2023-11-27 05:50:00
We asked the question to Foreign Affairs, which collects data from Belgians living abroad. “There are 530,280 Belgians registered in the consular registers of our posts abroad (latest figures available, September 2023, Editor’s note). These figures obviously change from day to day,” we are told. Half a million Belgian expatriates are obviously not nothing, and our compatriots are spread across the four corners of the world.
This is the most expensive city for expats
In the top 10 most popular destinations, we find France in the lead, as for vacation departures, with 149,161 people. Next come the Netherlands (42,706) and the United Kingdom (35,981) to complete the podium. Spain, increasingly popular with Belgians, particularly pensioners, comes in fourth position with 35,808 Belgian expatriates. Then we find the United States (30,602), Germany (30,380), Switzerland (25,726), Luxembourg (25,083), Canada (17,553) and Israel (9,784).
We also find other countries further away, such as Australia (7,018), Argentina (5,534), Brazil (4,066) or the Democratic Republic of Congo (2,722). We also learn that after Europe (72.6% of expatriates), Asia has the most Belgians (7.9%).
It is important to note that these figures are certainly underestimated. “In fact, they only concern Belgians registered with a Belgian consulate. Although such registration is in no way obligatory, the FPS Foreign Affairs nevertheless recommends that Belgians living abroad register with the competent consular post. Administrative assistance, such as that provided by municipalities in Belgium (passport application, identity card, acts and certificates, participation in elections, etc.), can only be provided to Belgians registered in the consular registers of the population. In addition, registered Belgians can count on more effective consular assistance in the event of an emergency,” specifies Foreign Affairs.
End of the tax advantage for the purchase of a second home
But why go into exile abroad? The reasons are numerous. We obviously think of professional opportunities, marriages with a person living abroad, a taste for adventure, but we also notice that the need for sunshine and the crisis in purchasing power play a role. Destinations like Portugal and Spain are booming. “In Spain, for two years, Belgians have been the second nationality to immigrate behind Moroccans. It’s brand new”, tells us a notary practicing on the Costa Brava.
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