Retiring in Belgium: 2026 guide for non-EU citizens

Belgium is an often overlooked retirement destination, yet it has its charm.

It combines history, cultural diversity, and a relaxed pace of life with the comfort and stability retirees often look for. The country’s strong healthcare system, reliable infrastructure, and compact size make it easy to enjoy a high quality of life without the stress of big-city living.

For many people, the pull is personal.

It can be a chance to be closer to children or grandchildren living in Belgium, or reconnecting with a place where one used to spend time.

The bonus?

From Brussels, you’re only about a two-hour flight away from almost any beautiful destination in Europe, whether that’s the Italian coast, the Swiss Alps, or the French Riviera.

And yes, Americans and other non-EU citizens can retire in Belgium. The process takes preparation: you’ll need to prove financial self-sufficiency and arrange health insurance, but it’s entirely achievable with the right planning.

Before you start, think about:

• Your visa and residence requirements
• Health insurance coverage for your move
• Pension income and financial documentation
• Where you want to live based on language and lifestyle

Visa and residence permits for retirees

If you plan to retire in Belgium as a non-EU citizen, you’ll need to apply for a Type D long-stay visa, which allows you to stay for more than 90 days. It’s intended for people who can support themselves financially without employment.

Application basics

Apply through the Belgian consulate or embassy in your home country before travelling. You’ll generally need:

• A valid passport
• Proof of stable income such as pension statements, savings, or investments
• Proof of health insurance covering Belgium and the Schengen area
• A recent background check and medical certificate

Once you arrive, register your address at your local commune (town hall) to receive a residence card, which grants legal residence in Belgium.

Renewal and long-term residence

Residence cards are usually valid for one year and renewable if your circumstances remain the same. After five years of continuous residence, you can apply for long-term residency, offering greater stability and fewer renewals.

Getting help with your application

If you prefer guidance, you can contact a local immigration lawyer or consultant familiar with retirement visas. Belgium’s Immigration Office website also provides official information on requirements and processing times.

Health insurance for retirees in Belgium

Belgium is known for its strong public healthcare system. It provides high-quality medical care, accessible hospitals, and a well-organized network of doctors and specialists, which is one of the main reasons retirees feel comfortable settling here.

Before arrival: proof of health insurance

When applying for your Belgian visa, you must show proof of health insurance that covers you in Belgium and across the Schengen area. This ensures you have access to medical care from the day you arrive.

Feather’s Incoming Expat Health Insurance meets these visa requirements and provides immediate protection while you’re settling in. When you purchase the plan, you receive your visa document instantly, so you can include it with your visa application without delay.

Joining the Belgian public system (mutuelle)

After receiving your residence card, you are required to join one of Belgium’s public health insurance funds, known as mutuelles (in French) or ziekenfondsen (in Dutch). These organizations manage reimbursements and give you access to the full healthcare system.

However, retirees and other non-working residents can only join a mutuelle once they begin paying Belgian social security contributions. If you’re not employed or receiving a Belgian pension, you’ll need to:

1. Declare your foreign income to Belgian authorities.
2. Pay quarterly social security contributions (paid through your mutuelle). The quarterly amount in 2025 is €912,91 if your yearly income surpasses the threshold to qualify for a reduction of these contributions.
3. Only after your first contribution is processed can you complete your mutuelle registration.

This step marks the moment your eligibility for Belgium’s public health insurance officially begins.

When you join, you can choose to take an extended package that offers more than the legal minimum, usually including hospitalisation and dental care.

Feather can guide you through the sign-up process with Helan, a mutuelle provider that provides the best English-language support for expats.

Adding private top-up insurance

Many retirees choose to add private top-up insurance for broader coverage. This type of insurance:

• Pays back part of the costs that the mutuelle doesn’t cover
• Offers special packages for physiotherapy, optical care, and other treatments
• Is an interesting added value, though prices increase with age

Together, your mutuelle membership and private top-up plan ensure you have comprehensive coverage for every stage of retirement.

Where to live in Belgium

Choosing where to live is one of the most enjoyable parts of planning your retirement. Belgium is compact, so it’s easy to explore before deciding, and each region offers a different pace and personality.

