Brussels is one of Europe’s most international cities — and perhaps its most underrated. Home to the European Union’s main institutions, NATO headquarters and hundreds of international organisations, law firms and lobbying groups, Brussels attracts professionals from across the world. For UK nationals post-Brexit, it has also become a strategic base for those who need to remain close to EU decision-making while maintaining easy access to London.
This guide covers the practical realities of moving to Brussels from the UK: where to live, what it costs, how residency works and how to get your belongings there efficiently.
Why UK Nationals Move to Brussels
- EU institutions — the European Commission, European Parliament, European Council and dozens of EU agencies are headquartered in Brussels. Thousands of officials, consultants, lobbyists, lawyers and policy professionals work in and around the EU quarter
- NATO — NATO’s headquarters are in Brussels (Evere), drawing defence, diplomacy and security professionals
- International NGOs and organisations — Brussels hosts more international organisations than any city other than New York and Geneva
- Post-Brexit strategic positioning — many UK businesses and professionals with EU interests have established Brussels bases since 2021
- Proximity to London — just over 2 hours by Eurostar from London St Pancras
Brussels Communes: Where to Live
Brussels is divided into 19 communes, each with its own distinct character.
Ixelles / Elsene — One of the most popular expat communes. Vibrant café scene, excellent restaurants, diverse population, good schools. The Ixelles ponds area is particularly desirable. Higher rents but excellent quality of life.
Etterbeek — Adjacent to the EU quarter. Popular with EU institution employees for its proximity to work. More residential feel than Ixelles, slightly lower rents.
Saint-Gilles / Sint-Gillis — Bohemian, affordable, gentrifying. Art Nouveau architecture, independent shops, vibrant social scene. Popular with younger professionals and creatives.
Woluwe-Saint-Pierre / Sint-Pieters-Woluwe — Upmarket, green, quieter. Large houses, good international schools, popular with families. Higher end of the Brussels market.
Auderghem / Oudergem — Residential, green, family-oriented. Good value compared to Ixelles or Woluwe. Well-connected by metro.
Schaerbeek / Schaarbeek — Multicultural, affordable, in transition. Good transport links, lower rents, increasingly popular with young professionals.
The European Quarter (around Schuman/Rond-Point) — Living in the immediate EU quarter is possible but predominantly office/institutional. Some residential streets around Etterbeek and Woluwe border this area.
Cost of Living in Brussels
Brussels is expensive by Belgian standards but generally more affordable than London.
| Category | Monthly cost (approx.) |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apartment (Ixelles/Etterbeek) | €1,100 – €1,700 |
| 1-bedroom apartment (outer communes) | €800 – €1,200 |
| Monthly public transport (STIB pass) | ~€50 |
| Groceries (one person) | €250 – €400 |
| Eating out (mid-range) | €15 – €25 per meal |
Post-Brexit Residency in Brussels
UK nationals now need a Belgian residence permit for stays over 90 days:
1. Arrive and find accommodation — your address is needed for registration 2. Register at your local commune — within 8 days of arrival, register at the communal administration. A commune official will visit your address to verify residence 3. Receive your residence card (carte de séjour / verblijfskaart) — after the commune registration is verified, you receive your card 4. For EU institution employees — a specific institutional ID (Laissez-Passer or blue card) replaces the standard residence card; your institution’s HR team manages this
Belgian bureaucracy has a reputation for being slow and complex. Allow plenty of time and follow up persistently.
Language in Brussels
Brussels is officially bilingual (French and Dutch), but in practice French dominates in most daily contexts. English is very widely spoken in the international community and the EU quarter. Learning French significantly improves daily life outside the bubble — Dutch is less essential but appreciated in the Flemish communes.
Shipping Your Belongings to Brussels
Easy Move operates regular weekly UK departures to Brussels, with EU customs documentation included as standard in our removals to Belgium service. Transit time from London to Brussels is typically 1–2 working days.
For the full country guide, see moving from London to Belgium.
👉 Get a free removal quote for your move to Brussels
Frequently Asked Questions: Moving to Brussels from the UK
Do I need to speak French to live in Brussels?
French is dominant in most daily contexts in Brussels, but English is widely spoken in the EU quarter, international companies and among younger residents. For official dealings and daily life outside the expat bubble, French proficiency is a significant advantage.
How do I register in Brussels as a UK national?
Register at your local communal administration within 8 days of arrival. A commune official visits your address to verify your residence. After verification, you receive your residence card. For EU institution employees, your institutional HR manages the process.
Is Brussels expensive for housing?
Brussels is significantly cheaper than London for equivalent housing. A well-located one-bedroom in Ixelles costs €1,100–€1,700/month — a fraction of comparable London rents.
How long does it take to ship belongings from the UK to Brussels?
Easy Move’s transit time from the UK to Brussels is 1–2 working days — one of the fastest routes in our network.
What is the commune registration visit in Brussels?
Unlike online registration in most countries, Belgian commune registration involves a physical home visit by a local official to verify you live at your registered address. Ensure someone is home to receive this visit; failure to do so delays your residence card.
Ready to move? Our team handles the full process: packing, customs and delivery.