A Few Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Belgium

Moving to Belgium: Why This Overlooked Destination Might Be Perfect for You

When planning to emigrate from the UK, Belgium might not immediately come to mind as your destination of choice. However, this charming and dynamic country, located at the crossroads of Europe, offers a wealth of opportunities and unique experiences. From its rich cultural heritage to its exceptional quality of life, moving to Belgium could be one of the best decisions you ever make.

If you’re considering relocating to Belgium, or even if it’s not yet on your radar, here’s a comprehensive guide highlighting why this small but mighty nation deserves your attention.

Why Belgium Should Be on Your Relocation Radar

1. A Beer Lover’s Paradise

Belgium is synonymous with exceptional beer. With over 800 different varieties, the country boasts a brewing heritage that is both historic and innovative. From Trappist ales crafted by monks to fruity lambics and complex saisons, there’s something for every palate.

For beer enthusiasts, moving to Belgium is akin to relocating to heaven on earth. Towns like Bruges and Ghent often host beer festivals, and pubs across the country serve brews with a level of reverence that reflects their cultural importance.

2. The Chocolate Capital of the World

Belgium’s reputation for fine chocolate is world-renowned. Belgian chocolatiers, such as Neuhaus, Godiva, and Leonidas, have set the gold standard in confectionery. Relocating to Belgium means indulging in a treat every time you walk past a chocolate shop—an experience that never gets old.

3. Cultural and Historical Richness

Belgium might be small in size, but it has a rich history and cultural significance that rivals much larger nations.

The city of Huy, for instance, was granted a charter of rights in 1066, making it the oldest free city in Europe.
Belgium is home to stunning medieval architecture, museums housing works by Rubens and Magritte, and UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Grand Place in Brussels.

Every city and town in Belgium has its own unique charm, from the cobblestone streets of Bruges to the Art Nouveau facades in Brussels.

Practical Benefits of Moving to Belgium

1. A Warm Welcome

Belgium is renowned for its inclusive and welcoming culture. Approximately 15% of the population consists of immigrants, making it one of the most diverse countries in Europe. Belgium also grants more new citizenships annually than almost any other country in the world, second only to Canada.

This openness ensures that when you move to Belgium, you’ll feel at home among a population that values multiculturalism and diversity.

2. Central Location in Europe

Belgium is often called the heart of Europe due to its strategic location. Living in Belgium puts you just a few hours away from major European cities like Paris, Amsterdam, and London. With an extensive train network and well-connected airports, travel becomes effortless.

For professionals, Belgium’s central location is ideal for business, with many international organizations and companies, including the EU headquarters, based in Brussels.

3. Excellent Quality of Life

Belgium offers a high standard of living, combining affordability with exceptional infrastructure:

Healthcare: Belgium’s healthcare system is consistently ranked among the best in Europe.
Education: The country provides excellent educational opportunities, including international schools.
Public Transport: Efficient and reliable trains, trams, and buses make commuting a breeze.

Things to Know Before Moving to Belgium

1. Languages and Regions

Belgium is a multilingual country with three official languages:

Dutch (spoken in Flanders).
French (spoken in Wallonia).
German (spoken in a small eastern region).

Brussels, the capital, is officially bilingual (Dutch and French) and widely English-speaking. Familiarizing yourself with the local language of your region will help you integrate more easily.

2. Housing Market

Belgium offers a range of housing options, from chic city apartments to charming countryside homes. Renting is common for newcomers, allowing you to explore different regions before making a long-term commitment. The property market is stable, with prices often more affordable than in neighboring countries.

3. Taxes and Social Contributions

Belgium has a relatively high tax rate, but it’s balanced by comprehensive public services. Be prepared to navigate the tax system, and consider consulting a financial advisor to ensure compliance.

Why Choose European Removal Experts for Your Move to Belgium?

Relocating to Belgium, whether for work, family, or a change of scenery, can be a daunting process. This is where European Removal Experts steps in. We specialize in seamless, stress-free removals to Belgium, offering:

Door-to-Door Service: Whether you’re moving to Antwerp, Brussels, or a remote village, we handle every detail.
Flexible Options: Choose between part-load or full-load removals based on your needs.
Expertise: With years of experience, we ensure your belongings are transported safely and efficiently.

Whether you’re moving permanently or simply need assistance with a large delivery, our team is ready to help.

