Belgium boasts a rich tapestry of linguistic diversity, as it recognizes three official languages. Dutch takes precedence in the northern Flanders region, while French holds sway in the southern Wallonia region and the cosmopolitan Brussels area. Meanwhile, German finds its voice in the eastern reaches of the country. This linguistic heterogeneity serves as a mirror to the intricate interplay of culture and history that has shaped the unique character of each region in Belgium.

Understanding that appointments are necessary for many tasks is crucial. In addition to work permits, there are various daily activities such as visits to the hairdresser, doctor, or other essential services for which you must schedule appointments. You can book appointments either online or by phone, depending on the specific service. Familiarise yourself with the procedures and requirements for each appointment.

In summary, as an economic migrant in Flanders, staying informed about both work permit procedures and the rules of daily life is vital. This ensures that you can navigate your stay and work in Belgium legally and efficiently.

If you need to contact a doctor, pharmacist, or dentist, the most convenient approach is to visit the appropriate website. There, you can easily locate the nearest healthcare professionals in your neighbourhood. Whether you require medical advice, prescriptions, or dental care, accessing the relevant website will guide you to the right professionals.

Meal vouchers are the most common fringe benefit provided by Belgian companies. It is estimated that more than 70% of workers benefit from them. This figure also takes into account reimbursement for meals and company restaurants.

Let’s look at the differences between meal vouchers and eco vouchers:

1/ Meal vouchers

• Purpose: Meal vouchers are designed to help workers pay for meals during the working day.
• Use: They can be redeemed for meals and food products in supermarkets, restaurants, sandwich shops and so on. Note that they cannot be used for alcoholic drinks or other non-food items.
• Limit: There is usually a maximum value per cheque and a limit on the number of cheques that can be used per day.

2/ Eco-cheques

• Purpose: Eco-vouchers are designed to promote the purchase of ecological and sustainable products and services.
• Use: They can be spent on a wide range of ecological products and services, such as energy-efficient appliances, organic food, ecological cleaning products, bicycles, train tickets, and more. Note: They cannot be used for products that do not meet ecological criteria.
• Limit: There may be restrictions on the types of products and services that can be bought with eco-cheques, depending on legislation and agreements between employers and eco-cheque issuers.

In Flanders and across Belgium, meal vouchers and eco-vouchers are accepted by a wide range of retailers, shops and service providers affiliated to the voucher issuers. Think supermarkets, restaurants, electrical shops, bicycle shops, garden centres and much more. Employees can check with their cheque issuer to see who accept the cheques and what products and services can be purchased with them.

In Flanders, there are several public health insurance funds you can join. Here is an overview of some of the main public health insurance funds, along with their annual contributions:

1. Vlaams & Neutraal Ziekenfonds (VNZ): The VNZ, founded in 1916, is one of the oldest mutual funds in Belgium. It has 43 offices across Flanders and ensures the correct payment of health benefits and reimbursement of medical expenses. An individual pays €99.96 per year (€8.33 per month), while a couple pays €199.92 per year (€16.66 per month)1.
2. Neutral Ziekenfonds Vlaanderen (NZVL): NZVL is affiliated to the Landsbond van de Onafhankelijke Ziekenfondsen and regulates compulsory insurance for medical care. It has 58 offices in Flanders. An individual pays €99.96 per year (€8.33 per month)1.
3. Helan Independent Health Insurance Fund: Helan is a welfare group with a broader view of your well-being. It has 69 offices across Flanders and offers digital self-service through an extensive customer portal and an app. An individual pays €120.00 per year (€10 per month)1.
4. Christelijke Mutualiteit (CM): The CM belongs to the Landsbond der christelijke mutualiteiten and is the largest public health insurance fund in Belgium. It has 251 offices across the country. An individual pays €113.16 per year (€9.43 per month), while a couple pays €226.32 per year (€18.86 per month)1.
5. Liberal Mutualities: This public health insurance fund has several offices and also offers services in Flanders. The annual contribution is €105,.001.
6. Socialist Mutualities: This public health insurance fund has an annual contribution of €97.20 and offers extensive services in Flanders1.

Choose the mutual health organisation that best suits your needs and make sure you are well coveredhave the right cover for medical care and benefits!

In general, most shops and supermarkets in Flanders have similar opening hours, but there may be variations depending on location, size of shop and local regulations.

Typical opening hours for shops and supermarkets in Flanders are:

• Monday to Saturday: 9am to 6pm or 7pm
• Thursday: Some shops have longer opening hours until 8 pm, in particular in urban areas.
• Sunday: Some large supermarkets and shops are open on Sunday mornings, usually from 9 am to 12 pm or 1 pm. However, this varies greatly by location and municipality, as Sunday opening depends on local legislation.

Note that there are also exceptions, such as public holidays, when many shops may be closed. Therefore, it is always advisable to check the specific opening hours of a shop or supermarket, especially around holidays and special occasions.

• Itsme
• Payconiq
• De Lijn
• NMBS
• Recycle
• MyNexusHealth/Helena
• Doccle.

And the Google Translate’s camera function, a godsend for quick translation of signs on the street and everything on paper. Dutch to English, meanwhile, works really well, even for administrative or technical documents.

When should you start looking?

It’s best to start looking for childcare as soon as possible. In some regions, there is a real shortage of childcare, which means that laces are in demand. As soon as you know you are pregnant, you should call the various childcare providers in your area to make an appointment. You can use this link to find licensed childcare in your area.

Sometimes there is also a central service in the municipality that will look for available places for you. You can check with the municipality.

Have you already applied for your Starting Amount?

In Flanders you are paid a “startbedrag”, a starting amount, for the birth or adoption of a child of €1,214.49. You can apply for the starting amount with one of the five Flemish payment funds of the Groeipakket.

Apply for a startbedrag

What to pay attention to when making your choice?

Does a crèche or childminder still have availability for your unborn child? Then pay a visit to see for yourself where your little one might go. Make an appointment during opening hours, that way you will immediately see the approach they take. It is important to click make a good connection with the childminder or staff at the crèche. After all, your child will spend many hours with them and it is crucial that you are on the same wavelength.

When making your decision, you can consider the following things:

• Location: can you reach it from home or work with ease?
• Time: can your child go there five days a week? Can you opt for less than five days, or for half-days if you wish? During which hours do they provide care?
• Educational approach: what is the approach in terms of nutrition, safety, hygiene, stimulating development, etc.?
• Parental involvement: how do they communicate with parents?
• Group structure: how many children do they take in? Are they grouped by age?

Are you searching for a crèche or a childminder?

Whether you choose a crèche or a childminder is a personal choice. A childminder provides the advantage of a homely atmosphere and close personal contact with the parents and child. With a crèche, on the other hand, you won’t face any surprises such as the childminder falling ill, and they often work in groups according to age.

Cost price

The cost price depends on the type of care: does the rate depend on income, or does the childcare centre operate at a fixed rate? And what about the cost for the childminder or nursery on days when your child is sick or if you want to take a holiday? Check with the childcare centre. You can find more information here.