Brussels and Flanders: great for English speakers

If you don’t speak French or Dutch, Brussels and most parts of Flanders are the easiest places to settle. English is widely spoken, and both areas have large international communities.

Popular choices include:

• Brussels – lively, multicultural, and well-connected to the rest of Europe.
• Antwerp – stylish and creative, with great dining and cultural life.
• Ghent – walkable, friendly, and full of charm.
• Leuven – a smaller university city that feels safe and welcoming.

Wallonia: peaceful and close to nature

If you prefer a slower pace, Wallonia, the French-speaking southern region, is ideal. It’s greener, more rural, and surrounded by hills and forests, perfect for walks and hikes. Cities like Namur and Liège are affordable and full of history, while small towns in the Ardennes offer quiet countryside living.

Smaller towns and countryside living

For retirees who value space and calm, Belgium’s smaller towns are an excellent fit. Places like Bruges, Mechelen, or Tervuren offer a slower rhythm and a strong sense of community, all within easy reach of larger cities.

Cost of living and managing your finances

Belgium offers a high standard of living, strong infrastructure, and a good balance between comfort and affordability. While it’s not the cheapest destination in Europe, most retirees find it provides excellent value for money.

Typical monthly expenses

Managing income from abroad

To retire in Belgium, you must demonstrate stable financial means, such as pension income, savings, or investment returns. Many retirees continue receiving their pensions in their home-country bank accounts and transfer funds monthly.

If your income is in U.S. dollars, consider opening a multi-currency or European bank account to reduce conversion fees. Once you have your residence card and address, you can open a Belgian bank account for daily use.

Planning ahead

Set aside extra funds for your first few months, as some administrative steps such as address registration can take time. A financial cushion helps make the transition smooth and stress-free.

Taxes and pensions

Understanding how your pension and income will be taxed is an important step in planning your move.

The U.S.–Belgium tax treaty

Belgium and the United States have a tax treaty to prevent double taxation. In most cases:

• U.S. Social Security is taxable only in the United States.
• Private or government pensions may be taxed in Belgium if you live there permanently.
• Investment income is generally taxed in Belgium, though exemptions may apply.

Because tax rules depend on individual circumstances, it’s best to consult a cross-border tax advisor before relocating.

Tax residence and filing

You’re considered a Belgian tax resident if you live in the country for more than 183 days per year. Residents must declare their worldwide income, usually through the online portal MyMinfin. Many retirees work with advisors during their first year to simplify the process.

Lifestyle and culture

Belgium offers a calm, fulfilling lifestyle where daily life feels balanced and enjoyable. Retirees appreciate its mix of cosmopolitan cities and quiet countryside, everything within easy reach.

Language and communication

Belgium has three official languages: Dutch, French, and German. English is widely spoken in Brussels and Flanders, making daily life easier for newcomers. In Wallonia, English is less common, but learning a few French phrases helps greatly.

Everyday life

Shops, cafés, and restaurants are easy to access, and public transport makes it simple to get around within or between cities. Belgium’s café culture encourages unhurried mornings, and local markets are a highlight for many retirees.

Weekend travel is effortless; France, the Netherlands, Germany, and the U.K. are all just a short train or flight away.

Building a social life

Joining language classes, local clubs, or expat groups is the best way to meet people and integrate. Volunteering, taking art or cooking classes, or joining hiking and cycling groups are also great ways to feel part of the community.

Quality of life

Belgium is safe, clean, and well-organized. Cultural life is rich, from art museums to classical concerts and seasonal festivals. It’s a country where stability and small everyday pleasures go hand in hand.

Settling in Belgium with confidence

Feather helps make your move to Belgium smoother from day one.

Our expat health insurance provides the coverage you need for your visa application and keeps you protected from your first day in the country. You’ll receive your visa document instantly after purchasing the plan, so you can include it directly with your application.

Once you have your residence card, Feather will guide you through joining the Belgian healthcare system, helping you register with Helan, a mutuelle that offers excellent English-language support for expats and retirees.

With the right preparation and a trusted partner like Feather, retiring in Belgium can be simple, comfortable, and secure. You can focus on enjoying a relaxed life in one of Europe’s most connected and welcoming countries.