Expat Guide - Belgium

More about Belgium

ℹ️ Generalities

Belgium is a small yet culturally diverse country known for its historic cities, medieval towns, and culinary delights. With three official languages - Dutch, French, and German - it's a federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy. Belgium is recognized for its pivotal role in the European Union, housing many of its institutions. Iconic landmarks include the Atomium in Brussels and the picturesque medieval town of Bruges. Belgian cuisine is celebrated for its chocolates, waffles, and an array of beers. The country also boasts a rich comic book heritage, producing famous characters like Tintin and the Smurfs. With its central European location, Belgium is a significant transportation and political hub.

💡 Good to know

🏝️ Public Holidays

1 January : New Year’s Day
10 April: Easter Monday
1 May: Labor Day
18 May: Ascension Day
29 May: Whit Monday, also known as Pentecost Monday
21 July: Belgium National Day 
15 August: Assumption Day
1 November: All Saints’ Day
11 November: Armistice Day
25 December: Christmas Day

Accommodation

🏡 Generalities 

Renting a room in a shared flat/house ("collocation" in French) is cheaper than renting a place on your own. It's also a great way to meet people outside of work.

A deposit of 2 months worth of rent is usually required. Considering this, your first payment will be the cost of 3 months rent in total (1st month + 2 months deposit). The rental agreement can be 1 year or 3 years and you have to give 3 months notice if you want to leave before that.

📍 Where to live 

Brussels

The capital of Belgium is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city. Brussels is known for its historic architecture, including the iconic Atomium and the Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city offers a rich cultural scene, with museums, galleries, and a thriving culinary culture. Brussels is a diverse and multilingual city, and its central location in Europe makes it a hub for international politics, business, and diplomacy.

It's easy to socialize in English, but also to find find a furnished room in an apartment with other expats.

The municipalities of Auderghem, Ixelles, Etterbeek, Watermael Boitsfort are the best and nicest locations if you come to the office by car.

Namur

Located at the confluence of the Meuse and Sambre rivers, it is a historic city with a picturesque charm. Namur is known for its impressive citadel perched on a hill overlooking the city, as well as its historic buildings, cobbled streets, and medieval ambiance. Namur offers a blend of culture, history, and natural beauty, with numerous parks and green spaces. It's perfect if you like being in a city with everything you need, but quieter than the big capital.

If you'll use public transport, try to find an accommodation near the Namur train station, the bus departure is located there. A direct bus (n° E82) drives everyday from the station to the office (itinerary and information). 

If you'll use a car, you can choose to live anywhere around.

Louvain-la-Neuve

It is known for being a vibrant university town, home to the Catholic University of Louvain. The city is characterized by its modern and functional architecture, having been primarily constructed in the 1970s to accommodate the university. Louvain-la-Neuve offers a youthful and lively atmosphere with numerous students, shops, cafes, and a diverse cultural scene. It is set in a green environment, surrounded by parks and wooded areas, providing a balance between student life and nature.

Grand-Rosière

It is a small, peaceful, and picturesque village typical of the Belgian countryside. It is surrounded by fields, meadows, and forests, providing a pleasant natural setting. There are only a few shops and amenities available, making it less than ideal for those seeking easy access to a variety of services.

🔎 How to find an accommodation 

Estate agencies 

You can contact the following persons, stating that you are an Odoo employee. They know Odoo and they speak English.

Website

The most popular website is Immoweb. You need to then contact the owner or the agency to arrange a visit. This can be challenging if you are not yet in Belgium. Beware of scams. If you are asked to make an upfront payment, do not do it!

Facebook groups

🚎 Commute time home to office 

I work in Louvain-la-Neuve

From Louvain-la-Neuve center: 15' by bus and 5' by car. 
From Brussels south: 30' by car or use the Odoo free shuttle (Departure: 8:00 AM at Herman Debroux metro station - Return: 5:45 PM Louvain-La-Neuve office)
From Namur: 25' by car and 1h by public transport.

I work in Grand-Rosière (farm1, farm2 or farm3)

From Namur: 25' by car and 25' by public transport. The bus Line is number E82 (itinerary and information)
From Louvain-la-Neuve: more than 1h by bus and 20' by car. 
From Brussels: 30' by car or use the Odoo free shuttle (Departure: 8:00 AM at Delta metro station - Return: 5:45 PM from the farm)

💲Average cost per month 

Those prices do not include charges: TV/Wifi (~60€/month), Water (~30€/month), Electricity & Gaz (~80€/month).

Administrative procedure

1. Domiciliation 🏤
2. Join a healthcare insurance company 🩺
3. Open a bank account 💰

And you will also find all the information you need about phone, internet, water and electricity subscriptions. But most of this will mainly have to be handled once you arrive.

🚗 About Driving License 

You have a driving licence from a country of the European Union

In Belgium, you are permitted to drive with your existing driving license. However, if you possess a lifetime-valid driving license, you are required to request a Belgian driving license within two years of your registration in Belgium.

