Moving to Spain from Belgium: Complete 2026 Guide
Belgian citizens enjoy full EU freedom of movement rights in Spain. No visa required. Simply register after 90 days and discover why thousands of Belgians have already made Spain their home.
Key Facts for Belgian Citizens
- Visa: Not required (EU citizen)
- Registration: NIE certificate required after 90 days
- Citizenship: 10 years residency required
- Dual Nationality: Belgium allows dual citizenship, but Spain requires renunciation of Belgian citizenship
EU Free Movement Rights
As a Belgian citizen, you have the fundamental right to live, work, study, and retire in Spain without any visa or work permit. This freedom of movement is one of the core benefits of EU citizenship. You can enter Spain with your Belgian passport or national ID card and stay as long as you wish.
While no permission is needed to relocate to Spain, registration with Spanish authorities is required if your stay exceeds 90 days. This straightforward process grants you official resident status and access to public services.
Why Belgians Choose Spain
Spain has long been one of the most popular destinations for Belgians seeking a new life abroad. The reasons are compelling:
- Climate: Trade Belgiums grey skies for Spains 300+ days of annual sunshine
- Proximity: Just a 2-hour flight from Brussels. Easy to visit family and friends
- Cost of Living: Generally 15-25% lower than Belgium, especially housing costs
- Healthcare: High-quality public healthcare system accessible to EU residents
- Lifestyle: Mediterranean culture, excellent gastronomy, and outdoor living year-round
- Belgian Communities: Established Belgian expat communities along the Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol
- Language Advantage: French is widely understood in tourist areas; Spanish is accessible for French speakers
Registration Process
EU citizens must complete several administrative steps when establishing residence in Spain:
To register as an EU citizen, youll need to demonstrate sufficient resources to support yourself and have health insurance coverage. This can be through employment, self-employment, pension income, or savings.
Path to Spanish Citizenship
Belgian citizens can apply for Spanish citizenship after 10 years of legal and continuous residence in Spain. This is the standard requirement for most EU nationalities without special historical ties to Spain.
Important dual citizenship consideration: While Belgium fully permits dual citizenship (since April 2008), Spain does not have a dual citizenship agreement with Belgium. This means that if a Belgian citizen acquires Spanish citizenship, Spain will require renunciation of Belgian citizenship. However, since Belgium allows dual citizenship, you technically would not lose Belgian citizenship automatically from Belgiums perspective. Though you would be required to formally renounce it to Spain.
Many Belgian residents in Spain choose to maintain their Belgian citizenship and EU residence rights rather than pursue Spanish citizenship.
Requirements for Spanish citizenship include:
- 10 years of legal, continuous residence
- Clean criminal record in Spain and Belgium
- Passing the DELE A2 Spanish language exam
- Passing the CCSE (Constitutional and Sociocultural Knowledge of Spain) exam
- Proof of integration into Spanish society
Spanish Consulates in Belgium
Spain maintains diplomatic representations in Belgium:
Emergency contact for Spanish citizens: +32 (0) 2 509 8746 (for serious situations only. Accidents, arrests, hospitalizations).
Tax Considerations
Belgium-Spain Tax Framework
Both Belgium and Spain are EU member states and follow EU tax coordination rules. A comprehensive Double Taxation Agreement exists between the two countries.
Key Points:
- Belgian Pensions: Treatment depends on pension type. State pensions typically taxed in Belgium, private pensions may be taxed in Spain
- Employment Income: Taxed in the country where the work is performed
- Rental Income: Property income taxed where the property is located
- Beckham Law: Special tax regime for new residents may offer flat 24% tax rate for 6 years on Spanish-source income
- Wealth Tax: Spain has wealth tax which Belgium does not. Important for high-net-worth individuals
- Inheritance Tax: Both countries have inheritance taxes. Planning essential for cross-border estates
Frequently Asked Questions
Is French or Dutch useful in Spain?
French is understood in many tourist areas and can help during your transition. However, Spanish (or Catalan in Catalonia/Valencia) is essential for full integration. French speakers often find Spanish relatively easy to learn due to linguistic similarities.
Can I keep my Belgian citizenship if I become Spanish?
Belgium allows dual citizenship, but Spain requires Belgian citizens to renounce their Belgian citizenship when naturalizing. This creates a complex situation where most Belgians in Spain choose to keep their Belgian citizenship rather than pursue Spanish nationality.
Where do most Belgians live in Spain?
Popular areas include the Costa Blanca (Alicante province), Costa del Sol (Malaga), Costa Brava (Catalonia), and the Canary Islands. Madrid and Barcelona also have significant Belgian communities.
Can I transfer my Belgian pension to Spain?
Yes, Belgian state pensions can be paid directly to your Spanish bank account. Youll need to coordinate with both Belgian and Spanish social security systems. Private pension arrangements may vary.
We Handle Everything
Relocating to Spain involves numerous administrative procedures that can be complex and time-consuming. Our team specializes in helping Belgian citizens navigate Spanish bureaucracy efficiently.
We assist with:
- NIE registration and EU residence documentation
- Tax residency planning and optimization
- Social security coordination between Belgium and Spain
- Property purchase procedures
- Business establishment in Spain
- Citizenship applications (with full dual nationality implications advice)
This guide provides general information about moving to Spain from Belgium as of 2026. Immigration and tax laws can change. For advice specific to your situation, please consult with our legal team or book a consultation.