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Exercise a high degree of caution
Exercise a high degree of caution in Belgium due to the threat of terrorism.
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 = 1.1404 USD
1 USD = 0.8769 EUR
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 LifeStrongSource category: Quality Of Life | 2026 | Overall quality of life index
SafetyMixedSource category: Safety | 2026 | Safety index (100 = safest)
HealthcareGenerally favorableSource category: Healthcare | 2026 | Healthcare quality index (100 = best healthcare)
PollutionModerateSource category: Pollution | 2026 | Pollution index (100 = most polluted)
TrafficHighSource 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
- Self-Employed Worker Residence Permit
European Commission Immigration Portal route for non-EU citizens who want to work in Belgium as self-employed workers.
- Limited work rights
- Path to residency
Languages
- Dutch(Official)
- French(Official)
- German(Official)
- English(Widespread)
Sources
- Country language reference
Safety
3 source-backed travel advisories are available for Belgium.
United Kingdom
No destination-wide FCDO travel warning
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
Exercise increased caution in Belgium due to terrorism. 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
- Transportation hubs (e.g. airports, train stations, mass transit)
- Markets and shopping malls
- Local government buildings
- Hotels, clubs, and restaurants
- Places of worship
- Parks
- Major sporting, music, and cultural events
- Schools
- Public areas
Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.
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