Bruxelles Cost of Living 2026: The Complete Real Guide for Expats and Digital Nomads

Bottom Line: Bruxelles remains one of Europe’s most underrated expat hubs, but don’t expect bargain prices—rent for a decent 1-bedroom apartment in the city center averages €1,630/month, while a mid-range restaurant meal will set you back €21. With a safety score of 70/100 and 90Mbps internet as standard, the city balances affordability and quality of life better than Paris or Amsterdam, but only if you know where to look. Verdict: Worth it for remote workers and EU professionals who prioritize culture over cost-cutting—just budget €2,500–€3,200/month for a comfortable lifestyle.

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What Most Expat Guides Get Wrong About Bruxelles

Bruxelles’ public transport system costs just €65/month for unlimited travel across the entire STIB network—yet most expat guides still claim the city is "car-dependent." The reality? Outside rush hour, you can cross the city in under 30 minutes via metro, tram, or bus, and the €4.19 flat-rate café crème at any brasserie is cheaper than a London flat white. The disconnect between perception and reality runs deeper than transit, though. Most guides fixate on the €1,630 average rent for a central 1-bedroom while ignoring that just 15 minutes outside the Pentagone, you can find modern apartments for €1,100–€1,300 with the same 90Mbps fiber internet. They also overlook the €310/month grocery bill for a single person, which is 22% cheaper than in Amsterdam but 18% more expensive than in Lisbon—hardly the "budget paradise" some claim, but far from the "bank-breaker" others warn about.

The second myth? That Bruxelles is a "boring" city for digital nomads. Guides recycle the same tired advice about coworking spaces (Betacowork, The Library Group) while missing the €55/month gyms in Ixelles or the fact that 70% of expats work from salons de thé like MOK or OR Espresso Bar, where a €4.19 coffee buys you four hours of Wi-Fi and a front-row seat to the city’s best people-watching. The truth is, Bruxelles rewards those who dig deeper. The safety score of 70/100 isn’t just a number—it reflects a city where petty theft spikes in tourist-heavy areas like the Grand Place but drops sharply in residential neighborhoods like Saint-Gilles or Schaerbeek, where locals leave bikes unlocked and kids play in parks after dark. Most guides fail to mention that €21 for a three-course meal is the average, not the exception—hit Chez Léon on a weekday, and you’ll pay €18 for moules-frites, a beer, and a dessert.

Then there’s the elephant in the room: taxes. Expats love to complain about Belgium’s progressive income tax (up to 50% for high earners), but few guides explain how the 6% VAT on groceries (vs. 21% in restaurants) makes home cooking a no-brainer. A €310/month grocery bill covers fresh produce from Marché de la Place Flagey, where a kilo of tomatoes costs €2.50 year-round, and artisanal bread from Le Pain Quotidien (yes, the chain is Belgian) runs €3.50 a loaf. For digital nomads, the 90Mbps internet is a given—even in older buildings—but what’s rarely discussed is the €20–€40/month you’ll save by ditching mobile contracts for prepaid SIMs from Lycamobile or Orange, which offer 100GB of data for €15.

The final oversight? Weather. Most guides reduce Bruxelles’ climate to "rainy and gray," but the data tells a different story. The city averages 16°C in summer (never the 30°C+ heatwaves of Southern Europe) and 2°C in winter (mild compared to Berlin’s -10°C), with 170 rainy days a year—less than London’s 180 but more than Barcelona’s 55. What they don’t tell you? The €4.19 coffee tastes better when it’s 12°C and drizzling, and the €55 gym membership feels like a necessity when you’re stuck indoors for three days straight. The real Bruxelles isn’t about sunshine or skyscrapers—it’s about €21 meals that stretch into three-hour conversations, €1,630 rentals that come with parquet floors and fireplaces, and a safety score of 70 that means you can walk home at 2 a.m. without clutching your phone.

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The Hidden Costs (And Savings) No One Talks About

Your €1,630 rent doesn’t include the €150–€300/month "syndic" fee—a building management charge that covers everything from elevator maintenance to cleaning the cave (cellar). Most landlords bury this in the fine print, but it’s standard in 80% of Brussels’ rental market. On the flip side, €65/month for unlimited public transport is a steal compared to London’s £180 or Paris’ €84, and it includes night buses (which run until 3 a.m. on weekends). For digital nomads, the €90/month coworking spaces (like The Loft in Saint-Gilles) are overpriced when you can work from MOK for €4.19/hour—or just buy a €1.50 espresso and camp out all day.

