Moving from Germany to Belgium

Many people can ask: why move to Belgium? In contrast to other EU countries, migrants are welcomed and tolerated in Belgium. An enviable economy, decent education and democratic prices in Belgium - this is an incomplete list of what attracts the people there. Belgium is among the most attractive European countries for migrants in 2023. There are many reasons why people decide to live in Belgium. Competitive prices in Belgium, making it possible to buy a house and get a good education, as well as various benefits are considered the most important criterion.

Unlike Germany and the United Kingdom, life in Belgium for migrants is not complicated by hostility from local residents. Apart from a democratic attitude to foreigners, Belgium enjoys a good level of social culture and a relatively short period of naturalization. Therefore, the migrant may expect to receive Belgian citizenship shortly.

In Germany, people are known for being sensible, frugal, and respectful of one another's privacy. This sense of order is also apparent in the way they conduct themselves in business. People in Belgium are typically reserved and introverted when it comes to interacting with others. However, after getting to know them better, they tend to be warm and friendly.

Belgium is one of the most expensive countries to live in. Renting a one-room apartment in the central part of the city costs about 750 euros, and in remote areas about 600 euros. The price of one square meter of real estate in the center is 2,987 euros, and outside the city 2,378 euros. Apart from the capital city of Brussels, the best cities to live and moving to Belgium are Antwerp, Bruges, Ghent, The Level and Liège. 

In Germany you can expect a double price per square meter. The average property price in the center of a German town or city is around 5,430 euros per square meter, rising to 6,995 euros per square meter in Berlin and 11,759 euros in Munich.

Moving to Belgium as an EU citizen is as easy as it sounds. Of course, EU citizens can live in Belgium for up to three months without any requirements other than a valid ID or passport.

Thereafter, EU citizens and family members who are EU citizens are automatically entitled to permanent residence once they fulfill the conditions for permanent residence in Belgium. If you wish, your right to permanent residence can be recognized by the municipality where you live.

Pros of moving to Belgium:

• Belgium is a country with a stable democracy, and minimal corruption.
• Belgium has excellent infrastructure, a quality healthcare and education system.
• Thanks to its advantageous geographical location, Belgian business is successfully developing and expanding trade relations with the largest economies in the world. 
• The country has three official languages, but most Belgians are fluent in English.
• Reliable moving company that will help to easily move from Germany to Belgium.

Cons of moving to Belgium:

• Belgium has a complex government structure with many regional differences.
• Some foreigners note a high level of bureaucracy, unusual for European countries.
• Life in Belgium is very expensive.
• High tax rates.
• Changing climate.

As in Germany and many other EU countries, healthcare system in Belgium is at a very high level. Against the backdrop of a free choice of medical institution and doctor, every Belgian has access to care at any level. the main advantage of this system is the absence of queues anywhere. Given the fact that there is no voluntary medical insurance, most citizens of the Kingdom have no complaints about the existing healthcare system. This is another reason for relocation to Belgium.

It is important to remember that the prices for medical services in Belgium are quite high. In order to enter the territory of the country, a foreigner must provide a health insurance policy (level - international).

Every foreigner has the right to seek medical assistance and to choose both the institution in which treatment will take place and the doctor. First aid does not require payment, but in the future the foreigner undertakes to pay according to the price list.

Belgian economy is amazing for entrepreneurs, as it allows to reach business heights. In addition, Belgium is in need of highly qualified specialists, as well as those who are able to quickly and creatively solve a specific problem that has arisen before a particular enterprise. Find a place under the sun and those who have a rare specialty, not in demand in their homeland. Doctors, engineers and accountants have chances to find good jobs. A person who does not have the opportunity to confirm his qualifications can get a job as a waiter, maid or bartender.

Belgian tax rates are among the highest in the world, as the Belgian government uses tax revenue to fund its world-class healthcare, affordable education and welfare programs such as family, pension or unemployment benefits.

The German tax system is also one of the highest in the world, with the only difference being that the income tax is progressive and can go up with wages. Both European countries provide a high quality of life, but instead high taxes.

One of the main factors that attracted many expats to Belgium is its high living standards. According to the OECD's Better Life Index, the country offers quality and high level in different life aspects such as education, income, housing, and employment. 

The Kingdom of Belgium is a developing country with a very high standard of living. Salaries in Belgium are much higher than in other EU member states. Also, many people can count on the payment of benefits. It’s just that it’s very difficult for a person who does not have a decent qualification in 2022 to get a well-paid job in Belgium.

The payment of pension savings in the Kingdom rests on 3 pillars. They are the following:

• pension payments provided by the Law of the country;
• addition to the basic pension (provided by the employer);
• pension savings (the number of payments is determined by the person independently).

The average amount of pension payments is 865 euros.

Belgian pensions are calculated as follows:

• old age (from 63 years old);
• by length of service (experience - at least 30 years);
• according to professional duties;
• by disability.

The accrual of pension payments depends on the length of service, status, marital status and social security contributions. Many pensioners are eligible for nice bonuses.

There are such advantages as a pension allowance (relevant if a person, having crossed the sixty-year milestone, continues to work), and the possibility of increasing it. The amount of the supplement is approximately nine percent of the amount of pension payments.

In addition to the advantages, there are also significant disadvantages. For example, the retirement age in Belgium is rising all the time.

If you change your country of residence to Belgium, you have 6 months to re-register a vehicle previously registered in another EU country from the time you arrive in Belgium. To re-register a vehicle previously registered in another EU country, contact the Belgian Vehicle Registration Service (DIV).

Moving abroad for the first time is a scary and risky step in life. Many expats are looking for helpful tips to move on. Here are some advices on moving to Belgium that will put aspiring expats on the right path to a positive life abroad:

• think about your housing
• do your researches on everything
• be open and adaptable
• choose a busy location first
• adjust to what you have
• be patient

Before you move from Germany to Belgium, make sure that you find a reputable moving company that can help you with all of your needs. Moovick is one of the experienced companies that will be able to help you pack and deliver your items to your new home securely and safely. The company has been providing high-quality moving services to both individuals and families in Europe.