International

Brussels, Belgium (population nearly 2 million) is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city and the administrative capital city of the European Union (and the smaller City of Brussels within Brussels is the constitutional capital of Belgium).  It is home to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as well as a large number of international organizations that support the EU.    The majority of residents speak French, although Dutch and French both have official status, and English can be heard.  The city is the EU's third-richest in terms of per capita income, and the cost of living is roughly equal to that of Chicago, Illinois or about 25% above the U.S. average.   Real estate is expensive, but leasing property is almost affordable, giving expatriate retirees the opportunity to live in an exciting, sophisticated European city at a somewhat reasonable price.

When leasing, additional "common charges," or expenses, include heat ($100-$175 a month), electricity ($50 or so a month) and water ($20 per month), which are paid on an estimated monthly basis and then settled at the end of the year.   These usually add 10% to 20% to the base rent.  Other living expenses include bus rides ($1.50), dinners out ($20 - $50, depending on the restaurant), groceries ($125 per week or less), etc.   And while much of Europe is still in a recession, Brussels is somewhat insolated from economic turmoil thanks to the high number of government offices located here.

Expats enjoy theater, opera, gourmet restaurants and an array of international schools.  Exquisite architecture, quaint cafes, gothic churches, medieval streets, grand boulevards and many parks make Brussels a stimulating place to live.   And the city's bustling Grote Markt, grand and elegant, outshines many other European central squares.   Outside of Brussels, the Belgium landscape is varied, with the rivers, forests and gorges of the Ardennes region in the southeast contrasting sharply with the rolling plains found in the northern and western countryside.   Churches, castles and historic cities are at every turn.  Along the northern coast, sandy beaches extend along 35 miles.    For those that want to venture outside of Belgium, Paris is ninety minutes away and London and Amsterdam are just two hours away by Eurostar train.

Americans may travel in Belgium without a visa for up to 90 days during a 6 month period.  A passport, however, is required and must be valid for at least 3 months past the period of stay.  For stays longer than 90 days, such as retirement, a residence visa must be obtained within one's country of residence, and anyone planning to retire here (or live without working) must be "financially independent" and able to provide "proof of sufficient means of subsistence that will allow one to live in Belgium without the need to engage in any sort of gainful employment and proof that one's income and funds can be transferred to Belgium."   A medical certificate, character references from a Belgian or two, one's criminal record (or lack of) and other documents are required, and the application process can take 3 months or longer.

Belgium is a highly developed, democratic country, and Brussels is a relatively low-crime city.   Although street crime is not unknown, and theft from vehicles has been increasing, using common sense and discretion keeps most expats safe.   And the modern, well-organized and affordable public transport system (metro, trams and buses) makes it easy for most anyone to navigate around this city.

Medicare is not accepted in Belgium (or anywhere outside of the U.S.), and it is recommended that expats purchase private insurance.  Belgium has an excellent health care system, and expats may visit any doctor or hospital in Brussels without a referral (most hospitals have some English-speaking staff).  Patients generally have to pay the full cost of the care upfront, however, and then be reimbursed, usually 75% of the cost, by their insurance company.

It rains a lot in Brussels, nearly 200 days a year, but snow is rare (maybe once a year).  Summer temperatures are in the 60s and 70s, and winter temperatures dip into the 20s and 30s.

Recommended as a Retirement Spot? Yes Have a town in mind for retirement?  Write to us and we will review it!

Living costs are above the U.S. average and Medicare is not accepted, but outstanding amenities, very good public transportation, excellent medical facilities and a mild climate make Brussels an appealing European expatriate retirement spot.

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