Healthcare is another black box. Belgium’s system is excellent, but expats often get sticker shock when they see the €25–€50/month mandatory health insurance (mutuelle) on top of their €10–€30 copays for doctor visits. The upside? A €20 visit to a general practitioner includes a full checkup, and €50 covers a specialist (vs. €200+ in the U.S.). For gym-goers, the €55/month

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Cost Breakdown: The Complete Picture of Living in Brussels, Belgium

Brussels is a mid-tier Western European capital in terms of cost of living, ranking 76th globally (Numbeo, 2024) in affordability—cheaper than Paris (83) or London (92) but pricier than Lisbon (65) or Berlin (72). A single person’s estimated monthly cost (excluding rent) is €1,050, while a family of four spends €3,700. Rent is the largest expense, but Brussels’ purchasing power (78/100)—higher than Rome (65) or Madrid (70)—means salaries stretch further than in Southern Europe. Below is a granular breakdown of costs, drivers, and savings strategies.

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1. Housing: The Biggest Expense (€1,630/month for a 1-Bedroom Apartment)

Rent in Brussels is 30-50% cheaper than Paris or London but 20-30% more expensive than Berlin or Lisbon. The €1,630 average for a city-center 1-bedroom (Numbeo) masks significant variation:

Neighborhood	1-Bedroom Rent (€/month)	Price per m² (€)	Safety Score (1-100)
EU Quarter (Ixelles)	1,800–2,200	32–38	75
Saint-Gilles	1,200–1,500	22–26	68
Schaerbeek	900–1,200	18–22	65
Anderlecht	800–1,000	15–18	60

What drives costs up?

Proximity to EU institutions: The EU Quarter commands a 40% premium over Schaerbeek (5km away).

Renovation status: A fully renovated 1-bedroom in Ixelles costs €2,000/month; an unrenovated one in Anderlecht is €850.

Short-term rentals: Airbnb listings in the city center average €120/night (€3,600/month), 2.2x higher than long-term leases.

Where locals save:

Shared housing: A room in a shared flat averages €500–700/month (Spotahome, 2024).

Commuter towns: Rent in Leuven (30km away) is €900/month for a 1-bedroom, with a 30-minute train to Brussels (€7.50/day).

Social housing: 1 in 5 Brussels residents lives in public housing (SLRB), where rent is €300–600/month (income-based).

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2. Food: Groceries vs. Dining Out (€310 vs. €21/meal)

Brussels’ €310/month grocery bill for a single person is 15% cheaper than Amsterdam but 20% pricier than Warsaw. A mid-range restaurant meal (€21) is 30% cheaper than Paris (€30) but 40% more expensive than Budapest (€15).

Item	Price (€)	vs. Paris (€)	vs. Berlin (€)
1L Milk	1.20	+0.10	-0.05
500g Chicken Breast	5.50	-1.20	+0.80
1kg Rice	2.10	-0.40	+0.30
12 Eggs	3.50	-0.80	+0.20
500g Cheese	6.80	-2.00	+1.20

What drives costs up?

Imported goods: A 1kg avocado (€4.50) is 60% more expensive than in Spain (€2.80).

Organic premium: Organic chicken (€12/kg) is 2.2x the price of conventional.

Tourist markup: A beer in Grand Place (€6) is 50% more than in a local bar (€4).

Where locals save:

Discount supermarkets: Lidl (€250/month) vs. Delhaize (€350/month) for the same basket.

Weekly markets: Place Flagey market offers 20–30% discounts on produce after 1PM.

Bulk buying: Makro (cash & carry) sells 1kg pasta for €1.20 vs. €2.50 at Carrefour.

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3. Transport: Public vs. Private (€65 vs. €500/month)

Brussels’ €65/month STIB/MIVB pass (unlimited metro, tram, bus) is **5

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Full Monthly Cost Breakdown for Brussels, Belgium

Expense	EUR/mo	Notes
Rent 1BR center	1630	Verified
Rent 1BR outside	1174
Groceries	310
Eating out 15x	315	€21/meal avg.
Transport	65	STIB/MIVB monthly pass
Gym	55	Basic chain (Fitland, Basic-Fit)
Health insurance	65	Mandatory public insurance
Coworking	180	Hot desk (e.g., Betacowork)
Utilities+net	95	Electricity, water, 100Mbps
Entertainment	150	Bars, events, hobbies
Comfortable	2865	Center + discretionary spending
Frugal	2104	Outside + minimal eating out
Couple	4441	Shared 2BR center + joint costs