Exploring Life in Belgium: What Awaits You?

1. Festivals and Events

Belgium is known for its lively calendar of events. From the Tomorrowland music festival to the quirky Binche Carnival, there’s always something happening.

2. Gastronomy Beyond Beer and Chocolate

Belgium is home to Michelin-starred restaurants, hearty stews like carbonade flamande, and, of course, Belgian waffles. Moving to Belgium will undoubtedly expand your culinary horizons.

3. A Love for Cycling

Belgium is a cycling enthusiast’s dream. With scenic bike paths, an active cycling culture, and a deep love for the sport, it’s a great place for those who enjoy outdoor activities.

Final Thoughts: Why Belgium Is Worth Considering

Moving to Belgium might not have been your first thought, but it could turn out to be the perfect destination for you. With its vibrant culture, welcoming atmosphere, and exceptional quality of life, Belgium offers a unique opportunity to embrace a new lifestyle.

At European Removal Experts, we’re here to make your transition to Belgium effortless. Whether you’re relocating your household or arranging a delivery, we handle every detail so you can focus on starting your new chapter.

Contact Us Today!

Ready to make the move? Get in touch with us at European Removal Experts for a free quote and personalized service.

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Make Moving to France Easy

Just about everyone has dreamt of moving abroad, and moving to France could well be at the top of a lot of wish lists. There are numerous advantages, and here are just a few reasons that it could be so beneficial.

Moving to France allows people to live their dream, and being so close to the UK it doesn’t seem like such a big move. It’s still easy to see friends and family as it simply requires a quick trip across the Channel, but it’s far enough away to feel like the start of a whole new life.

Property prices are often a lot better than they are here in the UK, and you’ll often find that you can get a lot more for your money. The way of life is also known to be quite relaxed, and you could well find yourself a lot happier with the lifestyle over there.

Moving to France doesn’t have to be as difficult as you think, either; particularly if you consult the relevant experts. Professional removals services will be essential to consider, and you can’t get better than us here at European Removal Experts. We can pick up your possessions from anywhere in the UK and can safely deliver them to your new home, giving the perfect way to start your new life.

As you can see, moving to France really can be the best decision you ever make. It offers a great new way of life, and as long as you contact the experts it can be completely hassle-free so you have nothing to do but enjoy your new adventure.

Swiss Clockwork

If you are moving to Switzerland, European Removal Experts can guarantee that our comprehensive professional removal service works like clockwork. Precision, timing and reliability are the hallmarks of Swiss timepieces, but are also synonymous with the bespoke removals services offered by European Removal Experts.

Many expatriates embrace the opportunity of relocating to Switzerland, a nation of breathtaking scenery with a unique blend of cultures, languages and traditions. The Swiss speak French, German and Italian and elements of all of these rich cultures combine smoothly in this beautiful part of the world.

European Removal Experts has helped many Brits put their minds at ease once they have decided that moving to Switzerland is a wise decision.We offer part load deals where your items will travel alongside those of other customers, or full load options where the entire vehicle is dedicated to your needs. We are confident that before you know it, you will be enjoying some delicious Swiss chocolate on the ski slopes as you fiddle with the blades of your Swiss Army knife and gaze at the natural wonders of the Swiss Alps.

Please take a look at our website today for our many versatile and flexible removals options. The only thing which we never compromise on is the quality of our services. We take pride in providing simply the best removals service available from the United Kingdom to any location in Europe. Moving to Switzerland is made easy with European Removal Experts: the whole process will run as smoothly as a premium Swiss timepiece.

