Belgium Unlocked

Practical

What to do if your parcel gets lost in the post

If your post is lost in transit, you may be entitled to compensation. Belgium also has an Ombudsman to deal with all postal issues, big or small.

Tuesday 15 April 2025

School holidays: Childcare options for expats in Belgium

Most childcare facilities run as normal through the holidays. Find out which schemes are available depending on the school system your child is enrolled in.

Tuesday 8 April 2025

ENERGY EXPLAINED

Comparing energy suppliers: How (and when) to switch

From costs and contracts to solar panels and insulation, we're all impacted by our energy choices. But the complexity of the details can put people off looking for a better deal.

Monday 7 April 2025

Drink like a surrealist: Brussels' enticing heritage cafés

Belgian beers, portions of cheese and vibrant decors or terraces – find out all about historic Brussels' best bars here.

Thursday 3 April 2025

Brussels police zones: Where they come from and what they can do for you

A potted history of Brussels police zones right up to the role of local police officers today.

Thursday 27 March 2025

Expats in Brussels: Anyone can be a philanthropist (and enjoy tax cuts)

Changes to the regime have been branded "an attack on generosity" by the charitable sector. But you can still donate, and get a tax break for doing so. Here's how.

Monday 24 March 2025

Top 10 Belgium travel hacks

Get to Charleroi Airport for less than €9, travel for free across Flanders and never overpay for STIB in Brussels again. Here's 10 tips to travel like a Belgian.

Saturday 15 March 2025

Smoke detectors in Brussels: What are the rules and who is responsible?

In the event of a fire, people have three minutes to evacuate their home. However, some home still do not comply with the smoke detector requirements.

Thursday 13 March 2025

Low Emission Zones: What are they and what fines do drivers risk?

To combat air pollution, several Belgian cities have introduced Low Emission Zones (LEZ). Find out where these zones apply and which cars are banned.

Monday 10 March 2025

Salary increases and lower savings rates: What changes in Belgium on 1 March?

From wage rises in the public and private sectors to less attractive savings accounts and new dementia doctors in Flanders, here's what changes in March.

Friday 28 February 2025

Trash talk: How to dispose of your rubbish in Brussels correctly

Not sorting waste correctly can come at a high cost in the capital. The Brussels Times put together a guide on how to separate your rubbing.

Thursday 27 February 2025

Speed limits, bike lanes: Key traffic rules to know before hitting Belgian roads

Navigating traffic as a driver or cyclist can be daunting. Here are some key (and sometimes unique) rules you should know about.

Wednesday 26 February 2025

Smartphone ban embraced by European and international schools of Brussels

"It's a huge computer that they're carrying around in their pockets with access to all sorts. So we have to be really careful."

Tuesday 25 February 2025

Where and how to dispose of your old clothes?

From recycling centres to second hand clothing donations, find out how to (sustainably) dispose of your pre-loved clothes.

Friday 21 February 2025

Crypto in Belgium: A young man's game?

Notoriously volatile, energy-intensive, and some would say useless, cryptocurrencies are nonetheless gaining in popularity – worldwide and in Belgium.

Monday 17 February 2025

Expat tax regime: What changes under the new Federal Government

"It will once again become more attractive for high level foreign executives to come and work in Belgium."

Monday 17 February 2025

School registrations begin: What to know before enrolling your child

Schools will soon open applications for new pupils. However, for non-Belgian parents, the process of enrolling their children can be daunting.

Tuesday 4 February 2025

Why do Belgians drink UHT milk?

Famously shunned by much of northern Europe, 96.7% of milk consumed in Belgium is UHT. The reason why is not so simple...

Sunday 2 February 2025

Museums, Art Nouveau and the Big Screen: The best cultural passes in Brussels

Keen to explore the rich cultural scene in Brussels but not sure where to start? There are several passes that might be able to help you with that.

Friday 31 January 2025

Pricier public transport and PFAS: What changes on 1 February in Belgium

From paying more to ride public transport and train disruption to interest rates on Belfius savings accounts dropping, here's what changes on 1 February.

