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Moving to Brussels: practical arrival guide for APAs, European Parliament trainees and newcomers

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Expert Europe
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Brussels Housing Hub

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09.09.2026

Moving to Brussels: practical arrival guide for APAs, European Parliament trainees and newcomers
Brussels Housing Hub · EN
Moving to Brussels
Practical Arrival Guide

Moving to Brussels? This practical guide for APAs, European Parliament trainees and other EU newcomers covers housing, commune registration, healthcare, transport, mobile services and everyday life in Brussels. Find the essential steps, official links and contacts for your first weeks in the city.

Designed first for accredited parliamentary assistants (APAs) arriving in Brussels, the guide also covers trainees with Members of the European Parliament (MEP trainees), European Parliament Schuman trainees, European Commission Blue Book trainees and other newcomers to Brussels' EU Bubble.

40,500EU staff based in Brussels
around 8,000trainees estimated to come to Brussels each year

The annual trainee figure is an estimate rather than an administrative count. It gives an indication of the scale of the community arriving in Brussels and needing practical information on housing, registration and everyday life.

Brussels international community figuresTrainees in Brussels

Housing in Brussels

Start with the Expert Europe housing community, then go straight to the answers you need.

Housing in Brussels

Looking for a room or flat in Brussels?

Join our Facebook community of nearly 20,000 members.

EU Bubble in Brussels - Flats & Rooms for Rent connects parliamentary assistants, trainees with MEPs, Schuman and Blue Book trainees, and other newcomers looking for rooms, flats and shared accommodation in Brussels.

Peer-to-peer. No agency fees. Expert Europe does not certify individual listings, so use the checks below before paying or signing.

Join the Facebook group
What should I check before I pay or sign?

Use the three signals below. They are not a score and they do not certify a listing.

Red: stop and verify

One red flag is enough to stop before paying or signing.

  • The exact address is refused.
  • No physical or trusted visit is possible and a genuine live video is refused.
  • The same photos appear for another incompatible address or property.
  • Identity, lease or payment details do not match.
  • The beneficiary or bank details change unexpectedly.
  • You are pressured to make an urgent substantial payment.
  • A supposed professional agent cannot be found in the IPI/BIV register.
  • The story changes when you ask detailed questions.

Amber: clarify before committing

Amber does not mean fraud. It means you still need a clear answer.

Contract clarity

  • Lease type or duration is unclear.
  • Charges or the real monthly cost are unclear.
  • The rental guarantee arrangement is unclear.
  • A domiciliation restriction needs explanation.

Extra caution

  • The landlord is abroad.
  • Only a remote viewing is possible.
  • The price looks unusually attractive for the area.

Green: good checks to complete

  • You or someone you trust has seen the property.
  • You know the exact address.
  • You have spoken live with the landlord or representative.
  • Identity, lease and payment information is consistent.
  • You know in what capacity the person is offering the property.
  • You have the complete lease before making a substantial payment.
  • You checked the official Brussels reference rent.

Green does not mean guaranteed.

Check an estate agent on IPI/BIVRental contract guidance
What should I check in the lease before signing?

Check the parties, exact address, rent, charges, duration, notice period, rental guarantee, utilities included and any subletting authorisation you may need.

Insurance: for residential leases entered into or renewed from 1 November 2024, the tenant must have fire and water-damage insurance before occupation.

Lease registration: registration is compulsory, free and normally the landlord's responsibility within two months of signature. Following the Constitutional Court ruling of 3 April 2025, Brussels residential leases must be registered on both Irisrent and the federal MyRent platform.

Official lease registration guidance Brussels housing guidance
How much can the rental guarantee be?

For residential leases entered into or renewed from 1 November 2024, a rental guarantee requested by the landlord cannot exceed two months' rent.

The Brussels Housing Code recognises five forms of guarantee, including an individual account in the tenant's name, certain bank guarantees, real security with an authorised financial institution and a personal guarantee.

At the end of the lease, a financial institution releases the guarantee on the basis of a written agreement between tenant and landlord drawn up after the lease, or an enforceable judgment. The Brussels Housing Fund can also provide assistance with setting up a guarantee.