Moving to Franche-Comté

Freedom is the name of the game in Franche-Comté, as evidenced by the English translation of the name of this province, which literally means “Free County”. From an administrative point of view it is a long-standing province in the eastern half of France, encompassing the departments of Doubs, Jura, Haute-Saône, and Territoire de Belfort. Covering an area of over 16,000 square kilometres, this administrative province known in the past as the Free County of Burgundy is home to a population of about 1,168,208 people (as per a 2009 estimate), concentrated mainly in such urban areas as Montbéliard, Belfort, and Besançon. In fact, the latter also constitutes the capital city, closely followed in terms of size and development by the other two above-mentioned cities. Among other urban establishments of note it’s worth mentioning Dole – which was actually the historical capital of the province up until the end of the 17th century, Vesoul, Arbois – famous for its wine-making – and Lons-le-Saunier.
Historically, the region has been inhabited since literally forever, but it didn’t reach its current shape and gain its actual name of Franche Comté until 1366. Possibly the most interesting aspect of its history was the fact that its economic life relied heavily on serfs and, as such, it ended up being one of the last parts of France to abolish serfdom, which only happened in 1787.
In terms of geography, landscape and culture, Franche Comté has quite a lot in common both with the neighbouring French provinces of Rhône-Alpes, Burgundy, Champagne-Ardenne, Lorraine and Alsace, and with its eastern neighbour, Switzerland. The most striking feature of the landscape is the Jura mountains which, while dwarfed by the nearby Alps, are still attractive to locals and tourists alike due to the fact that they are easier to reach and they provide a wide array of places to ski or hike. The rural landscape that is predominant in this province is a genuine treasure of picturesque views, including such rare feats as the timber houses in the Doubs and Loue valleys, built upon wooden stilts in the actual river, and the renowned Région des Lacs, an area of tiny villages spread between spectacular gorges and waterfalls. Other points of interest are the famous “yellow wine”, as well as the wide array of delicious-sounding and definitely delicious-tasting cheeses, such as Cancoillotte, Comté, Metton, or Munster, to name but a few.

Europe Remove is specialised in Removals to France with door to door deliveries. We offer Storage and Removal Services at attractive prices and will ensure your moving will take place as a fast paced and secure operation.
We provide a cost effective and reliable service to you. Be it a small or a large number of boxes that needs moving, we can arrange collection of your belongings and relocation, as well as Storage, all only under the best conditions and with highly Qualified Professionals Removers.

You can even leave the Packing to us. We will make sure everything will be Packed Securely with only the best Packing Supplies available. If you’re not convinced just use our Free Quote service.
You can contact us for any questions you might have. +44 020 3150 2668

Author: Ludovic Péron

Things you should know before moving to Germany

There are lots of things you’ll need to arrange before moving to Germany. The country may only be a short hop over the Channel, but there are plenty of logistical issues to take into account. For example, you may need to book Furniture removals to Germany.

Getting set up in your new home overseas is much easier once you’ve got all the items you need from the UK. By bringing in the professionals to help you with this, you can make the task much more straightforward.

Some information

Meanwhile, to help ensure the transition is as smooth as possible, it really pays off to do some research into your new home nation. Writing in the Guardian recently, Sandra Haurant provided some information for soon-to-be expats.

She noted that Germany has plenty to offer, with its “free-spirited cities… spectacularly varied landscapes, fairytale castles, magical forests, a good standard of living and… relatively robust economy”.

Given its many attractions, it may come as little surprise that more than 100,000 UK citizens have made this country their home.

Some tips

The writer noted that British citizens and those from other EU countries don’t need a work permit or visa to live and work in Germany and if you move there in retirement, you can receive your UK state pension either into a British or German bank account.

She also pointed out that there is no need to arrange special vaccinations before moving to the nation.

When you get there

Ms Haurant noted that on November 12th, one euro was worth 79p, while one pound equated to €1.25. She also stated that German taxis are cream in colour and have a black and yellow taxi sign on their roofs. Usually, they are Mercedes or Audis and they can be hailed in the street. However, heading for a taxi rank or calling to book one is “probably a better option”, she suggested.

If there is a gap between when you arrive in Germany and when you get the keys to your home there, you might have to book a hotel. The writer revealed that mid-range hotel rooms cost around €60 per night out of town and at least €80 per night in cities.

Buying property

If you’re keen to invest in property in the country, you may be interested to note that the average apartment cost €149,700 in June 2012, while a new detached house cost €250,000 and a typical existing house would have set you back €192,950.

Once you’ve selected a house or flat and the transaction is completed, you can arrange removals to Germany.

Here to help

Here at European Removal Experts, we’re experts when it comes to European removals and should be perfectly placed to help you achieve your goals. With us on your team, starting a new life in this vibrant and attractive country could be that little bit easier.

To find out more about what we have to offer, just take a look around the relevant section of our website. You might be surprised by how straightforward the process is.

Immerse Yourself in French Culture to Make Moving There Simple

The idea of moving to France could well be filling you with excitement. It could be something you’ve always dreamed of so it’s essential you do it right, and one of the best ways to ensure that is by immersing yourself in French culture.

