Are there ANY Canadians in Belgium?

[Dislocated_CDN]

Hi I am working in Brussels (and for the moment living in Ploegsteert - close to Ypres (Ieper)).
I have been looking for Canadians in Belgium but without success! Are they in hiding?

[ashyk]

Good to see your post on here. I just joined this website hoping to find other Canadians in Belgium, and there you are!

I just got here 3 weeks ago, think i will be here for a few months.

Just curious, when it comes to working, is it possible for Candians to get a work visa?

I am living in a town 10 minutes outside of Antwerp, called Deurne. Where do you live?

[Dislocated_CDN]

Hello Ashyk!
Nice to hear that they do exist!

Ah so you are near Antwerp. do you know how to speak Dutch?

Yes it is possible to get a work visa. The local city hall should be able to help you out.
They will tell you what you need to do.

I am in more or less living in Brussels. I have actually been here for 2 years now.

So are you staying here just for the experience then?

[Albertagrown]

Wow, you haven't met any Canadians there yet? I would love to know if you find any groups or a secret hiding spot (maybe a pub that plays hockey).
I will be moving to a village just outside Brussels in 3 WEEKS! I have been there 3 times last year and I have since decided to make it my home.
Any highlights so far?

[Dislocated_CDN]

Hey Albertagrown,

So you are thinking of moving close to Brussels? Awesome! What is the name of the village (if you don't mind telling).
Yes I found it quite surprising that I have not found any Canadian communities yet. Although I have met some British. There are quite a few Brits living here.

You are partially right. There are some Irish pubs and I have heard English there. Movies are usually played in their original version with subtitles.

There is currently a Star Wars exhibit at Tours & Taxis. Koekelberg had an exhibit on DaVinci (not sure if it is still there). The Atomium is celebrating its 50th anniversary. They light it up during the night (but I think that's every night) and will have fireworks.

There are a lot of good restaurants in Belgium. There is a lot of variety. There is a place called "Cook and Book" which is quite original. And at "Mmm" you get to cook your own dinner!

So what region of Alberta are you from? I used to live in Calgary. before living in Ontario.

[Tamarama03]

So it seems I am coming into this conversation a little bit late, but was happy to see there were other Canadians in Belgium ! Let alone Albertans ! I've been here for almost 4 months now, and have run into a few Canadians, but all have just been "passing through". I on the other hand am living in a village about 40km out of Brussels and loving it.

[Algy]

I have a couple of questions if someone could please bear with me…

I would like to move to Belgium for a year or so…sick of my job and want to see a little of Europe.

I have an older brother in Brussels who could provide some support for a short period of time however eventually I would have to get a full-time job and find my own place.

What kind of legal paper work do I need? Visas, work permits and etc…
Do I need to have a job secured somehow before I even go there?

Thanks

[Dislocated_CDN]

Hi Algy,

It helps if you have family there and someone that's willing to support you. Your brother will also have to fill out documents to say that he will be supporting you financially while you are there.

No you don't need to get a job before you go there, but some people take that route because some companies are willing to sponsor.

You will need your passport, some other form(s) of identification, and if you want to be able to drive around, then an International Driver's License. They are good for one year.

You will probably need a medical certificate from your doctor and if you are approved then the Belgian Embassy will stamp your passport with a 3 month stay.

Then once you get to Belgium, you have to present yourself to City Hall, and there they will extend your Residence Permit and will give you a Work Permit.

Of course, you can always call the Belgium Embassy. They should be able to tell you everything that you will need.

Hope this helps!