Friday 31 January 2025

How to find a cleaner in Brussels

Slightly out of character for Brussels, the process of finding someone to clean your house is relatively simple – if you know how to go about it.

Thursday 30 January 2025

Best in Town: Top new restaurants to discover in Brussels

From succulent meat for Brussels' bon vivants to festive Italian dining and traditional Thai cuisine, The Brussels Times has listed its favourite new restaurants.

Saturday 25 January 2025

French, Dutch or even English? What are Belgium's language rules on trains

Language is always a sensitive subject in Belgium but nothing illustrates the absurdity of its complicated laws so well as the rules on trains.

Friday 24 January 2025

How to get a driving licence in Brussels as an English speaker

Learning to drive in Belgium can be daunting. The Brussels Times has created a guide to ensure a smooth ride.

Thursday 23 January 2025

Bonds, crypto or gold: Ten ways to invest money in 2025

Are your savings gathering dust in an account? Consumer protection organisation Test Achats has shared other, more lucrative options with The Brussels Times.

Monday 13 January 2025

Holidays in 2025: How to maximise time off work

With a little creative organisation, people in Belgium can make the most of public holidays and weekends to take longer breaks.

Monday 6 January 2025

Pensions, energy costs and wage increase: What changes in Belgium on 1 January?

The start of 2025 is marked by a great deal of new rules and changes to existing laws, affecting residents of all ages. Find the most impactful changes here.

Wednesday 1 January 2025

How do you get international diplomas recognised in Belgium?

As with many things in Belgium, applying for the recognition of an international diploma is complex and fragmented.

Monday 9 December 2024

Mandatory coverage and signing up: What to know about insurance in Belgium

New arrivals to Belgium must take out insurance. While one type is obligatory for everyone, others are compulsory depending on an individual's situation.

Tuesday 3 December 2024

UberX, tyres and sex workers: What changes in Belgium on 1 December

From sex workers' rights and more expensive Disney+ subscriptions, to UberX in Wallonia, here's what changes in Belgium on 1 December.

Sunday 1 December 2024

Obligatory prescriptions and border checks: What changes in Belgium on 1 November?

Changes coming into effect on Friday will impact Brussels landlords, customers of internet and telephone networks, and people travelling to France from Belgium.

Thursday 31 October 2024

All you need to know about public transport in Belgium

Understanding public transport in Belgium can be complex. This guide looks at the different operators, costs and fines for travelling without a ticket.

Tuesday 29 October 2024

Driving under influence: What are the limits and fines in Belgium?

Drink driving is one of the main causes of road fatalities. But whilst some countries take a zero-tolerance approach, the rules in Belgium are still evolving.

Monday 21 October 2024

Belgian municipal elections: How a mayor is elected, and why Brussels differs

With the local elections just around the corner, we explain how a mayor is elected, and to what extent the voter has a say in this.

Monday 7 October 2024

Cancelling insurance and drug-driving checks: What changes in Belgium on 1 October?

From increased social tariffs and a new work permit system for non-European nationals to stricter checks for drug-driving, here's what changes on 1 October.

Tuesday 1 October 2024

Public transport prices and new school rules: What changes in Belgium on 1 September?

In Belgium, new changes are introduced (and old ones abolished) on the first of every month. Make sure you are up to date with all the latest measures.

Saturday 31 August 2024

BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL

Catholic vs public? A guide to understanding Belgian schools

Belgian schools offer great benefits, but with the choice between Catholic, public and alternative schools, navigating the system can be confusing.

Saturday 31 August 2024

BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL

International vs European schools: What's the difference?

It's a common misconception that international and European schools are the same. But there are key differences in how they run, the curricula, languages and costs.

Friday 30 August 2024

BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL

From Taylor Swift to electron microscopes: A guide to Belgium's research universities

With its cosmopolitan outlook and status as the capital of European politics and centre for world organisations, Belgium is an appealing place to study.

Thursday 29 August 2024

BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL

What happens on Wednesdays? Childcare in Brussels explained

State subsidies, different languages and vetted carers add to the appeal of Belgium's childcare system. But thereis a distinct lack of space nationwide.

Wednesday 28 August 2024

BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL

What are the key dates in the 2024-2025 Belgian school year?

