More and more Spaniards in Belgium are arriving each year, whether for work, studies, or simply to experience a new culture. If you are Spanish and currently residing or planning to move to Belgium, it is crucial to be well-prepared.
In this guide, we explain the essential steps before your arrival and the most important aspects to consider once you are living in Belgium as a Spaniard.
Administrative procedures for Spaniards in Belgium
As a Spanish citizen, you do not need a visa to enter or reside in Belgium. However, before traveling, make sure your DNI (national ID) and passport are valid for administrative procedures in Belgium.
Upon arrival, Spaniards living in Belgium should register at the Consulate General of Spain in Brussels (or the relevant consulate for their area). Registering as a resident means enrolling in the Register of Spaniards Living Abroad and, if over 18, in the CERA, allowing you to vote from abroad.
If your stay is temporary, you can register as a non-resident at the Consulate, maintaining your Spanish census registration while still accessing essential services like DNI or passport renewal. This allows access to services like renewing your DNI or passport and receiving assistance in case of emergencies
📍 The Consulate General of Spain in Brussels is located at Rue Ducale 85-87, 1000 Brussels (Email: cog.bruselas@maec.es).
Registration at the Belgian Commune
Belgium is divided into three regions: Flanders, Brussels, and Wallonia, each with its own administrative structure and official languages. Dutch is primarily spoken in Flanders, French in Wallonia, and Brussels-Capital is officially bilingual, although French is more widely used.
If you plan to stay for more than 90 days, you need to register at your local commune (French) or gemeentehuis (Dutch) within eight days of arrival. This registration is essential to obtain your national number, a personal ID that you will need for important procedures such as accessing healthcare.
Moreover, to register as a Spaniard in Belgium, you must prove you have a real residence address within the commune and submit required documents like your passport, rental contract, and proof of employment or financial means. Many Belgian communes also offer free language courses in Dutch, French, or German, which are an excellent opportunity to integrate more easily.
Housing and rental contracts
Finding suitable housing in Belgium can be a challenge, especially for who are unfamiliar with the local real estate market. It is important to note that the market varies significantly between regions such as Flanders, Brussels, and Wallonia.
To begin with, you can use real estate agencies like Spotahome or Immoweb, co-living companies such as Co-Homing, or popular Facebook groups. However, Spaniards living in Belgium should exercise caution: be aware of rental scams, which often involve suspicious requests for payments just to visit a property. For more tips, you can find detailed information on how to avoid and deal with scams.
💡 Tip: always verify the legitimacy of the offer before making any payments.
When it comes to rental contracts in Belgium, the standard lease agreement is for nine years. Nonetheless, there are also options for shorter-term contracts, usually lasting between one and three years, which might be more suitable for a temporary stay.
In any case, make sure the rental contract is written in the official language of the region — whether it is French, Dutch, or German — and, ideally, also in English to avoid any misunderstandings. For a full overview, feel free to consult our detailed guide to lease contracts in Belgium, specially tailored for expatriates.
Healthcare and Social Security in Belgium
As a Spaniard living in Belgium, it is important to understand your rights and the steps to access healthcare and social security services. Here’s a quick guide:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | As Spaniards in Belgium (EU members), you have the same healthcare rights as Belgian nationals. |
| Registration Requirement | You must register with a mutual health insurance provider (mutuelle in French or ziekenfonds in Dutch). |
| Healthcare Providers | Options include: Christian, Partenamut, DKV, and Socialist mutuelles. These organizations offer reimbursement for medical expenses. |
| Covered Medical Expenses | Medical expenses such as doctor visits, prescriptions, and hospital treatments are reimbursed. |
| 🇪🇺 European Health Insurance Card | If your stay is temporary, carry your European Health Insurance Card. It guarantees emergency medical care under the same conditions as Belgian residents. |
| Additional Notes | The EHIC allows access to emergency care without additional paperwork for Spaniards living in Belgium. |
Taxation and legal tips for Spaniards in Belgium
When settling in Belgium, Spaniards in Belgium must pay close attention to their tax obligations. As soon as you become a tax resident in Belgium, you will declare your worldwide income in Belgium (pensions, real estate income, or dividends). Fortunately, Spain and Belgium have signed a double taxation agreement. Thanks to this treaty, Spanish citizens in Belgium can avoid being taxed twice on the same income.
Moreover, besides taxation, Spaniards relocating to Belgium should also understand key legal aspects such as:
- Obligations to inform the Spanish tax authorities (Modelo 720) about assets held abroad if their value exceeds certain thresholds
- Inheritance and gift taxes, which vary between Belgian regions
- Social security coordination, particularly if you have worked in both countries and intend to claim pensions or social benefits in the future
- Professional qualifications: regulated profession (e.g., lawyer, doctor, engineer) may need official recognition in Belgium
- Employment rights and labor law: Spaniards working in Belgium are protected by Belgian labor law, which differs from Spanish labor law
International education system in Belgium
If you are relocating to Belgium with children, one of the first things to consider is the education system. Belgium’s education system is divided into three communities (French-speaking, Flemish-speaking, and German-speaking), each with its own holiday schedule, language and education system. Depending on where you live, your children will have the option to be educated in French or Dutch. Additionally, Belgium boasts an excellent selection of international and European schools, where programs are offered in Spanish, English, and other languages.
Moreover, the Instituto Cervantes in Brussels provides a wide array of Spanish-language courses, cultural programs, and events.
Need help as a Spaniard in Belgium? Contact our legal experts
If you are a Spaniard living in Belgium or planning your move, having reliable legal advice can make all the difference. We specialize in expatriate, immigration, and international law, offering personalized support, as Spanish lawyers in Belgium.
Our experienced lawyers assist with everything from administrative registrations and tax declarations to any legal procedures you may face. Don’t let legal uncertainties complicate your experience.
📩 Email us at info@arthurmarin.com
📞 Call us at +32 465 345 345
We help Spaniards in Belgium settle, work, and live with full peace of mind.