Official Brussels security-deposit rulesBrussels rental information
How do I know whether the rent is reasonable?

Check the official Brussels reference-rent calculator before signing. The lease must state the reference rent as well as the actual rent.

Since 1 May 2025, a rent more than 20% above the reference rent is presumed excessive, although the landlord can rebut that presumption by showing specific comfort features of the dwelling or its environment.

Use the reference rent as a legal and practical benchmark. It does not prove that a listing or landlord is genuine.

Check the Brussels reference rent Official reference-rent rules
What should I do on moving day?
  • Complete a detailed written entry inventory and take dated photos.
  • Record electricity, gas and water meter numbers and readings.
  • Put your name clearly on the doorbell and mailbox before the commune residence check.
  • Check that smoke detectors are installed and working.
  • Keep the lease, inventory, guarantee documents, insurance and meter photos together.

Expat Welcome Desk

Run by the Brussels Commissioner for Europe and International Organisations, the Expat Welcome Desk provides free and tailor-made administrative assistance to internationals settling in Brussels.

Main office: Iris Tower, Place Saint-Lazare 2, 1210 Saint-Josse-ten-Noode
European Parliament antenna: Altiero Spinelli Building, ASP 00H160
expat@commissioner.brussels

Brussels made easy
Appointments, locations and telephone

Main Expat Welcome Desk: Iris Tower, Place Saint-Lazare 2, 1210 Saint-Josse-ten-Noode. Contact the team to arrange an appointment.

European Parliament antenna: ASP 00H160. Expats can drop in for practical advice.

Information and appointments at the Expat Welcome Desk: +32 (0)2 430 66 00

Your status

Open the official information that applies to you.

Registration

Find your commune first, then the procedure that matches your stay.

Find my commune

Residence formalities are handled by the Foreigners / Registration service of the commune where you actually live.

Contact details checked in September 2026. Where indicated, the information has been confirmed or corrected directly by the municipality.

1 City of Brussels / Ville de Bruxelles

Foreigners / Registration service
Rue des Halles 4, 1000 Bruxelles

Registration email
EU: europa@brucity.be
Non-EU: HUE-NEU@brucity.be

Phone
+32 (0)2 279 22 11

Official registration page
2 Schaerbeek / Schaarbeek

Foreigners / Registration service
Place Colignon 1, 1030 Schaerbeek

Registration email
Direct registration email to confirm

Phone
+32 (0)2 244 75 11

Official registration page
3 Etterbeek

Foreigners / Registration service
Avenue des Casernes 31/1, 1040 Etterbeek

Registration email
Direct registration email to confirm

Phone
+32 (0)2 627 21 11

Official registration page
4 Ixelles / Elsene

Foreigners / Registration service
Chaussée d'Ixelles 124, 1050 Ixelles

Registration email
etrangers@ixelles.brussels

Phone
+32 (0)2 515 66 27

Official registration page
5 Saint-Gilles / Sint-Gillis

Foreigners / Registration service
Place Maurice Van Meenen 39, 1060 Saint-Gilles

Registration email
EU: europa@stgilles.brussels
Non-EU: ev@stgilles.brussels

Phone
+32 (0)2 435 12 95

Confirmed directly by the municipality · September 2026

Official registration page
6 Anderlecht

Foreigners / Registration service
Place du Conseil 1 / Rue de France 99, 1070 Anderlecht

Registration email
etrangers@anderlecht.brussels

Phone
+32 (0)800 9 1070

Official registration page
7 Molenbeek-Saint-Jean / Sint-Jans-Molenbeek

Foreigners / Registration service
Service Etrangers
25 Rue Sainte-Marie, 1080 Bruxelles

Registration email
etrangers@molenbeek.brussels

Phone
+32 (0)2 600 74 42

Confirmed directly by the municipality · September 2026

Official registration page
8 Koekelberg

Foreigners / Registration service
Place Henri Vanhuffel 6, 1081 Koekelberg

Registration email
etrangers@koekelberg.brussels

Phone
+32 (0)2 600 15 92

Official registration page

Confirmed directly by the municipality · September 2026

9 Berchem-Sainte-Agathe / Sint-Agatha-Berchem

Foreigners / Registration service
Avenue du Roi Albert 33, 1082 Berchem-Sainte-Agathe

