Hello, bonjour, hallo and congratulations, International Brusseler! Have you moved here for work? Is your family coming? Or maybe you’ve been in Brussels for a while, but you still need some guidance on administrative issues.
Whatever your Brussels puzzle, the Expat Welcome Desk is here for you.
You probably know that Brussels is an exciting city full of people from around the world who are busy shaping what’s next. You may also know that you’re part of a diverse international capital that dares you to be yourself. But there are possibly a few administrative matters you don’t quite understand yet.
Whether you’re a newcomer or long-time international resident, the team at the Expat Welcome Desk can inform, guide and support you. We’ll listen, we’ll offer tailored advice, and we’ll do it for free!
PLEASED TO MEET YOU
The Expat Welcome Desk has been getting newcomers settled smoothly in Brussels and the Region for more than 30 years. We’ve become trilingual experts who can guide International Brusselers and answer the most pressing questions, from “What are the tricky points in my lease contract? to “Help! I have to pay taxes!” to “How can I find a dentist in my neighbourhood?” No question or concern is too large or too small.
International Brusselers who’ve been in the city for a long period have different administrative needs as time passes. Perhaps, for example, you have a question about child benefits or retiring in our fair city.
Some of our experts are International Brusselers themselves, and others are born and bred here in the city. Our team is the ideal mix of locals and those who have lived the newcomer experience. We’re as expert as we are friendly.
Whenever you’re struggling to find your way, we’re here to make Brussels easy!
GET IN TOUCH
We make it easy to connect—you can email or call, meet us face to face or over video.
Join our mailing list to get all the invitations to our events and webinars—you’ll get useful information and maybe even meet a few fellow International Brusselers.
info@commissioner.brussels
Phone: +32 (0)2 430 66 14
If you’d like to see us in person, call or email to make an appointment at our main office:
Avenue d’Auderghem 63, 1040 Brussels.
We’re open Monday – Friday.
We also have European Parliament Antenna where EU staff can drop in for advice.
The Big Questions
Our team can answer any question you have in English, French or Dutch, and we’re well-connected with public authorities at the local, regional and federal level.
You can contact us with questions about any administrative issue you’re facing. Here are the topics we hear about most frequently:.
Registering at the municipality (or commune/gemeente as we call it here). This is a formality that everyone must do when they arrive or move house.
Residence permits, visas, work permits and Belgian citizenship. Whatever your reasons for moving to Belgium, we can guide you in choosing the right kind of paperwork.
Rental contracts. We’ll ensure you understand the contract you’re signing.
We’ll ensure you understand the contract you’re signing.
Family reunification. We can explain the ways you might be able to bring your loved ones to Brussels.
Social security affiliation. Belgium has excellent healthcare and social protections. We’ll inform you about how to access the system, and explain any issues you encounter.
Education and childcare. We’ll answer your questions about finding a school or childcare for your little Brusselers.
Mobility. We’ll be your guide to getting around, with information about public transport, alternative mobility, or importing your vehicle.
Taxes. We’ll give you all the details you need to file a correct tax declaration
We’re a free, independent public service. We’re a one-stop shop. We have experience and direct connections with key public authorities at the local, regional and federal level.
We’re multi-lingual—English, French, Dutch and Spanish.
We’re happy to help both newcomers and International Brusselers who’ve been in the city for a long period. As your needs change, we’re here for you.