime index (100 = highest crime)
Safety IndexMixedSource category: Safety | 2026 | Safety index (100 = safest)
Pollution IndexModerateSource category: Pollution | 2026 | Pollution index (100 = most polluted)
Traffic IndexHighSource category: Traffic | 2026 | Overall traffic index (considers time + inefficiency + CO2)
Sources
- Numbeo Cost of Living Index
Entry requirements
Visa and residency reference data is available for EU Blue Card, Work (Employer-Sponsored), Family Reunification, and 1 more.
EU Blue Card
European Commission Immigration Portal EU Blue Card route for highly qualified non-EU workers in Belgium.
- Employer-sponsored only
- Path to residency
Work (Employer-Sponsored)
- Employed Worker Residence Permit
European Commission Immigration Portal route for non-EU citizens who want to work in Belgium as employed workers.
- Employer-sponsored only
- Path to residency
Family Reunification
European Commission Immigration Portal family reunification route for eligible non-EU family members joining a sponsor in Belgium.
Self-Employment
Languages
- Dutch(Official)
- French(Official)
- German(Official)
- English(Widespread)
Sources
- Country language reference
Safety
3 source-backed travel advisories are available for Belgium.
Canada
Exercise a high degree of caution
Advisory effective · Verified
Exercise a high degree of caution in Belgium due to the threat of terrorism.
United Kingdom
No destination-wide FCDO travel warning
Advisory effective · Verified
FCDO travel advice currently has no destination-wide warning for Belgium. Review the full FCDO travel advice before travelling, including safety, entry, health, and insurance guidance.
United States
Level 2Exercise Increased Caution
Advisory effective · Verified
Exercise increased caution in Belgium due to crime, terrorism, and unrest. Crime Petty crime is common, especially in popular tourist locations. Stay aware of your surroundings. Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, like purse snatching and pickpocketing. Terrorism There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Belgium. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more. Unrest Large-scale, generally peaceful demonstrations related to the local political situation may occur. Demonstrations may disrupt transportation and other essential services. Review our Travel Guidance for Belgium to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.
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