So I've made the first step and have decided I want to move to Belgium. I'm not sure where, or when, but I'd like to move as soon as reasonably possible.
I'm a 23 year old, who graduated university 2 years ago with a degree in Product Design. I have no ties to England (part from my student loan)
I'm completely new to the idea of moving, I still live with my parents.
If anyone can give me some tips of what I need to do to move, what I need to do to be able to work, bank accounts, finding places to live etc. that would be incredibly useful!
Emptythoughts,
I have dual nationality so I will speak as a national.
Now, going to live elsewhere is one way to get out of the box. Belgium is like any other country in that it can be a very positive experience depending on where you settle and who you meet.
If you are coming here with your partner he should be of great help. Among the best places to live would be around Brussels as you get to encounter both French and Flemish speakers. Learning both languages is a good idea as it will make it possible for you to work practically everywhere in Belgium with German-speakers probably able to understand either. Brussels itself has a nice metropolitan feel to it and is where it should be the easiest to find work. The transport system is well developped and the bus/train tickets are relatively cheap. I would on the other hand recommend against living in the Hainaut province as there's high unemployment rates and there is a lower standard of living.
In terms of work, you have a few things in your favour. Being in your early twenties employers will be less hesitant to take you in as social contributions can be expensive (ex: for 1400 euros income the real cost of employment is 2800 or more). Your degree should be of value as there is a conventional preference towards people with a certain education level. You should get references if possible and detail any voluntary or work experience to get the message accross that you are reliable and up to working office hours. Belgian and French cvs are usually two pages detailing your profile, aims, work experience (in antichronological order), education plus training and hobbies. Working for an international company or organization would be ideal as it would value your English. Belgium itself is priviledged by it's location as it's situated as a crossroads between bigger European nations.
For formalities I'm not sure but if you are from the UK it is part of the Schengen space and people should be able to work without requiring some sort of authorization. You will probably need to register as a worker with the ORBEM, VDAB or FOREM (the three regional public jobs and training services). Doing so gives you the right to unemployment allocations and access to free education and training. This is worth it as it's possible to get a degree or take up some professional training at virtually little cost. Of course, the Open University exists in Brussels too and you might also be able to benefit from that. If you intend to live here for more than three months an original certificate of birth will probably be necessary to get an electronic id card at a town hall. You will be required to give your place of residence and a police officer might come by to check later that you live at the address given. For basic health insurance I'd advise becoming an affiliate of a mutuality, the socialist one probably being the most popular. Joining a worker's union would also be a good idea in case you need to defend your rights.
As for living costs, rent is more or less reasonable on condition you live outside of big towns, food is reasonably priced if you go to cheap supermarkets such as Aldi while electricity, gas and internet access is more expensive due to less competition.
I think that wraps it more or less. If you need more information I can fill you in and will be more than happy to connect you up with some locals.
