Moving from the Netherlands to Belgium: What You Need to Know in 2026
Belgium is one of the most popular destinations for Dutch people moving abroad. The countries share a long border, making logistics relatively straightforward, and Belgium offers excellent quality of life, international schools, and vibrant cities such as Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent. However, even though the move is geographically short, there are important administrative and practical steps to arrange before and after your move.
At The Moving Team, we help dozens of families each year make the transition from the Netherlands to Belgium. Based in Maasdijk, we are ideally located for moves to Flanders, Brussels, and Wallonia alike.
Costs of Moving from the Netherlands to Belgium
The cost of an international move to Belgium depends on the volume of your household goods, the distance to your new home, and the services you require. As a general guide for 2026:
- Small apartment or studio (≤50 m²): €1,200 – €1,800
- Medium-sized home (50–120 m²): €1,800 – €2,800
- Large family home (>120 m²): €2,500 – €4,500+
These prices typically include a removal truck, professional movers, protective packaging materials, and basic transit insurance. Packing service, disassembly/reassembly of furniture, and temporary storage are available as optional add-ons.
Administrative Steps When Moving to Belgium
Moving to Belgium is not just a physical exercise — there is important paperwork to handle both in the Netherlands and Belgium. Key steps include:
- Deregister in the Netherlands: Notify your Dutch municipality (gemeente) of your emigration, which updates the BRP (Basisregistratie Personen). This is typically done 4 weeks before your departure date.
- Register in Belgium: Within 8 working days of arriving, register with your new Belgian municipality. You will receive an appointment for a home visit by a municipal employee to verify your residence.
- Belgian eID card: Once registered, you will receive a Belgian identity card (eID). This takes a few weeks to process.
- Tax obligations: You may owe tax in both countries in the year of migration. Consult a cross-border tax advisor for clarity on your situation.
- Healthcare: Register with a Belgian health insurer (mutualiteit/mutualité) to ensure continued healthcare coverage.
- Vehicle registration: Your Dutch-registered vehicle must be re-registered in Belgium within 6 months of establishing residency.
- Bank and utilities: Notify your bank, insurance companies, and utility providers of your new address.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Move to Belgium
- Plan your move on a weekday: Cross-border moves often require more time than local ones. A mid-week start allows for a full day without weekend time pressure.
- Inventory your household goods: A detailed inventory is useful for insurance purposes and may be required for customs documentation, even within the EU.
- Check your lease or purchase agreement: Make sure your Belgian residence is confirmed before your Dutch move-out date to avoid gaps.
- Notify subscriptions and memberships: Cancel or transfer Dutch subscriptions, memberships, and digital services to your new Belgian address.
- Children's schools: Research Belgian schools in advance. The Belgian school system differs from the Dutch one, and registration deadlines may apply.
Why Choose The Moving Team for Your Move to Belgium?
The Moving Team has extensive experience with cross-border moves to Belgium. Our team is familiar with the major routes from the Netherlands — whether you are moving to Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp, or Liège. We handle all the logistics professionally, from the initial quote to the final item placed in your new home.
Our customers consistently rate us 4.6 stars on Google. We take pride in clear communication, punctuality, and treating your belongings with the utmost care — whether it is a fragile heirloom or a heavy wardrobe.
- Experienced international moving team
- Fixed all-in pricing — no hidden costs
- Packing and unpacking service available
- Temporary storage if needed between addresses
- Full transit insurance included
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Belgium
How long does a move from the Netherlands to Belgium take?
Most moves to Belgium are completed within one day. Larger homes or long distances (e.g., to Liège or Namur) may require an overnight stop. We will clarify this in your quote.
Do I need to go through customs when moving to Belgium?
No. Belgium is an EU member state, so no customs declarations are needed for household goods. We will still prepare a detailed inventory for insurance purposes.
Can I store my belongings temporarily if my Belgian home is not ready yet?
Yes, we offer secure short-term and long-term storage at our facility in Maasdijk.
How far in advance should I book my move to Belgium?
We recommend booking at least 4–6 weeks in advance for international moves, especially during spring and summer.
Get a Free Quote for Your Move to Belgium
Ready to make the move to Belgium? Contact The Moving Team today on 070 70 70 341 or email us at info@deverhuizing.nl. We offer a free, no-obligation quote and are happy to answer any questions about your move.