Brussels Commissioner for Europe and International Organisations

12/06/2026

🚨FREE WEBINAR 🚨- Navigating insurance in Brussels: A Guide for Expats

📅 Tuesday 23 June from 12.00 PM until 1.30 PM

The Expat Welcome Desk is pleased to invite you to a webinar (in English) at 12.00 p.m. on Tuesday 23 June 2026

More information and registration, click on the link below:

➡️ https://www.commissioner.brussels/agenda/navigating-insurance-in-brussels-a-guide-for-expats/

02/06/2026

HOW TO FILE YOUR BELGIAN TAXES

In May, the Belgian tax authorities send out tax returns in brown envelopes to all taxpayers. Depending on your situation, you may have some questions on how to fill out this form correctly. What is in the envelope? How to fill in the boxes? Which documents do I need to fill out my tax return? What should I do if I made a mistake? The Expat Welcome Desk has the lowdown.

https://www.commissioner.brussels/how-to-file-your-belgian-taxes-2/

05/05/2026

IMPORTING AND REGISTERING YOUR CAR IN BRUSSELS 🚗

Bringing your car with you when you settle in Brussels entails several administrative steps and tax considerations. Planning ahead is key! With customs formalities, technical inspections, insurance and regional taxes, it is essential that you fully understand the stages in order to avoid any surprises. The Expat Welcome Desk will guide you through the main requirements for registering your vehicle in Belgium.

➡️ https://www.commissioner.brussels/importing-and-registering-your-car-in-brussels/

04/05/2026

INVITATION: EUROPE DAY 2026 - CELEBRATE DEMOCRACY IN ACTION WITH THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

Every year on 9 May we celebrate Europe Day, which marks the signing of the Schuman Declaration in 1950. This laid the groundwork for what we now know as the European Union, with the aim to ensure lasting peace in post-war Europe.

The European Parliament invites you to join the annual festivities for Europe Day in the European Parliament Brussels on Saturday, 9 May. Discover the beating heart of European democracy, with fun activities for young and old, including a kids’ corner, photobooth, guided tours of the Parlamentarium, the House of European History and more.

Want to visit Europe in one day? Join us here:

Saturday, 9 May 2026
European Parliament
Esplanade Solidarność 1980/Agora Simone Veil
B-1047 Brussels
10:00 - 18:00 (Last entrance: 17:30)

This year has a special focus on Democracy in Action, going behind the scenes of the European Parliament and the impact it has on your daily life.

Learn about the work of the European Parliament from the legislative process to citizens’ initiatives, with engaging activities for all ages: information stands, hemicycle talks, outdoor animations, and special guided tours. Meet Members of the European Parliament and delve into the positions of the European political groups.

Check out the Brussels programme:
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/europe-day/assets/pdfs/2026-brussels-europe-day-program_en.pdf

If you are no longer in Brussels, you can discover Europe Day events all across Europe here:
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/europe-day/en/local-events/

We hope you can celebrate with us!

The European Parliament

Discover the 2026 programme, be part of Europe Day and European democracy

02/04/2026

REGISTRATON IN YOUR COMMUNE

When you arrive in Belgium you are required to complete certain administrative formalities, including registration in the commune where you live. How do you go about this? What are the various steps involved? What effect can this have on other rights and obligations? The Expat Welcome Desk explains everything...

➡️ https://www.commissioner.brussels/registration-in-your-commune/

04/03/2026

LIVING TOGETHER IN BELGIUM, WHAT IS THE LEGAL IMPACT OF YOUR STATUS?

Co-habiting in Brussels as expats raises a number of key legal questions. The implications differ between a de facto relationship, legal cohabitation and marriage, in terms of taxation, estate, inheritance and welfare. In Brussels, in particular, these choices may have a tangible impact on your expat situation. The Expat Welcome Desk will guide you through the key differences to support you in making an informed choice.

➡️ https://www.commissioner.brussels/living-together-in-belgium-what-are-the-legal-implications-of-your-status/

03/03/2026

👋 FREE SEMINAR (hybrid event !!!):
Property Inspections in Brussels: what you should know about entry and exit reports (explained by property inspection experts).

The Expat Welcome Desk is pleased to invite you to a seminar (in English) on property condition reports. Moving into or out of a rental property in Belgium can raise many questions—especially when it comes to property condition reports (états des lieux). As an expatriate, understanding your rights and obligations is essential to avoid disputes and unexpected costs.
In this webinar, property inspection experts will guide you through the key moments of the entry and exit condition reports, explain and share practical tips to help you protect your interests with confidence.

🗓 Tuesday 10 March
🕰 12.00 -14.00

We're delighted to be joined by Federico CHABERT, Expert, Expertym CEO and Dave DERUYTTER, Business Developer, Expertym.

More info and registration: https://www.commissioner.brussels/agenda/property-inspections-in-brussels-what-you-should-know-about-entry-and-exit-reports/

03/02/2026

WHAT CHANGES TO EXPECT IN 2026?

Several changes took effect on 1 January 2026. On the federal level, many employees will see their wages increase, new rules for unemployment benefits have been introduced, the tax-free ceiling for flexi-jobs has gone up, and the value of meal vouchers has increased. In the Brussels-Capital Region, service vouchers have become more expensive, restrictions for the Low Emission Zone have been tightened, and the rules on gift and inheritance duties have changed. The Expat Welcome Desk explains the main changes for 2026.

➡️ https://www.commissioner.brussels/what-changes-to-expect-in-2026/

30/01/2026

👋 FREE WEBINAR: Understanding Family Law in Belgium: Cohabitation, Marriage, and Future Arrangement

As an expatriate living in Belgium, you may face different situations or issues throughout your life that may have an impact on your assets and those of your family. Entering into a legal relationship with a partner has certain consequences. It is sometimes useful to know how to protect yourself as a spouse, or to protect your children in the event of different life events (marriage, divorce, death).

🗓 Tuesday 10 February
🕰 12.00 -13.30

We're delighted to be joined by Elsemiek APERS, Legal Adviser at the International Council of the Belgian notariat and Ludovic du BUS de WARNAFFE, Notary in Brussels.

More info and registration: https://www.commissioner.brussels/agenda/understanding-family-law-in-belgium-cohabitation-marriage-and-future-arrangment/

12/01/2026

👋 FREE WEBINAR: Foreign Workers’ Rights in Brussels: Understanding the Single Permit and Cross-Border Work Rules

Are you working in Brussels or planning to start a job here? Wondering how the Single Permit works or what rules apply to cross-border workers? This online session will guide you through the essential legal aspects of working in Brussels as a foreign employee. Get clear, practical insights to help you navigate your professional life with confidence!

🗓 Tuesday 20 January
🕰 12.00 -13.30
We're delighted to be joined by Jeroen MAES, Director, Economic Migration Department, Brussels Economy & Employment

More info and registration: https://www.commissioner.brussels/agenda/foreign-workers-rights-in-brussels-understanding-the-single-permit-and-cross-border-work-rules/