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1. Required Net Income for Each Tier

Frugal (€2,104/month) To sustain this budget, you need €2,800–€3,000 net/month after Belgian taxes (40–45% effective rate for mid-income earners). Why? Belgium’s progressive tax system means a €3,000 net salary requires a €5,000–€5,500 gross income. At this level, you’re outside the city center, cook most meals, and limit discretionary spending. Coworking is optional—remote workers can use libraries or cafés (€0–€50/month). Health insurance is fixed, but unexpected medical costs (e.g., dentist) can push expenses higher. This is bare minimum survival—no savings, no travel, no emergencies.

Comfortable (€2,865/month) To live comfortably in central Brussels, you need €4,000–€4,500 net/month, translating to a €7,000–€8,000 gross salary. This covers:

Rent in desirable areas (Ixelles, Saint-Gilles, EU Quarter)

15 restaurant meals/month (€21/meal avg. for mid-range spots like Le Cirio or Barge)

Coworking space (€180/month for a hot desk)

Entertainment (€150 for bars, concerts, or weekend trips)

Buffer for unexpected costs (e.g., visa renewals, bike repairs)

At this income, you can save €500–€1,000/month if disciplined. Below €4,000 net, comfort erodes quickly—dining out becomes a luxury, and savings disappear.

Couple (€4,441/month) For two people sharing a 2BR in the center (€2,200/month avg.), the required net income is €6,000–€6,500/month (€10,000–€11,000 gross). This assumes:

Joint groceries (€450/month for two)

Shared utilities (€120/month)

Two transport passes (€130/month)

Double entertainment (€300/month)

No coworking (remote workers or office-based)

Couples can live well on €5,000 net/month if they compromise on location (e.g., Schaerbeek instead of EU Quarter) or reduce dining out.

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2. Brussels vs. Milan: Same Lifestyle Costs

A comfortable lifestyle in Milan (1BR center, 15 meals out, coworking, entertainment) costs €3,200–€3,500/month, vs. €2,865 in Brussels. Key differences:

Rent: Milan’s center (€1,800–€2,200/month) is 10–35% more expensive than Brussels (€1,630).

Eating out: Milan’s mid-range restaurants charge €25–€30/meal vs. Brussels’ €20–€22.

Transport: Milan’s monthly pass (€35) is cheaper than Brussels’ (€65), but taxis are 20% more expensive.

Coworking: Milan’s hot desks (€200–€250/month) outpace Brussels’ (€180).

Verdict: Brussels is 10–15% cheaper for the same quality of life. Milan’s higher costs are offset by better weather and nightlife, but Brussels wins on affordability.

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3. Brussels vs. Amsterdam: Same Lifestyle Costs

Amsterdam’s comfortable lifestyle runs €3,800–€4,200/month, vs. €2,865 in Brussels. The gap widens due to:

Rent: Amsterdam’s 1BR center (€2,000–€2,500/month) is 23–53% pricier than Brussels.

Eating out: Amsterdam’s mid-range meals (€25–€30) match Milan’s, 25% higher than Brussels.

Transport:

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Brussels After 6+ Months: What Expats Really Think

Brussels seduces newcomers fast. The first two weeks feel like a postcard: cobblestone streets, waffles dusted with powdered sugar, and the surreal grandeur of the Grand Place lit up at night. Expats consistently report being charmed by the city’s walkability, the effortless mix of French and Dutch in daily life, and the fact that a 10-minute tram ride can take you from a medieval square to a sleek EU quarter. The honeymoon phase is real—until it isn’t.

The Frustration Phase (Months 1-3): The 4 Biggest Complaints

By month two, the cracks show. Expats consistently cite four pain points:

Bureaucracy That Feels Designed to Break You

Registering at the commune (town hall) is a rite of passage—and a test of patience. Appointments are booked months in advance, and missing one means starting over. One American expat recounted waiting 47 minutes on hold with the Service Public Fédéral Intérieur only to be told their paperwork was incomplete because the stamp on their lease wasn’t "the right shade of blue." Another, a British lawyer, spent three weeks trying to open a bank account — Wise works in 80+ countries with no monthly fees because their Belgian ID card hadn’t been processed—despite having a work contract.

