English is very widely spoken throughout Belgium, particularly in the Flanders region and Brussels. The top cities with the highest English proficiency are Bruges, Antwerp, Ghent, Leuven, and Brussels. While Dutch and French are the primary languages, English is used as a common ground, especially in tourist areas and among younger people under 60.
Where is the best English spoken in Belgium? Within Belgium, the provinces of West Flanders, Antwerp and East Flanders score the best, while Luxembourg, Namur and Walloon Brabant score the worst. The Brussels-Capital Region, meanwhile, ranks 26th among capitals cities worldwide.
Furthermore, there is no language called 'Belgian'. Many people in the Flemish speaking part of Belgium also have a great level of English and so you can easily get around by just speaking English, though learning a little bit of French or Flemish is always appreciated.
“Can I survive in Belgium with English?” Absolutely. But you never know when you'll need a word or phrase to help get your message across. So, I recommend learning a few survival phrases to help you get by and settle in.
Belgium's "30% tax ruling" refers to a special tax regime for expatriates and inpatriates, allowing employers to reimburse certain recurring relocation costs tax-free, generally up to 30% of gross remuneration, capped at €90,000 annually, plus other specific costs like school fees, replacing older schemes for many. This regime aims to attract international talent, exempting these allowances from tax and social security, with conditions like minimum salary thresholds (€75k for non-researchers) and a 5-year duration (extendable).
Do Most People In Belgium Speak English? - Western Europe Explorer
Can I work in Belgium if I only speak English?
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). Working in Belgium without knowing French and Dutch is possible.
Belgium is a small, well-connected, and family-friendly country with 11.5 million inhabitants in the heart of Europe. It offers a welcoming environment for international families, making it a popular destination for those moving to Belgium with children.
You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Belgium, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel: as a tourist. to visit family or friends.
A brief handshake is the common greeting among people who do not know each other. Once a relationship is developed, three kisses on the cheek may replace the handshake. This is more a kissing of the air near the person's cheek. Start with the left cheek and alternate.
Many Bruges residents also speak other languages such as French or English. So don't hesitate to ask the person you're talking to whether they also speak your (2nd) language.
Inflation remains a major concern for Belgian businesses, despite being given less emphasis in the global report. Van Calster warned that increased government spending on defence could strain Belgium's social model, exacerbating economic insecurity.
Petty crime is far less prevalent in the Flemish cites of Antwerp, Bruges and Ghent than it is in Brussels. The historic centers of each, where tourists head to first, especially that of ever-thronged Bruges and Grote Markt in central Antwerp, are again places to watch your bags, pockets and phones.
The top three nationalities among foreign immigrants were Romanian (20.888 people, 12%), French (8%), and Ukrainian (8%). In 2023, 159.309 first residence permits were issued to foreign nationals in Belgium—a 17% drop from 2022, largely due to fewer arrivals under temporary protection for Ukrainians.
Both French allez and Belgian Dutch allee have been claimed to be primarily markers indicating some form of encouragement or exhortation (Sierra Soriano, 2006; Kloots, 2007). Most obviously, and most literally, the speaker encourages co-participants (not) to do something.
Long story short, there are two different ways of saying 'I love you' in Flemish. Which are: "Ik zie u/je graag" - literal translation: "I like seeing you". "Ik hou van u/je" - literal translation: "I love you".
Visa Requirement: UK citizens need a work visa for employment in Belgium. The Type D visa is common, and UK nationals also typically require a work permit. Residence Permit: After arriving in Belgium, UK nationals must register at the local commune and apply for a residence permit within eight days.
On average, the gross monthly income in Belgium varied between 2,800 and 5,800 euros in 2021. The amount earned depended on the level of education. Indeed, the higher the education, the higher the average salary.
Belgium's job market, especially in Brussels, is highly competitive. As the headquarters for the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), the city attracts an array of international professionals.