You have a Non-European Driving licence

After completing the registration process in Belgium, there is a waiting period of 185 days before you become eligible to apply for a Belgian driving license. During this 185-day interim period, you are allowed to drive with:

• A valid and recognized international driving license. Please note that the international driving license is only valid when presented in conjunction with the national driving license for which it was originally issued.
• A valid and recognized foreign non-European national driving license if your home country is on this list.

The application for a driving license exchange can be initiated within the initial 185 days following registration, but the issuance of the Belgian driving license can only occur after this waiting period has elapsed.

If you do not possess a valid and recognized international driving license or a valid and recognized foreign non-European national driving license, you will be required to undergo the driving license testing process in Belgium.

Find all the information here.

Work Permit - Sponsorship

Generalities

A work permit is required if you come from a non-European Union country.

Get your work permit

The document you'll need is called the "single permit," referred to as permis unique in French.

This permit serves as the key to your legal residence and employment in Belgium. The good news is Odoo will handle the necessary procedures with the immigration services. We will only require some essential documents from you, such as a copy of your passport, your diploma, and a medical certificate.

Once we've submitted your application, we must patiently await a response, which can take up to three months.

When the single permit is approved, you'll be required to schedule an appointment at the nearest Belgian embassy to your location. During this appointment, you'll present your immigration documents and passport, and the embassy will issue your visa.

Following this, you can proceed to book your flight and make your way to join us!

Furthermore, you are entitled to a relocation package, which includes:

• Reimbursement of up to €500 for your flight ticket (€250 if you're coming from within Europe).

• A taxi, paid for by Odoo, will be waiting for you at the airport.

• One month of accommodation in the Belgian city of your choice, with Odoo handling the booking.

🔄 Renewal of your permit 

The single permit is valid for 1 or 3 years depending on the case, and we renew it for you 3 months before its expiration date. Once again, you don't have to do anything, we put reminders in our agendas so we don't forget, don't worry! 

👫 Come with your family 

When you are officially married and/or have children, they are automatically entitled to receive the same "single permit" as you. They can accompany you and your wife/husband can also legally work in Belgium if needed.

Please note: in this case you will have to apply to the Belgian embassy of your home country. Legislation varies from country to country. Don't hesitate to inform yourself well in advance about the steps to take on your side.

Legal

⚖️ Procedure to get the Belgian nationality

To acquire Belgian nationality, you must fulfill specific integration requirements:

1. Have been a legal resident in Belgium for five years.
2. Demonstrate proficiency in one of the three national languages (French, Dutch, or German).
3. Prove your social integration, typically by maintaining uninterrupted employment as an employee over the last five years.
4. Demonstrate your economic participation, which often involves having worked for a minimum of 468 working days as an employee over the past five years.

The next step is to declare your intent to become a Belgian citizen at the civil registrar's office in the commune where you hold your primary residence. Once your declaration is deemed complete and admissible, and the registration fee of 150 EUR has been paid, the civil registrar will issue a receipt.

In the event of a negative opinion from the authorities, should you disagree, you have the option to appeal the matter to the family court.

On a positive note, if the authorities grant their approval, the public prosecutor will forward a certificate to the registrar. The registrar must promptly record your declaration of nationality in the municipal registers. From this point onward, you will officially be recognized as Belgian.

If the Public Prosecutor does not provide an opinion on your application within four months from the date of receipt, as mentioned in the previous paragraph, it is considered as a positive opinion. A certificate of nationality is then issued, and you will officially become a Belgian citizen.

Language Classes : French, Dutch & English 

 🇫🇷 French Classes

1. You don’t speak French at all 💭
   

If you come from a non-French-speaking country, live in a French-speaking country, and don’t have the required level, but would like to learn French to ease your integration.

You need to learn the basics 

Different associations offer French courses adapted to your level. Create your own account. You can contact them directly.

You can also check on this website the offers provided by CPAB.

2. You speak a bit of French 💬

You can follow a free 25h training via Cefora from the moment you start as an Odoo employee. A minimum level is required.

Improve your French in only 25h

You can register immediatly via Cefora. Classes can be both online and on site. You will need our ONSS n°010130387593 and CP n°200.

🇳🇱 Dutch Classes 

You speak a bit of Dutch

You can follow a free 25h training via Cefora from the moment you start as an Odoo employee. A minimum level is required.

Improve your Dutch in only 25h

You can register immediately via Cefora. Classes can be both online and on site. Create your own account. You will need our ONSS n°010130387593 and CP n°200.

🇬🇧 English Classes 

You can follow a free 25h training via Cefora from the moment you start as an Odoo employee. A minimum level is required.

Improve your English in 25h

You can register immediatly via Cefora. Classes can be both online and on site. Create your own account. You will need our ONSS n°010130387593 and CP n°200.

 ➡️ If you' have extra questions, contact Victoria (VIBO) or Sarah (WIS).