Welcome to Belgium: Expat Information Fair on 26 September

September means back to school, back to work and, for many expats, welcome to Belgium. It’s a busy time in the capital, but also across the country, as workers and their families arrive for their new posts at international companies, the EU, Nato and other organisations.

That’s why ING Bank and The Bulletin have scheduled the second edition of their free Expat Information Fair for this month. The first edition last year found hundreds of visitors to ING’s event centre getting acquainted with groups and associations and hearing talks on various aspects of Belgian life.

The Expat Information Fair on 26 September in Brussels is the only English-language event that brings together so many different topics crucial for newcomers to the capital: local administration, banking, health care, education and schools, finding a job, sports and leisure and buying a home. Not only are there talks on the subjects, but there are representatives available to talk to you about your own personal situation.

For instance, Partenamut, a health insurance provider, will be on hand to talk about its Business & Expats division. One of the few mutualities to have a section dedicated to expats, Partenamut will explain how to get coverage and what their benefits entail. For a sneak preview, click here.

Part of health care is mental health, and there’s very little more stressful than moving to a new country. The Community Help Service has been helping newcomers adjust to a new life for nearly 50 years.

ING Bank, one of the most English-friendly banks in Belgium, also has services specifically geared towards expats and will talk about estate planning, pensions and home loans. Starting a business is also something that interests many newcomers to Belgium, so consultancy Group S will be on hand to talk about the various options as well as volunteering opportunities and looking for employment.

Your social life is assured

School recommendations for kids is one of the most-asked questions on The Bulletin’s Questions & Answers section. Come hear about Belgium’s school system as well as from the International schools and European schools. Adult education will also be covered.

And while all that is most useful, let’s not forget about what to do with yourself once all of that is taken care of. The sheer numbers of clubs and associations for expats in Belgium – and especially Brussels – never fails to amaze newcomers. A handful of them will have stalls at the Expat Information Fair, including the Brussels Light Opera Company, Expat Club (which explores places both near and far), the American Club of Brussels, the British and Commonwealth Women’s Club of Brussels, Relay for Life and the International Protestant Church.

Oh, and if you arrive in the early part of the day, you get lunch. Arrive later, and a networking reception awaits at the end of the evening.

The Expat Information Fair is free, but registration is required. Register here