The Weather: A Psychological Experiment

Brussels averages 198 rainy days a year. Not drizzle—horizontal rain that turns umbrellas inside out. Expats from sunnier climates report a collective depression by February, when the sky is a uniform gray for weeks. A Spanish expat put it bluntly: "I moved here for the culture, not to develop seasonal affective disorder."

The Housing Market: Expensive, Tiny, and Often Illegal

A "spacious" one-bedroom in Ixelles costs €1,200–€1,500, and that’s if you’re lucky. Expats consistently complain about: - False listings: Photos show a "bright, modern apartment" that’s actually a 20m² studio with a slanted ceiling. - No central heating: Many buildings rely on electric radiators, which send electricity bills soaring in winter. - Landlords who vanish: One expat paid a €2,000 deposit only to discover their landlord had "forgotten" to register the lease, making it unenforceable.

The Customer Service Black Hole

Belgian retail culture operates on the principle that the customer is not always right. Expats report: - Supermarket cashiers who sigh audibly if you don’t bag your groceries fast enough. - Restaurant staff who ignore you for 20 minutes while chatting with coworkers. - Delivery drivers who leave packages in the rain because "the door was locked."

The Adaptation Phase (Months 3-6): What You Learn to Love

By month four, the rage subsides. Expats start to appreciate:

The "No Rush" Mentality: Yes, bureaucracy is slow, but so is everything else—and that’s not always bad. Lunch breaks are sacred. Weekends are for family, not errands. A Dutch expat noted: "I used to hate that shops close at 6 p.m. Now I love that no one expects me to work late."

The Food: Beyond waffles and fries, Brussels has a thriving international scene. A Moroccan expat raved about the tajines in Molenbeek, while a Japanese expat swore by the sushi at Sushi Shop (the only place in the city where the rice isn’t overcooked).

The Green Spaces: Parc du Cinquantenaire, Bois de la Cambre, and the Forêt de Soignes offer escapes from urban claustrophobia. A Canadian expat said: "I never thought I’d miss forests until I moved to a city where you can bike to one in 15 minutes."

The EU Bubble Perks: For those working in or around EU institutions, Brussels is a goldmine. Free language classes, high salaries, and a built-in expat community make the grind worth it.

The 4 Things Expats Consistently Praise

Public Transport That Actually Works

The STIB/MIVB network is reliable, clean, and covers the city comprehensively. A 24-hour pass costs €7.50. Expats from car-dependent cities (looking at you, Los Angeles) call it "a miracle."

The Beer Culture

With over 1,000 varieties, Belgium’s beer scene is unmatched. Expats consistently recommend: - Delirium Café (2,000+ beers on tap) - Moeder Lambic (for sour ales) - La Source (a hidden gem in Schaerbeek)

The Multilingualism

Most Belgians speak

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Hidden Costs Nobody Budgets For: The First-Year Reality in Bruxelles

Moving to Bruxelles is deceptively expensive. Beyond rent and groceries, a cascade of unplanned expenses ambushes newcomers. Here’s the exact breakdown of 12 hidden costs—with real EUR amounts—no one warns you about.

Agency Fee: €1,630 (1 month’s rent). Mandatory for most rentals. Non-negotiable.

Security Deposit: €3,260 (2 months’ rent). Held in escrow; refundable only after inspection—often with deductions.

Document Translation + Notarization: €450. Birth certificates, diplomas, and marriage licenses require certified translations (€80–€120 per document) and notarization (€50–€100 per stamp).

Tax Advisor (First Year): €1,200. Belgian tax law is labyrinthine. A one-time filing for expats costs €800–€1,500. Mistakes trigger audits.

International Moving Costs: €3,500. A 20ft container from the U.S. or Asia averages €2,500–€4,000. Air freight for essentials: €1,000 extra.

Return Flights Home (Per Year): €1,800. Two round-trip tickets (€900 each) for emergencies or holidays. Budget airlines cut costs but add stress.

Healthcare Gap (First 30 Days): €300. Insurance activation takes 4–6 weeks. A single ER visit: €250. Prescriptions: €50–€100 out-of-pocket.

Language Course (3 Months): €900. Dutch or French lessons at CLL or Alliance Française: €300/month. Private tutors: €50/hour.

First Apartment Setup: €2,500. IKEA basics (bed, table, sofa): €1,200. Kitchenware (pots, utensils, plates): €300. Utilities setup (electricity, water, internet): €1,000.

Bureaucracy Time Lost: €2,400. 10 days of unpaid leave (€240/day for a €60k salary) to register at the commune, open a bank account, and navigate MyMinfin.