Registration email
etrangers@berchem.brussels

Phone
+32 (0)2 563 59 35
+32 (0)2 464 04 36
+32 (0)2 464 04 58
Telephone service: Monday to Thursday, 14:00–16:00

Official registration page

Confirmed directly by the municipality · September 2026

10 Ganshoren

Foreigners / Registration service
Avenue Charles-Quint 140, 1083 Ganshoren

Registration email
etrangers@ganshoren.brussels

Phone
+32 (0)2 464 05 62

Official registration page
11 Jette

Foreigners / Registration service
Chaussée de Wemmel 100, 1090 Jette

Registration email
etrangers@jette.brussels

Phone
+32 (0)2 423 12 56

Official registration page

Confirmed directly by the municipality · September 2026

12 Evere

Foreigners / Registration service
Square Servaes Hoedemaekers 10, 1140 Evere

Registration email
etrangers@evere.brussels

Phone
+32 (0)2 247 62 62

Official registration page
13 Woluwe-Saint-Pierre / Sint-Pieters-Woluwe

Foreigners / Registration service
Avenue Charles Thielemans 93, 1150 Woluwe-Saint-Pierre

Registration email
etranger@woluwe1150.be

Phone
+32 (0)2 773 05 47

Official registration page

Confirmed directly by the municipality · September 2026

14 Auderghem / Oudergem

Foreigners / Registration service
Rue Emile Idiers 12, 1160 Auderghem

Registration email
etrangers@auderghem.brussels

Phone
+32 (0)2 676 48 94

Official registration page

Confirmed directly by the municipality · September 2026

15 Watermael-Boitsfort / Watermaal-Bosvoorde

Foreigners / Registration service
Place Antoine Gilson 1, 1170 Watermael-Boitsfort

Registration email
foreigners@wb1170.brussels

Phone
+32 (0)2 674 75 50

Official registration page

Confirmed directly by the municipality · September 2026

16 Uccle / Ukkel

Foreigners / Registration service
Rue de Stalle 77, 1180 Uccle

Registration email
EU: etrangers.ue@uccle.brussels
Non-EU: etrangers.non.ue@uccle.brussels

Phone
EU: +32 (0)2 605 10 80
Non-EU: +32 (0)2 605 10 79

Official registration page

Confirmed directly by the municipality · September 2026

17 Forest / Vorst

Foreigners / Registration service
Rue du Curé 2, 1190 Forest

Registration email
Direct registration email to confirm

Phone
+32 (0)2 370 22 11

Official registration page
18 Woluwe-Saint-Lambert / Sint-Lambrechts-Woluwe

Foreigners / Registration service
Avenue Paul Hymans 2, 1200 Woluwe-Saint-Lambert

Registration email
sejour.verblijf@woluwe1200.be

Phone
+32 (0)2 761 27 83
Additional lines: +32 (0)2 761 27 20 · +32 (0)2 774 36 19 · +32 (0)2 774 35 36 · +32 (0)2 774 35 38 · +32 (0)2 774 35 51

Official registration page

Confirmed directly by the municipality · September 2026

19 Saint-Josse-ten-Noode / Sint-Joost-ten-Node

Bureau Europe: EU registrations
Avenue de l'Astronomie 12-13, 1210 Saint-Josse-ten-Noode

Registration email
ue@sjtn.brussels

Phone
+32 (0)2 220 28 63

Official registration page

EU registration contact confirmed directly by the municipality · September 2026

Residence formalities, Brussels Commissioner
I am an EU citizen staying more than 90 days. What do I do?

If you plan to stay more than three months, register with the commune where you actually live within three months of arrival.

Since 1 September 2025, EU citizens and their family members must present a complete file at the first appointment for an Annex 19 or Annex 19ter application to be validly submitted.