At first glance, French culture may not seem all that different to ours here in the UK. Many people will speak the same language as us and they share many of the same customs that we do, but if you dig a little deeper you might find some differences and remembering them will make moving to France a much easier transition.

This is especially true if you’re going to be living away from the hustle and bustle of city life. You’ll often find that it’s a lot less fast-paced and is a much simpler way of living, and that could be just what you’re looking for. You’ll also tend to find that the language barrier is more pronounced, and you could well find different customs, holidays and traditions.

So, to make relocating to France as simple as possible, make sureyou’re prepared. Read up on the particular area that you’re going to be living in so you know what to expect, and if you come across any specific customs make sure to remember them to show willing.

And always learn the language – English people can often seem quite intolerant when they don’t even try to speak the language of the country that they’re in, so don’t make the same mistake. If you can do all that, moving to France will be a breeze!

Removals to LEIPZIG- Removals to Germany from UK

Moving to Leipzig

Ever heard of Leipzig?

The federal state of Saxony in Germany is called Leipzig. The city is located at about 150km in the South from Berlin and is at the conflux of the rivers Parthe, Pleisse and White Elster at the North German Plain ending in the South.

Leipzig is known to be a trade city since the Holy Roman Empire and it’s situated at the intersection of two major medieval trade routes, mainly Via Imperii and Via Regia. A while ago, Leipzig was a major European centre for learning and cultures in various filed such as publishing and music, but all that changed in World War II. Afterwards the city became an important centre of the German Democratic Republic in East Germany and the economic and cultural aspects of Leipzig gradually degraded.

Through the events that came about in and around St. Nicholas Church, the city helped to instigate the fall of communism in Eastern Europe and since then, after the reunification of Germany, Leipzig began reconstructing some historical building and demolishing others while undergoing significant change and developing a modern transport infrastructure.

Leipzig is now known as an economic centre of Germany and it has one of the most modern zoos in Europe and an opera house. The city was even included in the ranking of the world’s most liveable cities and in addition Leipzig also ranked in the top 10 of cities to visit.

Regarding the styles use in Leipzig you can mainly find a renaissance style embedded deeply within the historic downtown in the ensemble of buildings from the 16th century, for example the City Hall has such architectural style. Another style you can find in Leipzig is the baroque style in several trading houses and former residences which were occupied by rich merchants. Because of the outburst of evolution the town has seen in the 19th century, Leipzig has many buildings that were build in the historicist style, even the new city hall was done in that style in 1905.

During the Communist rule in East Germany, many apartments were built in Platternbau buildings. Meaning the apartments were built in buildings constructed of large, prefabricated concrete slabs. Although many were demolished there are still many of the Leipzig’s population that lives there.

In 1968 St. Paul’s Church was demolished to make way for a new building for the university. A new mainly secular building was established at the same location after some debate, named Paulinum that was finished in 2012 and which architecture alludes to the style and look of the church that stood there before. The Paulinum also includes a room which is used as a religious sanctuary.

As a result of tax breaks in the 1990’s, many commercial buildings were constructed.

When visiting Leipzig, there are some important sights that you need to go too, such as St. Thomas Church, where Johann Sebastian Bach worked as a cantor and which is home to the renowned Thomanechor boys choir. Another important location to visit is the monument to Felix Mendelssohn that is located in the front of the church and which was rebuilt in 2008. Another church that Bach was responsible for was St. Nicholas Church and that is also the church which helped to instigate the fall of communism. The weekly Monday prayer held at this church was the starting point of the Monday demonstration against the regime.

There is also one of the largest monuments in Europe that you could visit, namely the Battle of Nations Monument, built as remained of the battle that was won against Napoleonic troops.

If you’re a music lover you must know that in Leipzig is the Gewandgaus which is home to the famous Gewandhaus Orchestra.

Also you must remember to pass by the Old City Hall which houses a museum describing the city’s history and the New City Hall which was build upon the vestiges of the Pleinssenburg castle.

Leipzig also has a building pertaining to the top 20 tallest buildings in Germany, namely the City-Hochhaus Leipzig which was built in 1972.

A venue from a famous play by Goethe, namely Faust, is inspired by the basement-level restaurant called Auerbach’s Cellar and where Goethe as a young boy ate and drank while studying in Leipzig.

