Your move to Belgium: relocation services built on local knowledge
Moving to Belgium places you at the heart of Europe; a compact, multilingual country where three regions (Dutch-speaking Flanders, French-speaking Wallonia, and bilingual Brussels) meet within a few hours' drive. Home to the EU institutions, NATO, and hundreds of international organisations, Belgium welcomes a remarkable concentration of expats, diplomats, corporate assignees and military families every year. That diversity is part of the appeal, but it also means the practicalities of a move here reward careful planning.
Gosselin Moving has been headquartered in Antwerp since 1930. With 93+ years of international moving experience, 48 offices across 32 countries, and FIDI-FAIM certification held by fewer than 10% of movers worldwide, we bring both global reach and genuine local knowledge of Belgium to your relocation. As a Belgian company, our roots here run deep.
Before the move: a few things to keep in mind
Whether you need a visa to enter Belgium depends on your nationality. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens enjoy freedom of movement and simply register with the local commune after arrival. Non-EU nationals typically require a residence permit or long-stay visa arranged before travel, often linked to employment, study or family reunification.
Every new arrival must register at the town hall (commune/gemeente) of their new address, which issues the certificate of residence you'll also need for customs. Requirements change, so always confirm current rules on the official Belgian government portal (belgium.be) or with the relevant embassy before you travel.
The Belgian rental market is competitive in cities such as Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent, and landlords usually ask for a registered lease and a deposit. Many expats rent before buying to get to know the regions first.
Opening a Belgian bank account is straightforward once you have a national registration number, and it's needed for salary, utilities and rent. Belgium has a well-developed tax system with regional differences, so professional financial advice is worthwhile. Check belgium.be for the latest guidance on registration and tax residency.
Belgium has one of Europe's most respected healthcare systems, combining public health insurance (via a 'mutuelle'/'mutualiteit') with private cover. Residents contribute through the social security system and are reimbursed for most medical costs.
Once registered, you'll need to join a health insurance fund to access reimbursements. EU citizens can bridge the transition with a European Health Insurance Card, while others should arrange private cover until enrolled. Confirm current requirements with your health fund and the official government website.
Belgium offers public, subsidised and private schooling, with the language of instruction depending on the region; Dutch in Flanders, French in Wallonia, and both in Brussels. Education is compulsory and standards are high.
International families often choose one of the many international or European schools clustered around Brussels, which teach in English and other languages and follow international curricula. Places can be limited, so apply early. School registration procedures vary by commune and network. Check the relevant regional education authority for details.
Belgium's economy is anchored by the EU institutions, international organisations, logistics (the Port of Antwerp), pharmaceuticals, finance and services. Brussels in particular has a strong market for multilingual and internationally minded professionals.
EU/EEA citizens can work freely; non-EU nationals generally need a work permit or single permit tied to employment. Language skills (Dutch, French, sometimes German or English) significantly widen opportunities. For current permit categories and eligibility, consult the official regional employment services and belgium.be.
Moving to Belgium with Gosselin
Transport options for your move to Belgium
How your belongings reach Belgium depends on where you're moving from. For moves originating elsewhere in Europe, Gosselin leads with road transport; a dedicated van for full households, or a shared/part-load service (Groupage) that keeps costs down for smaller volumes by combining your goods with others heading the same way. Belgium's central position means overland delivery is often the fastest, most economical route.
For intercontinental moves, sea freight is usually the mainstay: a full container (FCL) for larger households, or shared-container Groupage for modest volumes. Air cargo is available when you need essentials to arrive quickly, though it carries a premium. Belgium's main air gateway is Brussels Airport (BRU).
The right choice balances cost against speed. According to Gosselin Moving's logistics specialists, most decisions come down to three variables: your total volume, how quickly you need to be settled, and your budget.
Professional packing
Professional packing is what protects your belongings through the journey to Belgium. Whether they travel by road across Europe or by sea in a container. Poorly packed goods shift, vibrate and absorb impact over long distances; expertly packed goods arrive as they left.
Gosselin's packing teams handle the full range of household contents with materials and techniques matched to each item:
WHY GOSSELIN?
Top-tier international moving services
Gosselin Moving operates to global quality standards backed by FIDI-FAIM certification, the international moving industry's gold standard held by fewer than 10% of movers worldwide, and ISO 9001 quality management. Our Belgian operation's standing was recognised when Gosselin Belgium received FIDI Top Performer status.
As an Antwerp-based company with an established partner network across Belgium and 48 offices in 32 countries, we combine local knowledge with true global reach.What marks out a reliable international mover:
G.U.E.S.T.
Plan Your Move to Belgium Today
You can start planning your move to Belgium in minutes, without waiting for an in-home visit. With Gosselin's G.U.E.S.T. remote survey technology, you book a digital pre-move assessment and simply walk through your home with your smartphone, recording your household goods on video while our surveyor guides you.
Once your survey is complete, our team prepares a tailored quote covering transport, packing, customs and any extra services you need. Ready to see your options?
Customs clearance
Our team guides you step-by-step through all the requirements
Moving Insurance
By taking out an All-Risk insurance, you are protected from the risks of loss or damage of your goods
Professional packing
We provide full service packing and moving services for local, long-distance, and international relocations
Handyman services
Handyman support can be arranged before packing, on moving day or after delivery in your new home
Overseas or long distance shipping
There are multiple ways to transport your goods internationally: sea, air, truck, or even rail
International car shipping
Cars can be shipped overseas in a container or by roll on / roll off shipping
Art transport services
Gosselin provides high-quality art transportation for museums, galleries, institutions, collectors, and traveling exhibitions
Storage services
A safe, flexible solution for your belongings when your moving timeline doesn’t go exactly as planned
Custom crates
These crates provide optimal security for fine art, antiques, oversized furniture, motorcycles and other valuable or fragile items
Guided Survey
A guided survey led by relocation professionals to understand your household, destination and timing so your move is planned correctly from day one.
With Gosselin, your move includes:
- Eco-friendly packing materials
- Secure storage service
- Flexible scheduling
- Transport insurance coverage
Client experience: relocating to Belgium with Gosselin
A very positive experience from start to finish. Despite the challenging situation at the Moscow borders and customs, the delivery to Belgium was incredibly fast and arrived exactly as planned.
The team worked quickly, accurately, and professionally. They were polite, efficient, and flexible, and even adapted well to our request to leave everything in the garage without unpacking.
Due to the situation in Moscow, there was no time for a prior survey, but the team came and assessed everything on the same day. Communication and contact with Anika were excellent throughout.
Overall, an efficient, reliable, and very professional service. Highly recommended!
Moving to Belgium: your questions answered
Get Your Free Moving Quote Today
Start your journey by getting a free, no-obligation quote for your move to Belgium. Our team is ready to assist you with every step, ensuring a smooth transition to your new life. Fill out the form below and start planning your move today.