Official procedure for stays over 90 days
I am an EU citizen staying up to 90 days. Do I need to register?

If you are an EU citizen staying for less than 90 days and you are not staying in accommodation that already reports guests, you should report your presence to the municipality where you are staying within 10 days of arrival. The commune can issue an Annex 3ter declaration of presence.

Your exact situation can affect the formality, so use the official Brussels guidance below.

Official procedure for stays under 90 days
What happens after the first commune appointment?

After the first registration appointment, the commune can give you an attachment and a provisional 11-digit National Register Number.

  • A local officer may check that you actually live at the address you declared.
  • Put your name clearly on the doorbell and mailbox.
  • Keep the provisional documents and all commune correspondence.
Registration in your commune
I am non-EU. Where should I start?

Residence procedures depend on nationality and status. Do not use the EU-citizen checklist as a substitute.

Brussels made easy

Healthcare

Your health cover depends first on your status.

I am an APA. Which health system covers me?

APAs are EU other servants and are normally affiliated to the Joint Sickness Insurance Scheme (JSIS / RCAM) through their employment, rather than the ordinary Belgian mutuality system.

  • Check that your JSIS affiliation is active.
  • Use MyPMO for JSIS requests and activities; EU Login and two-factor authentication are required.
  • Check reimbursement ceilings and whether prior authorisation is required before planned treatment.

Do not automatically join a Belgian mutuality simply because you live in Brussels; check your employment status and JSIS affiliation first.

JSIS / RCAM portalMyPMO My Health user guide
I am a European Parliament trainee (MEP or Schuman). How does Allianz work?

European Parliament trainees, including trainees with Members (MEP trainees) and Schuman trainees, are automatically covered for the duration of their traineeship under the applicable Allianz Care Primary Insurance Plan, in addition to any national or private cover they may already have.

  • First claim: you do not yet need an individual policy number. Identify yourself as a EUROTRAINEE, state the EU institution and the group policy number shown on your Marsh certificate. Allianz issues your personal policy number after the first claim.
  • From the second claim onwards: you can normally submit claims through the Allianz MyHealth app or online portal.
  • Prior authorisation: where required, Allianz asks you to submit the form at least five working days before planned treatment.
  • Emergency hospitalisation: get the treatment you need first and inform the Allianz Helpline within 48 hours.
  • Complementary cover and cover for a spouse, registered partner or children may be available at additional cost.

24/7 helpline: +32 2 210 6501
Email: igohelpline@e.allianz.com

Allianz Eurotrainees healthcare portalAllianz Member Guide, July 2026European Parliament MEP Traineeship GuideEuropean Parliament Schuman Guide
I am a European Commission Blue Book trainee. Do I need Allianz or can I keep my existing cover?

Personal health-insurance cover is compulsory for the entire Blue Book traineeship. You can use the Commission-arranged Allianz plan or keep accepted third-party cover.

If you keep your own policy, check that it remains valid for the whole traineeship and throughout Europe, and understand its reimbursement procedure.

Current Commission contribution: €17.11/month for primary insurance, or €55.56/month for primary + complementary insurance. If you keep accepted third-party cover, the Commission does not deduct an Allianz contribution.

If you use an EHIC in Brussels: current Blue Book guidance says to register it with a local Belgian mutualité before introducing your first reimbursement claim.

Blue Book insurance contributionKeeping your own health insuranceEHIC in Belgium
I am in another EU institution, agency or political group. What should I check?
  • Name of insurer.
  • Primary or complementary cover.
  • Start and end dates.
  • Outpatient claims.
  • Prior authorisation for hospital treatment.
  • Accident insurance.
I work for a lobby, NGO, association, consultancy or private company. What should I ask HR?
  • Is this a Belgian employment contract or a traineeship/training agreement?
  • Am I registered with ONSS/RSZ?
  • Which health-insurance scheme covers me from day one?
  • Do I need a Belgian mutuality?
  • Which occupational-accident insurance applies?
What does an EHIC actually cover?

The EHIC gives access to medically necessary, state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay under the same conditions and at the same cost as people insured in that country. It is not limited to emergencies.