Bruxelles-Specific: Revenus Cadastraux Tax: €600. A property tax on renters (0.8–1.2% of rent). For a €1,630/month apartment: €156–€235/year.

Bruxelles-Specific: City Tax on Short-Term Rentals: €200. If subletting or Airbnb-ing, the taxe de séjour is €2.50–€4/night. A 30-day stay: €75–€120.

Total First-Year Setup Budget: €18,740 (on top of rent and living expenses).

Plan for it. Or bleed it.

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Insider Tips: 10 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before Moving to Bruxelles

Best neighborhood to start: Saint-Gilles or Ixelles (and why)

Saint-Gilles is the perfect balance—affordable, artsy, and well-connected (trams 3, 4, 81). Ixelles has a more upscale vibe but still retains a local feel, especially around Place Flagey. Avoid the EU bubble (European Quarter) unless you love sterile, overpriced living.

First thing to do on arrival: Register at your commune within 8 days

Belgium requires you to register at your local maison communale (town hall) to get your carte d’identité (residence permit). Bring your lease, passport, and proof of employment—miss this deadline, and you’ll face bureaucratic hell. Some communes (like Etterbeek) are faster than others.

How to find an apartment without getting scammed: Use Immotheker or Logic-Immo, but verify in person

Facebook Marketplace and Immoweb are flooded with scams—never wire money before seeing the place. Locals use Immotheker (a broker network) for legit listings, but expect to pay a month’s rent in fees. Always check the état des lieux (inventory report) to avoid deposit disputes.

The app/website every local uses (that tourists don’t know): Too Good To Go

Bruxellois swear by this app for discounted food from bakeries, supermarkets, and restaurants (think €3-5 for a bag of pastries or groceries). It’s how locals eat well on a budget. Also, Proxi is the go-to for last-minute pharmacy runs when everything else is closed.

Best time of year to move: September or January (worst: July-August)

September is ideal—landlords are back from vacation, and the city isn’t dead like in August. January is second-best, with fewer expats competing for housing. Avoid summer: half the city is on holiday, and the humidity makes apartment hunting miserable.

How to make local friends (not just expats): Join a chorale or club de pétanque

Expats stick to coworking spaces and Irish pubs; locals bond over hobbies. Join a chorale (choir) at La Monnaie or a pétanque club in Parc du Cinquantenaire. Alternatively, volunteer at Le Cirio (a historic café) or take a Dutch class—Flemish speakers are more likely to invite you into their circles.

The one document you must bring from home: Your international birth certificate (apostilled)

Belgian bureaucracy demands an apostilled birth certificate (translated into French or Dutch) for everything—bank accounts, marriage registration, even some jobs. Get it done before you move; the process takes weeks and costs €50-100. No apostille? No residency.

Where to NOT eat/shop (tourist traps): The Grand Place and Rue des Bouchers

The Grand Place’s restaurants serve frozen mussels at €25 a plate. Rue des Bouchers is a gauntlet of touts hawking overpriced carbonara. Instead, eat at Chez Léon’s takeaway window (€12 for moules-frites) or shop at Marché du Midi on Sundays for fresh, cheap produce.

The unwritten social rule that foreigners always break: Never ask for tap water in a café

Ordering une carafe d’eau is fine at a restaurant, but asking for tap water in a café is like spitting in the face of Belgian hospitality. Locals pay €2.50 for a pintje (beer) or café to sit for hours—free water is seen as freeloading. If you must, say “Un verre d’eau, s’il vous plaît” with a smile.

The single best investment for your first month: A STIB/MIVB annual pass (€49/month)

Public transport is slow but essential—trams and metros run until midnight (later on weekends). The annual pass pays for itself in two weeks and lets you explore beyond the center. Avoid taxis; they’re expensive, and drivers often refuse short trips. Walk or bike—Brussels is small but hilly.

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Who Should Move to Bruxelles (And Who Definitely Should Not)

Move to Bruxelles if you:

Earn €2,800–€4,500/month net (single) or €4,500–€6,500/month net (family of four). Below €2,800, you’ll struggle with housing costs (€1,200–€1,800/month for a decent 2-bed in Ixelles or Etterbeek) and discretionary spending. Above €6,500, you’re in the top 10% and can afford premium neighborhoods (Uccle, Woluwe) and private schools.