Leipzig also has the oldest botanical garden in Germany called simply Leipzig Botanical Garden.

Among all these wonderful location where you can visit, there are also some outstanding institutions such as the Leipzig Zoological Garden which has the world’s largest zoological facility for primates; the opera house and Leipzig’s international trade fair centre. The later is home to the largest levitated glass hall in the world.

So as you can see the city of Leipzig is vastly coloured with history, architecture and culture and can become a perfect place to spend your time. So don’t waste any more and move to Leipzig. We can help you accomplish your dream.

Europe Remove is specialised in Removals to Germany with door to door deliveries. We offer Storage and Removal Services at attractive prices and will ensure your moving will take place as a fast paced and secure operation.
We provide a cost effective and reliable service to you. Be it a small or a large number of boxes that needs moving, we can arrange collection of your belongings and relocation, as well as Storage, all only under the best conditions and with highly Qualified Professionals Removers. You can even leave the Packing to us. We will make sure everything will be Packed Securely with only the best Packing Supplies available. If you’re not convinced just use our Free Quote service.
You can contact us for any questions you might have. +44 020 3150 2668

How to prepare your children to move to Belgium

If you have decided that you and your family will be moving to Belgium in the near future you may be concerned on how best to prepare your children for this upheaval. You should anticipate that a new environment may be difficult to cope with at first for any child. For this reason it is good practice to ease them into the idea gently early on.

As a country, Belgium is one of the most children friendly, welcoming children from other countries into their culture and lifestyle. It is true that by relocating to Belgium, you are giving your children access to an exceptional quality of education, but you need to find one that suits a child’s individual needs. Researching and discussing schools before hand will help greatly.

The language barrier in Belgian schools can be determined by 3 languages; Dutch, German or French. It is worth looking into the prerequisites of these languages for your child to fully benefit. Parents are also expected to be more actively involved in educating their children in Belgium which may make the transition easier.

Involve your children with all aspects of the move and they will become familiar and accustomed to the idea easier. Removals to Belgium are easy to organise and children will be more inclined to accommodate the idea of moving if they have control over what they take. Allow them to help pack and try to make it as fun and exciting as possible.

Let the Experts Handle Your Move Abroad

Moving house is always a stressful occasion because of all the planning that has to go into the move. If you want it to go as smoothly as possible you will have placed smaller items in boxes which are marked with the contents, so when they arrive at the other end you know exactly what is in each box. This is fine with the smaller items in the house, but when you add in the physical aspect of the process – all that shifting and carrying of heavy furniture – and it becomes clear why people are using professionals to do the job for them.

If you are moving to another place in the UK the day can be a bit of an ordeal, so imagine if you are moving to France or moving to Holland to start a new life? There are so many more obstacles to deal with when you are moving abroad, whether you are moving to France to retire to a new life in the country or moving to Holland with your job, so why not let the professionals take care of every aspect of this. All you have to do once your house is cleared is get in the car and make your own way to your new address, where you will meet the team who will then take care of unloading your furniture.

So if you are moving to France or moving to Holland – in fact just about any country in Europe – let the experts take care of the moving process for you.

You Don’t Have to be Wealthy to Live in Switzerland

If you are relocating to Switzerland, you will probably have heard some of the myths surrounding the country. One of these is that only the super rich can afford to live there, and while tax rates differ across the country which means that wealthy people can apply to different regions for their tax status, there are opportunities for us ‘ordinary’ people as well.

Having said that, many celebrities such as Tina Turner, Phil Collins, Lewis Hamilton, Shania Twain, Roger Moore, Yoko Ono and Michael Schumacher have all lived in the country at some point. The friendly tax system is perhaps the main reason which saw them moving to Switzerland, but there are other reasons for moving to this wonderful country, for example the relative lack of crime and the high standard of living.

Lets move away from the rarified atmosphere of the super rich celebrity and look at what Switzerland means for the rest of us. The good news for us mere mortals is that if your company is moving to Switzerland from the UK and you have been offered the chance to continue with your job, you can move to live and work in Switzerland relatively easily. Switzerland is not in the EU which means that it does not have the same rules relating to relocation, so you need to be aware of the process for moving to Switzerland well in advance of your starting date. But keep positive and remember that if you have a job offer, you should be able to get a visa which makes moving to Switzerland a lot easier.