It is not travel insurance and does not cover private healthcare or repatriation.

Blue Book trainees in Brussels: the Commission currently instructs EHIC holders to register with a Belgian mutualité before submitting their first reimbursement claim.

Blue Book: what the EHIC coversUsing an EHIC in Belgium

Transport

Open the question that matches the way you will travel.

Transport in Brussels
Which transport option makes sense for me?
  • Mostly metro, tram and bus: STIB/MIVB.
  • Need trains as well: compare Brupass, Brupass XL and SNCB/NMBS.
  • 18 to 24 and Brussels resident: check the €12/year resident pass.
  • Regular journeys outside Brussels: SNCB/NMBS and Train+.
  • Airport: compare Bus 12 and train.
How do I plan a journey or buy a STIB/MIVB pass?

Use the official STIB/MIVB site to plan a route, check disruptions and manage tickets or subscriptions.

Plan a journey on STIB/MIVB18-24 and school season ticketsSTIB/MIVB season-pass catalogueBrussels public transport overview
What are the main STIB/MIVB and Brupass prices in 2026?
STIB single, contactless/MOBIB
€2.40
Paper single
€2.90
Contactless daily cap
€8.50
STIB 1 day
€9.00
STIB monthly
€56
STIB annual
€560
Personal MOBIB
€6
Brupass single
€2.70
Brupass 10 journeys
€18.90
Brupass 1 day
€9.50
Brupass monthly
€68
Brupass annual
€680
Brupass XL single
€3.60
Brupass XL 10 journeys
€25.20
Brupass XL monthly
€94
Brupass XL annual
€940

There is no standard STIB-only 10-journey product. Brupass combines STIB/MIVB, SNCB/NMBS, De Lijn and TEC in the Brussels zone.

I am 18 to 24. Can I get the €12/year pass?

18 to 24 and officially resident in Brussels-Capital Region: the STIB/MIVB 18-24 Brussels season ticket costs €12/year and does not require a school certificate.

18 to 24 and not officially resident in Brussels: the reduced school season ticket requires a school certificate. STIB/MIVB currently offers a €12/year STIB school season ticket and a reduced Brupass school season ticket; check the accepted documentation before applying.

Check 18-24 eligibility and documents
What should I know about trains and Train+?

Under 26: SNCB/NMBS currently gives a standard 40% discount on the Standard fare, at any time and on any route.

Train+ for under-26 travellers: €4 for one month or €32 for one year. In off-peak hours, weekends and public holidays, Train+ gives an additional 40% discount on top of the youth reduction and caps a 2nd-class journey at €5.50. The Brussels Airport Supplement is not included in that cap.

For regular commuting on one route, also compare SNCB/NMBS season-ticket options before choosing individual tickets.

Buy a train ticketYouth faresTrain+
What is the easiest way to Brussels Airport?

Bus 12, Brussels to the airport: any valid STIB/MIVB ticket or season ticket can be used.

Bus 12, airport to Brussels: an Airport2City ticket is required. Current 2026 fares are €7.90 with contactless payment or MOBIB, and €8.40 for a paper ticket.

Train: the Brussels Airport Supplement applies unless it is already included in your ticket or product.

STIB Airport Line SNCB/NMBS Brussels Airport

Mobile and roaming

Understand the EU fair-use rules before relying on your home SIM for months.

Should I keep my home EU SIM or get a Belgian number?

Short stay or light data use: keep your EU/EEA SIM if the roaming allowance is sufficient.

Several months or heavy data use: check your exact roaming allowance. A Belgian plan may become cheaper or simpler.

A Belgian number can be convenient, but it is not automatically required simply because you live in Brussels.

How much data can I use while roaming in 2026?

Unlimited data at home does not necessarily mean unlimited data while roaming. Operators may apply a fair-use roaming allowance.

For 2026, the regulated EU wholesale data cap is €1.10/GB. For unlimited or very low-cost data plans, the minimum roaming allowance can be calculated using the regulated formula:

2 × (monthly price excluding VAT ÷ €1.10) = minimum fair-use data allowance in GB.

