We have compiled a checklist of everything you need to know before moving to Belgium, and more particularly, Flanders. It covers everything from what to do when you’re preparing to relocate to tips to help you settle in.

There’s a lot to sort out before you move. You’ll need all kinds of documents. You’ll also want to start your civic-integration process. And there are also rules about bringing everything from a car to a pet. Work your way through this list before you make your move.

• Find your dream job.
• Arrange your visa (for Non-EU/EEAA citizens).
• Arrange your work permit/professional card and residence permission.
• Start preparing your civic integration process(opens in new window).
• Arrange (short-term) accommodation for when you first arrive.
• Find a school(opens in new window) or childcare provider (in Dutch)(opens in new window) for your children.
• Prepare all necessary documents(opens in new window), including any translations and legalisations that may be required.
• Book your flight or transport to Belgium.
• Check how to import a pet(opens in new window).
• Check how to import your car (in Dutch) and arrange your (mandatory) third-party liability insurance(opens in new window).

Once you arrive, you’ll need to register with the municipality where you’re staying. You need to do this within three working days of entering Belgium. Exactly how you do it depends, once again, on whether you’re an EU citizen - or the family member of an EU citizen - or a citizen of a country outside the EU.

EU citizens have the right to stay in Belgium for up to three months. If you wish to stay longer than three months, you’ll need to start a residence procedure as an EU jobseeker, employee, self-employed person, student or economically inactive citizen of the EU.

What else do you need to do when you arrive? Tick off everything on the checklist.

• Arrange transport to your new home.
• Check in to your (short-term) accommodation.
• Register(opens in new window) at your municipality to arrange your national registration number.
• Connect with your regional international house to smoothen/fasten your regional bonding and/or connect with your peers;
• Arrange your Belgian bank account(opens in new window).
• Purchase a mobile phone SIM card for use in Belgium.
• Find your long-term accommodation.
• Arrange your utilities.
• Register with a family doctor, pharmacy, and dentist for your medical needs.

After you’ve been in Flanders or Belgium for a few weeks, you’ll want to start setting up a more permanent life. What does this involve?

• Start preparing your civic integration process(opens in new window).
• Apply for basic health insurance.
• Exchange your driving license.
• Start learning Dutch(opens in new window).
• Learn how waste management is run in Flanders.
• Get to know your new city and even subscribe to Facebook groups to connect and exchange info.