Moving to Belgium from Austria (or Back): Complete Guide, Costs, and Checklist (2026)

Moving to Belgium from Austria, or relocating back to Austria, comes with organizational, legal, and logistical requirements that should be planned correctly and early. A structured approach is the difference between a smooth international move and avoidable delays or extra costs.

Geschwandtner GmbH has been handling worldwide relocations for over 30 years and brings extensive experience with international moves within Europe, especially between Austria and Belgium.

Our expertise includes:

• Private international household moves
• Company and office relocations
• Relocation services for expats
• Complex logistics and customs coordination (where applicable)
• Full project coordination from one source

When moving to Belgium, customers benefit from long-standing routine, local experience, and proactive planning for regional specifics, authorities, and on-site logistics.

Is it easy to move to Belgium?

Whether moving to Belgium feels “easy” depends less on legal requirements and more on the quality of preparation. EU citizens benefit from freedom of movement, which makes relocation possible in principle. In practice, however, international moves to Belgium are often more complex than expected.

Factors that make moving to Belgium easier

• EU freedom of movement (no residence permit required for short stays)
• No customs formalities for private household goods in most standard EU relocations
• Strong road and transport infrastructure
• Relatively short distance from Austria

Factors that can make the move harder

• Different administrative processes depending on the municipality
• Strict deadlines for registration after arrival
• Limited parking/loading options in cities
• More coordination effort for job-related relocations

Most issues arise when multiple processes happen in parallel: apartment handover, job start, school enrollment, and municipal registration. Without a realistic schedule, delays and additional costs are common.

Typical issues seen in real relocation projects:

• No-parking zones requested too late
• Move volume underestimated
• Insufficient packaging for long-distance transport
• Missing coordination between pickup and delivery dates

In short: moving to Belgium is “easy” when logistics and administration are planned realistically and coordinated properly.

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Can EU citizens move to Belgium? Requirements explained

For Austrian citizens and other EU nationals, moving to Belgium is legally straightforward. However, certain steps and documents are required to secure a long-term stay.

Basic requirements for EU citizens

• Valid passport or national ID card
• Proof of residence in Belgium
• Proof of sufficient financial means or employment
• Health insurance coverage from day one

Duration of stay and residence status

• Up to 3 months: generally possible without major formalities
• Over 3 months: registration at the local municipality is required
• Permanent residence: possible after 5 years of legal residence

Common reasons for moving to Belgium:

• New employment or secondment
• Work with EU institutions or international organizations
• Family relocation
• Self-employment or business setup

Common mistakes:

• Registering too late
• Incomplete documentation
• Missing health insurance
• Underestimating the organizational workload

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Is Belgium a good country to move to? Pros and cons

Belgium can be an excellent destination, depending on your personal and professional situation.

Pros of living in Belgium

• Central location in Europe
• Strong job market, especially in:
  • EU institutions and international organizations
  • IT and technology
  • Engineering
  • Healthcare
• Good infrastructure and transport connections
• Strong social security system

Cons and challenges

• High tax and contribution levels
• Complex administrative structures
• Language split across regions (Dutch/French/German)
• Higher housing costs in major cities

Compared to Austria, Belgium often offers more international job opportunities (especially in Brussels), but budgeting requires a realistic view of taxes and housing.

• Vehicle documents (if relevant)

If desired, Geschwandtner GmbH can manage full move coordination and provide tailored checklists to ensure every step happens in the correct order.

Learn more about our relocation services here: https://www.umzug.wien/umzug-wien-und-oesterreich-umzugsservice/

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Moving to Belgium cost: What is a realistic budget?

Costs for moving to Belgium (or back to Austria) cannot be fixed as a flat rate. International relocations depend on multiple factors, and unrealistic “cheap offers” often lead to exclusions or later surcharges.

Key cost factors

• Actual move volume (cubic meters)
• Distance between pickup and delivery address
• Floors, elevator availability, carrying distance
• Packing and assembly/disassembly services
• Parking permits / no-parking zones
• Insurance coverage
• Special items (piano, art, IT)

Practical price ranges (orientation only)

Private moves

• 1–2 room household: approx. €700–€1,600
• 3–4 room household: approx. €1,400–€5,500
• House relocation: individual calculation

Office and corporate relocations

• Depends on volume, time windows, and IT requirements
• Often project-based pricing instead of fixed packages

Why moves become more expensive than expected

In many cases, extra costs are caused by incorrect assumptions:

• Underestimated volume
• Self-packing without transport-safe standards
• Missing permits for loading zones
• Last-minute date changes
• Additional carrying services on site

A reliable quote is based on transparent scope, realistic volume assessment, and clearly defined services.

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How much money do you need overall when moving to Belgium?

Beyond the moving cost, many people underestimate the total financial impact of the first months.

Typical one-time costs

• Move and transport (packing, loading, assembly)
• Permits and local fees
• Insurance
• Temporary storage (if needed)
• Travel and accommodation costs

Typical “arrival” costs in Belgium

• Security deposit (often 2–3 months rent)
• First month rent in advance
• Possible agency or handover fees
• Household purchases
• Administrative and insurance setup

Recommended financial reserve (practical guidance)

• Single: €3,000–€4,000 minimum
• Couple: €4,500–€6,000 minimum
• Family: €6,000+ (depending on city and housing)

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Moving to Belgium with pets: What to consider

Moving with pets is possible, but requires preparation. Belgium applies EU rules strictly.

Requirements for dogs, cats, and ferrets:

• EU pet passport
• Microchip identification (ISO standard)
• Valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before entry)
• Vet documentation and proper records

Plan transport logistics to reduce stress:

• Safe transport box
• Good ventilation and temperature control
• Regular breaks on long routes
• Clear schedule to avoid waiting times

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Moving with a car to Belgium: Registration and driving rules

If you relocate with your vehicle, plan for registration and insurance.

Key points:

• Residence registration is typically required first
• Vehicle registration via DIV
• Belgian car insurance is mandatory
• Technical inspection may be required (similar to §57a in Austria)

EU driving licenses remain valid, but a conversion can be useful in certain cases (loss, expiry, professional use).

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Registering in Belgium: How it works

Registration is one of the most important administrative steps and the basis for many other processes (health insurance, taxation, vehicle registration).

Typical rules:

• Required for stays longer than 3 months
• Done at the local municipality
• Personal appearance required
• Deadline often around 8–10 days after moving in (depending on municipality)

Documents often required:

• Passport/ID
• Proof of housing (lease or confirmation)
• Employment or income proof
• Health insurance proof

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Packaging and insurance: Why it matters for international moves

International moving success depends heavily on correct packing and risk management.

Professional packing services can include:

• Furniture and special packaging
• Glass, dishes, and fragile items
• Art and valuables
• IT and office equipment
• Custom furniture protection

Insurance options typically include:

• Standard carrier liability (CMR)
• Additional transport insurance
• Individual coverage based on declared value

Geschwandtner GmbH is among the best-rated moving companies in Austria, TÜV ISO 9001 certified, and a member of professional associations such as IAM, FEDEMAC, and ÖMTV.

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Request a quote for your move Austria ↔ Belgium

A move to Belgium (or back to Austria) requires planning, experience, and a reliable partner. With over 30 years of international moving experience, Geschwandtner GmbH provides structured processes, transparent costs, and maximum safety—from the first consultation to final delivery.

Get more details here: https://www.umzug.wien/umzug-wien-und-oesterreich-umzugsservice/