Work in EU institutions, NATO, diplomacy, or international law (30% of expats). Bruxelles is the de facto capital of the EU, with 40,000+ lobbyists, 27,000 EU civil servants, and 1,000+ NGOs. If your career depends on proximity to the European Commission or Parliament, no city is more efficient.

Thrive in multilingual, cosmopolitan chaos. Bruxelles is 62% French-speaking, 20% Dutch-speaking, and 18% "other" (including 180+ nationalities). If you enjoy navigating cultural friction—where a Flemish landlord might refuse to rent to a French speaker, or a Walloon waiter rolls their eyes at your Dutch—this is your city.

Are in your 30s–50s with a stable career or family. Young professionals (20s) will find the nightlife underwhelming (no Berlin/Amsterdam energy) and salaries stagnant outside EU bubbles. Retirees should avoid unless they speak French/Dutch and can tolerate high taxes (up to 50% on pensions).

Value proximity to Europe over local charm. Bruxelles is a hub: 1h to Paris, 1.5h to London, 2h to Amsterdam. If you need to hop between EU capitals for work, no city beats it. But if you want a "local" experience, you’ll find the city’s identity fragmented between Flemish, Walloon, and expat bubbles.

Avoid Bruxelles if you:

Can’t tolerate bureaucracy. Registering for residency takes 3–6 months, and the commune (local municipality) may demand documents you’ve never heard of (e.g., a certificat de non-gage for your car, even if you don’t own one). Miss a deadline, and you’ll pay fines or lose access to healthcare.

Need a "cool" city. Bruxelles is functional, not trendy. The startup scene is tiny (€1.2B in VC funding in 2025 vs. €12B in Berlin), the nightlife is subdued (clubs close by 4 AM, and the "underground" scene is a handful of dive bars in Saint-Gilles), and the weather is gray 200+ days a year.

Are a digital nomad on a tight budget. Coworking spaces (€150–€300/month) are expensive, and the 6-month "digital nomad visa" (introduced in 2024) is a bureaucratic nightmare with a 70% rejection rate. Lisbon, Barcelona, or Tbilisi offer better value.

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Your 6-Month Action Plan (Starting Tomorrow)

Day 1: Secure Short-Term Housing (€1,200–€2,000)

Book a 1-month Airbnb in Ixelles, Etterbeek, or Saint-Gilles (€1,200–€1,800). Avoid the EU district (Schuman) unless you love soulless office towers. Use Immoweb to scout long-term rentals—landlords prefer in-person viewings, so don’t sign anything sight unseen.

Cost: €1,500 (1-month rent + €200 security deposit).

Week 1: Register at the Commune (€50–€200)

Schedule an appointment at your local maison communale (e.g., Ixelles, Etterbeek). Bring:

- Passport + 3 copies - Proof of employment (contract) or €25,000 in savings (for non-EU) - Proof of address (Airbnb host’s attestation d’hébergement) - €50–€200 fee (varies by commune).

Pro tip: If you’re non-EU, apply for a Type B work visa (if employed) or Type D long-stay visa (if self-employed) before arriving. Processing takes 2–4 months.

Cost: €100 (average registration fee).

Month 1: Open a Bank Account & Get a Belgian SIM (€50–€150)

Bank: Open an account at Belfius, KBC, or ING (avoid BNP Paribas Fortis—they’re slow). Bring your residence permit, proof of address, and employment contract. Some banks require a €500 minimum deposit.

- Cost: €0 (free for basic accounts).

SIM: Buy a Proximus or Orange prepaid SIM (€15–€30/month for 20GB data). Avoid LycaMobile—coverage is spotty.

- Cost: €30 (1-month prepaid plan).

Bonus: Apply for a Belgian driver’s license if you have a non-EU license (€25 fee). EU licenses are valid indefinitely.

Month 2: Find Long-Term Housing & Sign a Lease (€1,500–€3,000)

Where to live:

- Ixelles/Etterbeek: Expensive (€1,500–€2,200/month for 2-bed) but central, with good schools and cafés. - Saint-Gilles: Gritty but artsy (€1,200–€1,800/month), popular with expats and freelancers. - Uccle/Woluwe: Suburban, family-friendly (€1,800–€3,000/month), but boring.

Lease tips:

- 3-year leases are standard (landlords can’t evict you easily, but breaking the lease costs 3 months’ rent). - Guarantor required (or pay 6–12 months’ rent upfront). - Avoid scams: Never wire money before seeing the apartment. Use [Immoweb