There are many important dates during the academic year, from days off to school registrations and exam periods. This extensive calendar covers all key days.

Wednesday 28 August 2024

Cancer care, Disney+ and green premiums: What changes in Belgium on 1 August?

From improved cancer care and temporary tax breaks for installing charging stations to new measures for people travelling to Israel, here's what changes today.

Thursday 1 August 2024

Filing taxes in Belgium: How does it work?

"Every year, thousands of people wait until the last minute. In the last days before the deadline, we see peaks of 80,000 to 100,000 returns per day,"

Wednesday 17 July 2024

Car tax and inspection, pensions and HBO Max: What changes in Belgium on 1 July

From free name changes for every Belgian to higher vehicle registration tax in Brussels and higher mobility premiums, July brings plenty of new legislation.

Monday 1 July 2024

From votes to seats: This is how election results in Belgium are calculated

Converting votes into a few seats per constituency requires a method to do this as fairly as possible. Here's how that happens.

Tuesday 11 June 2024

Higher wages, home loans and cheaper commutes: What changes in Belgium on 1 June?

In addition to it being election month, a series of new or updated rules will also be taking effect from 1 June.

Friday 31 May 2024

Mandatory 'mutualité': Figuring out health insurance in Belgium

Belgium has a great healthcare system, but it is mandatory to sign up with a health insurance fund to use it. Find out what they are and how to join.

Monday 13 May 2024

Expats, border workers or trainees: What to know when filing taxes in Belgium

Unsure whether to declare a foreign bank account? Do you split your time between Belgium and another country? Find out how to file your taxes as an expat here.

Monday 6 May 2024

Labour migration, drink-driving and poor eyesight: What changes in Belgium on 1 May?

From more people getting their glasses and contact lenses reimbursed to several new rules for working (or not working) in Flanders, here's what changes today.

Wednesday 1 May 2024

Anyone can be a philanthropist: How to give back, in Belgium and abroad

"Modestly wealthy people without children is a classic profile. Next comes the entrepreneur who has sold their business and now wants to contribute to society."

Friday 26 April 2024

Where do your taxes go in Belgium?

We all know that taxes are high in Belgium, but where does the money end up? From pensions to defence, here's how the funds are distributed.

Friday 12 April 2024

Freelancing? How to set up as a self-employed worker in Belgium

From residency documents to paying taxes and setting up social security, here is a handy guide to explain the whole administrative process.

Tuesday 9 April 2024

Proportional representation in Belgium: How does it work?

Belgium's voting system favours smaller political parties and allows voters to choose whether they want to support a party or a specific candidate.

Thursday 4 April 2024

Higher minimum wages and childcare priority for working parents: What changes on 1 April?

From the minimum wage increasing for around 80,000 workers to controversial priority rules for childcare, here's what changes on 1 April.

Monday 1 April 2024

Costs, offers and deeds: What to know when buying property in Belgium

Buying a property can be daunting, especially for newcomers to Belgium. These are the key steps and considerations for prospective home-owners.

Monday 11 March 2024

Cheaper internet and extra money to ditch your car: What changes on 1 March?

Some changes coming into place today will impact people's wallets, while others limit or expand services that are available to the public.

Friday 1 March 2024

Brussels expats are eligible to vote. Here’s how (and why) to have your say

"Expats build homes, lives and careers here, they fall in love here … there is a principle behind these people having a voice and using it where they can."

Monday 26 February 2024

Expat Welcome Desk: The one-stop shop for expats looking to understand Belgium

The easily-accessible team that deals with all manner of questions is a vital service to make life in Brussels easier, though surprisingly few know about it.

Monday 5 February 2024

Pricey train tickets and fewer e-scooters: What changes in Belgium on 1 February?

From fewer e-scooters in Brussels and more expensive train fares to free mental healthcare for young people, here's what changes in Belgium today.

Thursday 1 February 2024

Belgium's new tax regime for expats: What changes?

Only those earning over €75,000 can now enjoy certain tax concessions. But as that is out of reach for most expats, it means a big salary cut for many.

Thursday 25 January 2024

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