Example for a €20/month plan excluding VAT: 2 × (€20 ÷ €1.10) = 36.4 GB. Your operator must tell you if a roaming limit applies.

EU roaming overviewEU Roaming Regulation
Can a five- or six-month traineeship trigger long-term roaming rules?

Yes. Roam Like At Home is designed for periodic travel, not permanent roaming. Your operator may monitor the balance of your presence and usage over a four-month period.

If you spend more time abroad than at home and your roaming usage exceeds your domestic usage, the operator may ask you to clarify the situation. You have at least 14 days to change or explain your usage before regulated surcharges may be applied.

EU roaming rules
How can I compare Belgian mobile plans?

Use Besttariff.be, the free official tariff-comparison tool created by the Belgian telecom regulator BIPT/IBPT. It gathers residential offers neutrally and the data are checked by the regulator.

Avoid relying on a static list of operators and promotional prices in this guide because plans, promotions and data allowances change frequently.

Compare current Belgian mobile plansHow the BIPT comparator worksBIPT mobile-telephony guidance
What do I need to buy a Belgian prepaid SIM?

Prepaid SIM users must be identified in Belgium. Bring your original valid identity card or passport when buying or activating the SIM.

Official prepaid-card information

Daily life

Banking, utilities and waste, with concrete actions and official links.

Daily life in Brussels
Do I need a Belgian bank account?

Usually, no. Under EU SEPA rules, you should not be prevented from making or receiving a SEPA transfer or direct debit solely because your account is located in another EU Member State. Refusing a valid EU IBAN for that reason can constitute IBAN discrimination.

A Belgian account may still be convenient, but treat it as a convenience rather than an automatic requirement.

Schuman trainees: for payment of the European Parliament traineeship grant, the account must be held in your own name and registered and located in an EU Member State. Parliament also requires a Financial Identification Form (FIF), or the supporting bank documentation described in its trainee guidance.

EU information on IBAN discriminationSchuman Trainee Guide
What exactly should I do with electricity and gas on moving day?

First check your lease because gas and electricity may already be included or managed by the landlord.

  • Identify the meters and record each meter number.
  • Photograph every reading on the day you move in.
  • Complete the official energy takeover document with the outgoing occupant or landlord.
  • Both parties sign it and keep a copy.
  • Send the required information promptly to your supplier so you are not billed for another occupant's consumption.
Energy takeover guidance and documentCompare suppliers with BRUSIM
What should I do about water?

VIVAQUA supplies water in Brussels. Check the lease first.

Water included in building charges: you may not need an individual account.

Individual meter or account: record and photograph the reading on moving day and check the transfer procedure.

VIVAQUA
How do I sort waste and find my collection day?
  • White: residual waste
  • Blue: PMD
  • Yellow: paper and cardboard
  • Orange: food and kitchen waste
  • Green: garden waste
  • Glass: bottle banks

Do not copy what neighbours did yesterday. Check the official collection calendar for your exact address.

Enter your address: waste collection calendar
What should I keep in my Brussels folder?
  • Identity: passport or national ID.
  • Status: traineeship or employment documents.
  • Housing: lease, inventory, guarantee documents, insurance and meter readings.
  • Registration: commune correspondence and provisional documents.
  • Health: EHIC, Allianz, JSIS/RCAM or mutuality documents as applicable.
  • Practical: transport subscription, utility documents and important contacts.

Emergency

Save the essential numbers now.

Emergency telephone numbers

112
Ambulance, fire and the European emergency number.

101
Urgent police assistance.

1733
Doctor on call.

Other useful numbers
  • 070 245 245: Poison Centre, 24/7.
  • 078 170 170: Card Stop, 24/7, to block Belgian payment cards and payment apps.
  • 1722: non-urgent fire-brigade assistance when the number is activated during severe weather. Use 112 if there is danger to life.
Official Belgian emergency numbers Card Stop

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© 2026 Expert Europe. Original content and curated practical data. All rights reserved. Automated scraping, systematic extraction, reproduction or reuse without prior permission is prohibited.

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