Is English spoken in Belgium?

The capital region of Brussels is bilingual, so Belgians normally speak French and Flemish fluently. Normally locals also speak English. Belgium has three official languages: French, Dutch and German. In Belgian schools the official two languages taught are French and Dutch, so the majority of Belgians are bilingual.

Can you survive in Belgium with English?

As an English-speaking expat, you don't have much to fear when moving to Belgium. Belgians can converse in English pretty well. However, if you don't have a job in your pocket yet, it's better you learn at least one of the official languages to increase your chances.

Can I go to Belgium if I only speak English?

It's true that a lot of people you meet in Belgium will speak good English, so technically you can survive without one of the official languages. But do you want to only survive? There is still so much culture and so many opportunities that will be off limits to you without learning French or German.

Can I find a job in Belgium if I only speak English?

If you only speak English, you should aim for larger companies and start-ups with an international culture. Focus on cities like Brussels and Antwerp as there're more English-speaking job opportunities in larger cities.

What percentage of Belgium speaks English?

Belgium

Though English is not Belgium's official dialect, 64% of the population uses the universal language. Moreover, the region has a high proficiency index, which means the majority are excellent in writing, speaking, and understanding English.

Can You Live in Belgium Speaking English? - Western Europe Explorer

Is Belgium friendly to English speakers?

This will be not a problem. in the Dutch/Flemish speaking part of Belgium you can get around easy in English, no problem, but in Brussels and the French part of Belgium that could be a problem with some people (but not everybody).... Learn a few words to be polite. It will go down well with locals.

Is Belgium a good place to live?

In summary, Belgium offers high wages and a good quality of life, but it also comes with burdensome taxes and costs. In return, residents receive high-quality healthcare, social benefits and secure working conditions.

Is it difficult to move to Belgium?

Foreign nationals from an EU country can live, work, and study wherever they like within Belgium without requiring a visa. However, regardless of your nationality, if you intend to stay in Belgium for more than 90 days, you must apply for a residence permit and register your residence at the local municipality.

What currency does Belgium use?

Adoption of the euro

The euro banknotes and coins were introduced in Belgium on 1 January 2002, after a transitional period of three years when the euro was the official currency but only existed as 'book money'.

Do they speak French in Belgium?

French is one of the three official languages of Belgium, along with Dutch and German. It is spoken natively by around 40% of the population, primarily in the regions of Wallonia and Brussels.

How do you say "hi" in Brussels?

“Hallo” is the Dutch way of saying hello and greeting someone. This allows you to initiate a conversation with someone in Belgium and the Netherlands. “Goedendag” is the most formal greeting that can be used throughout the day without any variation.

Can Brits move to Belgium?

If you are planning to move to Belgium and work, you may need a visa. Read the Belgian government's guidance on working in Belgium as a foreign national and how to get a visa. To apply for a job you may need to provide a: UK police certificate.

Can I go to France if I only speak English?

It is definitely possible to travel to France while only speaking English. Especially in the more tourist oriented areas, it really is not a problem to only speak English. While France has less English speakers than other European countries, it was still relatively easy to manage.

What are the disadvantages of living in Belgium?

Can French citizens live in Belgium?

Procedure. EU citizens and family members who are EU citizens automatically acquire the right to permanent residence as soon as they fulfil the conditions of continuous residence in Belgium. If you wish, you can have your right to permanent residence recognised by the municipality of your place of residence.

Is Belgium expensive to live in?

Belgium Average Cost of Living

Belgium is generally more expensive than many European countries, particularly in terms of housing and dining out. However, it offers competitive prices for groceries and transportation compared to its neighbors.

Is Belgium wealthy or poor?

The economy of Belgium is a highly developed, high-income, mixed economy.

Is healthcare free in Belgium?

While Belgium does have universal healthcare, it is certainly not free. Instead, healthcare is funded by a combination of taxes, social security contributions, mandatory insurance fees, and copayments.

What is the safest city in Belgium?

Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, Ixelles, and Uccle are some of the safest municipalities in Belgium for both expats and travelers. While Belgium is considered generally safe, it's a good idea for travelers to be careful while visiting Molenbeek and Gare du Midi.

What is the climate like in Belgium?

Belgium has a temperate maritime climate characterized by moderate temperatures, prevailing southerly to westerly winds, abundant cloud cover and frequent precipitation. Summers are relatively cool and humid and winters relatively mild and rainy.

Can you work in Belgium with only English?

Speaking English only is indeed possible, at work but also in your day-to-day life. Belgium being a small, northern European country split between two languages, English is quite widely accepted. It isn't uncommon for native French speakers to communicate with native Dutch speakers in English (or vice versa).

What is the minimum wage in Belgium?

If you would like to know whether you're being paid the correct wage, it's best to get in touch with the trade union or the inspectorate. Minimum wages are adjusted most years. The general minimum wage (since 1 february 2025) is €2111.89 a month if you work 38 hours a week or € 12.82 an hour.

What is the currency in Belgium?

The euro is the official currency of Belgium, which is a member of the European Union. The Euro Area refers to a currency union among the European Union member states that have adopted the euro as their sole official currency.

Should I speak French or English in Belgium?

Dutch (Flemish) is spoken in the Flemish communities, while French is spoken in Wallonia. In Brussels the most common language is French. However, in recent years Flemish is gaining importance. Most Belgians will also speak or at least understand English.

Is Belgium more Catholic or Protestant?

According to the most recent survey in 2018 by the GESIS-Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences, 57.1 percent of residents are Roman Catholic, 20.2 percent “nonbeliever/agnostic,” 9.1 percent atheist, 6.8 percent Muslim (mostly Sunni), 2.8 percent other non-Orthodox Christian, 2.3 percent Protestant, 0.6 percent ...