Wed, 23 May 2012
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Expatica's Getting Started section will provide practical information on how you can open a bank account, sort out a residence permit or improve your language skills.If you've just landed in Belgium, it's tempting to start exploring, but there are some essential tasks to get through first. Our Getting Started section offers a wealth of important information and advice.
Visas and permits
If you haven’t done it already, sorting out your residence permit is an essential first step.
Opening a bank account
Another essential step is opening a bank account. Visit our Banking section for details on banking in Belgium and to keep up to date with news from the financial world.
Finding a home
So you have your visa and bank account. Now you need to find a place to stay. Read Expatica’s guide to where to live in Brussels or Belgium as whole. Should you rent or buy? Expatica helps you to do the research and decide on the best housing option. For basic guides to and in Belgium, visit our Housing section.
Education
Education is another important point for you to consider when moving to Belgium with your family. You’ll need to decide on local or international education for your children and pick a school. Visit our Education section to find out about the Belgian education system.
If you have young children, you may need to enrol them in a daycare centre or hire an au pair. Expatica’s Kids and Pre-school sections will help you to find suitable childcare. Students should visit our Higher Education section and Courses & Workshops has something for everyone.
Setting up home
Once you have found accommodation, you’ll need to get connected and set up basic utilities. Ask around to find the most cost-effective service providers; why not try asking in the Expatica forums or Ask the Expert section?
Finding a job
If you are looking for a job, then learn more about the management culture in Belgium before you start on your job hunt. Check out our Employment & Trends section. Expatica’s A-Z listings will direct you to specialist recruitment agencies in Belgium.
Learning the language
Speaking the local language is important if you want to improve your social life as well as job prospects, therefore make sure that you enrol in a language course and pay a visit to our Languages section
Healthcare
So far so good, but don’t forget your health – moving countries is stressful. Learn about the Belgian health system in our Editor's guide to healthcare in Belgium or by looking through our Healthcare section.
Driving
If you want to get out on the roads, find out if you can exchange your driving licence and, if you don’t have one, find out if you can learn or even take your test in English or a language other than the local one. Driving in Belgium gives a good overview for getting you started on the road.
Join the community
The Expatica article ‘Notes for country movers' offers sound advice to singles: Don't become a hermit or a bar-fly. Get out and about, and network – become a member of Expatica’s community, make full use of Expatica’s forums, and use the dating site to meet and interact with like-minded people in the international community.
Photo credits: historic.brussels
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