Moving from London to Belgium is a natural choice for professionals working in international institutions, EU-related sectors, finance and logistics. Belgium punches above its weight as a destination: Brussels is the de facto capital of the European Union, Antwerp is one of Europe’s most significant port and diamond trading cities, and the country as a whole offers an excellent quality of life, world-class food and culture, and a central European location.
This guide covers everything you need to plan your removal from London to Belgium — from costs and transit times to post-Brexit visa requirements and what to expect on arrival.
Why Londoners Move to Belgium
Belgium attracts a steady stream of UK professionals, families and retirees for several reasons:
- Brussels as the EU capital — thousands of professionals work for EU institutions, NATO, international law firms, lobbying organisations and NGOs based in Brussels
- Proximity to London — Brussels is just over 2 hours from London St Pancras by Eurostar; one of the closest major European cities
- Multilingual society — Belgium has three official languages: French, Dutch (Flemish) and German, with English widely spoken in Brussels and Antwerp’s international communities
- High quality of life — excellent public services, world-renowned cuisine, accessible arts and culture
- Antwerp’s global reputation — for fashion, logistics, diamond trading and its growing tech scene
Post-Brexit: Visa and Residency in Belgium
As of January 2021, UK nationals are third-country nationals in Belgium and need a residence permit for stays longer than 90 days.
Before you move:
- Apply for a Belgian long-stay visa (Type D) at the Belgian embassy or consulate in London if required for your category
- Secure a Belgian address — landlords often require proof of employment or sufficient income
After arrival:
- Register at your local commune within 8 days of arrival — you will receive a visit from a local official to verify your address
- Apply for your residence card (carte de séjour / verblijfskaart) at the commune
- For EU institution employees, a specific Laissez-Passer or institutional ID card applies instead
Belgium’s commune registration system is more personal than in many EU countries — expect an actual home visit to verify your residence.
Planning Your Move: Timeline
10 weeks before
- Research removal companies; request fixed-price quotes
- Begin visa or permit process if required
- Start decluttering
6 weeks before
- Confirm your removal booking
- Gather UK proof of residency documents, Belgian address confirmation and passport
- Arrange health insurance — compulsory for Belgian residence registration
3 weeks before
- Begin packing non-essential items
- Notify HMRC, your GP, bank and utility providers
- Arrange a Belgian bank account (BNP Paribas Fortis, KBC and Belfius are common options)
Moving week
- Label all boxes with room and contents
- Keep passports and important documents with you
Cost of Moving from London to Belgium
Belgium is one of the closest European destinations from London, which helps keep removal costs competitive.
| Service type | Estimated cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Part-load (shared) | £350 – £800 | Studios, 1-bed flats, small shipments |
| Full-load (dedicated van) | £1,000 – £2,200 | 2-bed+ homes, full households |
| Professional packing add-on | £200 – £500 | Full household packing by our team |
Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges are all served by Easy Move’s weekly UK departures. Get a free fixed-price quote for your removals to Belgium.
London to Belgium: Transit Times
| Destination | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|
| Brussels | 1–2 working days |
| Antwerp | 1–2 working days |
| Ghent | 1–2 working days |
| Bruges | 1–2 working days |
| Liège | 2–3 working days |
Tips for a Smooth London to Belgium Removal
Learn which language region you are moving to. Belgium is divided into French-speaking Wallonia, Dutch-speaking Flanders and the bilingual Brussels Capital Region. Knowing your region helps you understand which language to use for official communications and daily life.
Budget carefully for Belgian taxes. Belgium has a high income tax rate compared to the UK. Many international institution employees benefit from tax exemptions, but for private sector workers this is a significant adjustment.
Expect the commune registration visit. Unlike online registrations in other countries, Belgian commune registration involves a physical visit to your home. Ensure your address is ready and that someone is present to receive the official.
Ready to Move? Get a Free Quote Today
Easy Move provides fully insured, door-to-door removals to Belgium with weekly departures from London. We include EU customs documentation and professional packing as optional add-ons.
👉 Get your free, no-obligation quote for removals to Belgium
Frequently Asked Questions: Moving from London to Belgium
Do I need a visa to move from London to Belgium?
For stays over 90 days, UK nationals need a Belgian residence permit. Depending on your circumstances (employment, self-sufficiency, family reunification), you may also need a Type D long-stay visa before arrival. Register at your local commune within 8 days of arrival.
How long does a removal from London to Belgium take?
Belgium is one of the closest European destinations from London. Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges are typically reached within 1–2 working days.
Is Brussels expensive to live in?
Brussels is considerably more affordable than London for housing, though income taxes are significantly higher. Groceries, dining and transport are generally cheaper than in the UK capital.
What languages do I need in Belgium?
In Brussels and the international community, English is widely used. However, daily life in Flanders requires Dutch and in Wallonia it requires French. Even basic proficiency in the relevant local language significantly improves daily life outside the international bubble.
Does Easy Move handle EU customs for Belgium?
Yes. All UK-to-Belgium moves include EU customs documentation as part of Easy Move’s standard service. Belgium is an EU member, so the standard Transfer of Residence (ToR) process applies for duty-free import of household goods.
Ready to move? Our team handles the full process: packing, customs and delivery.