The majority of dentists ( dentiste / tandarts ) in Belgium are in private solo practices, although the number of group practices is rising. It is usual for dentists to provide dental hygiene services when carrying out a routine check-up. They have an agreed fee scale, which sets the level of...

Centre Jacques Franck This Saint-Gilles institution presents concerts, films, performances and kids’ events. ÄÄ 94 Chaussée de Waterloo Elzenhof Holds language classes and conversation tables as well as a repair cafe for old goods, and tai chi lessons. 12 Avenue de la Couronne Espace Senghor This...

STATE PENSION The amount you will receive from the Belgian state will depend on a number of factors, including whether you are/have been employed or self-employed, the number of years of contributions, your salary level and whether you have dependents. In the past, knowing your future state pension...

Taxes are deducted at source every month, which means you are paying as you earn and the sum accrued acts as a deposit on your annual tax bill. That bill is adjusted every year depending on your personal and family situation, so you’ll either be asked to pay more or get some money back. Regardless...

EU INSTITUTIONS Start by perusing the listings on the European Personnel Selection Office website; this is the official agency set up to recruit for the institutions and is the only way of securing a long-term position at the European Commission or Council. Candidates must pass a competition or...

If you want to set up your own business or establish yourself as a freelancer, a business counter (guichet d’entreprises/ ondernemingsloket) will help you fulfil the administrative formalities necessary to register in the national database of businesses in Belgium, the Crossroads Bank for...

If a person dies at home, a doctor must be called to confirm the time and date of death and to provide the necessary paperwork. If the death occurs in a hospital or nursing home, a qualified medical attendant will provide the same. It must also be reported at the commune where the death occurred. A...

In the very early stages of pregnancy, women can request a referral to a hospital from their GP or select a gynaecologist attached to a particular hospital. An early scan at six to eight weeks is available, though it is not reimbursed. Check-ups are conducted every month for the first two...

Legal counsel is not mandatory - an individual or couple may introduce divorce proceedings – but professional help is recommended. Divorce may be sought by mutual consent, provided that there is an agreement on the division of all property, payment of alimony, and custody of any children. Divorce...

Any couple, whether opposite sex or same sex, is eligible to marry if both partners are aged 18 or above and at least one of them is a Belgian citizen or has been a resident of Belgium for more than three months. To marry, you will need to show original and certified copies of both parties’ birth...