Moving to Flanders

Flanders is a region of Belgium, it is located to the north of it. Many expatriates decide to settle there mainly for its tax advantages, but also its quality of life at a low price. In addition, the location of Flanders makes a lot of sense, especially if you have to travel to the UK regularly, for work or otherwise, as the proximity between the two is minimal. As a result, many English employees chose to live there.

The capital of Flanders is Brussels. But not that, you must surely already know that it is also the capital of Europe. The latter has more than 182 nationalities, making it one of the most diverse cities in the world. It’s also a good clue to the atmosphere and vibe of the city, as it is to the tastes of many foreigners who sometimes have absolutely nothing in common.

Why live in Flanders?

What do expatriate destinations in Flanders have in common? They offer a high quality of life at a relatively low price. Brussels, the capital of Flanders, is a case in point. The multicultural hotspot ranks 27th in the world for quality of life, but only ranks 67th in the list of most expensive cities.

What are the tax advantages in Flanders?

In Flanders, expatriate employees, researchers, managers and managers temporarily seconded to the region can benefit from a whole range of tax benefits. The tax-free expatriate allowance is a simple example. It covers the additional costs of living and housing in Flanders.

Another benefit is unlimited tax reimbursement for expenses, such as installation, moving and education costs. In addition, foreign executives who are temporarily assigned to Flanders (generally executives or highly specialized profiles) can benefit from a special tax regime.

Medical care and education

With up to 75% of healthcare costs reimbursed in Flanders, healthcare is not just great, it is also affordable. The same attributes apply to the region’s education system. In addition, you will discover many top international schools in Flanders, including several very reputable UK schools.

The history and culture of Flanders?

There are many historical and cultural links between the UK and Flanders. British expats and travelers familiar with the region spontaneously associate Flanders with historic ports, buildings and towns as well as natural landscapes.

The historical context of the region, Flanders was one of the main battlegrounds for Europe during the two world wars and its art scene is also a priority. The same goes for tasty food and drinks, especially beer and chocolate. And especially the waffles, and the fries!

To know more :

It is believed that the popular game of cricket originated in Flanders. Recent research has uncovered a reference to the game in a poem from 1533. The poem associates the game of cricket with weavers from Flanders who settled in the south and east of England, calling them “kings”. cricket ”. Even to this day, many towns in Flanders have their own local cricket clubs.

Many footballers from Belgium and Flanders have climbed to the top of the English Premier League, including Vincent Kompany, Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku, Jan Vertonghen, Toby Alderweireld and Simon Mignolet.

Every year, the martyred town of Ypres in West Flanders attracts thousands of WWI commemorations from the UK. Every evening at 8 p.m., a moving ceremony takes place under the city’s Menin Gate. The ‘Last Message’ ceremony has been a daily ritual in Ypres since 1928.

Many British citizens can trace their ancestry back to Flanders. In Scotland, for example, it is estimated that a third of the population originates from Flanders. Between the 11th and 17th centuries, people from the Netherlands made up the largest group of immigrants to England, Wales and Scotland, especially highly skilled weavers and textile workers from Flanders. In 1527, for example, the English population of five million included tens of thousands of Flemings.