Brussels: 5 Tips for a Stress-Free Relocation

Moving to a new city can be both exciting and stressful.
Between administrative paperwork, finding a home, and getting to know a new environment, relocating to Brussels can quickly become a real challenge.

At RentMore, we assist numerous expatriates and EU officials every year with their move to the Belgian capital. Here are our tips for a smooth and successful relocation to Brussels.

1. Plan Ahead for Administrative Tasks

Brussels is an international city, but the paperwork remains very Belgian!
From the moment you arrive (and even beforehand), make sure to:

• Register at the local commune and declare your main residence within 8 days of moving in.

• Open a Belgian bank account, often required for rent payments.

• Take out mandatory tenant insurance.

• Verify your registration with the social security system.

Tip: Some communes, such as Ixelles, Etterbeek, or Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, offer dedicated services for expatriates to simplify these processes.

2. Choose the Right Type of Housing

The key to a successful relocation is finding a home that suits your lifestyle.

In Brussels, you’ll find a wide range of options:

• Fully furnished apartments: ideal for expatriates or medium-term stays.

• Unfurnished apartments: perfect for long-term stays if you prefer to bring your own furniture.

• Serviced residences (concierge, cleaning, maintenance): perfect for a worry-free daily life.

At RentMore, we mainly offer fully furnished apartments with 7/7 services, such as maintenance and cleaning, in Brussels’ best neighborhoods—close to European institutions, the city center, or major business hubs.

3. Choose the Right Neighborhood

Brussels is a city on a human scale, but each neighborhood has its own character.
Some useful references:

• Ixelles / Saint-Gilles: cosmopolitan vibe, close to shops, restaurants, and cultural hotspots.

• Woluwe-Saint-Pierre / Woluwe-Saint-Lambert: green, quiet, and near international schools.

• European Quarter: central, convenient, and very popular among expats.

• Tour & Taxis: a district in full transformation, combining modern architecture with urban life.

Tip: Choose your neighborhood based on your workplace to avoid long commutes. Brussels is well-served by public transport, but mobility can sometimes be a challenge.

4. Make Your Move Simple

There’s nothing better than arriving in a move-in ready apartment.
RentMore apartments are designed for this:

• All-inclusive (appliances, furniture, kitchenware, linens, decoration, internet connection)

• No time lost with subscriptions, services, or repairs

• One point of contact for all your questions

Result: You can focus on what really matters, your new life in Brussels.

5. Adapt to the Brussels Rhythm

Brussels is a great city to live in, as long as you adapt to its pace.
Take the time to:

• Enjoy the local markets (Flagey, Châtelain, Jourdan…)

• Explore parks and green spaces (Cinquantenaire, Parc Malou, Ixelles Ponds, Brussels Park…)

• Discover local restaurants and cafés

• Get familiar with public transport (STIB, SNCB, De Lijn, TEC)

And most importantly, remember: everything eventually works out here. Brussels is a welcoming, multicultural city on a human scale.