ANNUAL REPORT 2018

The principal guideline for the Brussels Commissioner' office (CEIO) is still to commit fully to the creation of a dynamic solution-oriented host region policy, capable of competing internationally. This annual report presents the achievements of 2018 and touches on the outlook for 2019.

Can my child acquire Belgian nationality?

Many non-Belgian citizens have been living and working in Belgium for many years. Very often, their children have been born in Belgium, gone to school here and as a result, feel Belgian. Whether they were born in Belgium or not, how can these children become Belgian nationals? The Expat Welcome Desk explains...

The single permit: in force since January 2019!

Since 3rd January 2019, all non-European nationals who wish to work in Brussels for more than 90 days must, through their employer, file a single application with the Brussels-Capital Region for authorisation to both work and reside here. The Expat Welcome Desk explains everything…

European elections on 26th May: how to vote in Belgium

Are you a citizen of a EU member state and want to vote for a candidate on a Belgian list? If so, make sure you register with your commune by 28th February at the latest. Through our “Think European, Vote European” campaign, the Expat Welcome Desk explains how it all works…

Meeting between the Brussels Government and the European institutions

Brussels Government met with European institutions on 4 December at the initiative of Alain Hutchinson, Brussels Commissioner for Europe and International Organisations.



An ombudsman: the ideal solution for certain problems!

If you come up against a problem with the administration or an organisation, either in the private or public sector, you can contact the relevant mediator with your complaint. What exactly does an ombudsman do and how can you contact one? The Expat Welcome Desk explains.

Planning to become self-employed in Belgium? 

Do you want to be your own boss and start a self-employed activity? It’s important to prepare your project carefully and find out about the obligations that self-employment brings. It’s very different from being an employee! The Expat Welcome Desk explains the steps to follow.

Low emission zone in Brussels: all you need to know!

The most polluting vehicles are now banned from the LEZ (low emission zone) in Brussels in order to improve the quality of air. This regulation concerns cars, certain vans, buses and coaches. The EWD explains the practical consequences of this matter…

Q&A on the municipal elections in Brussels

Special lunchsession for the international community in Brussels.

With Prof. Eric Corijn (Brussels Academy / Brussels for Europe), Thomas Huddleston (VoteBrussels) and Karin Impens (Office of the Brussels Commissioner for Europe)

If your vacation turns into a nightmare...what can you do about it?

Imagine that you come back from vacation but you’re unhappy about your trip: the hotel was not as described or your reservation wasn’t confirmed and you had to be transferred to another hotel. The Expat Welcome Desk explains how you should react…

EU Commissioner Oettinger backs up the “Think European, Vote Local” campaign

Think European, vote local + VoteBrussels campaigns are reaching high!
While our CEIO staff backed the VoteBrussels volunteers duty on several EC buildings, Commissioner Oettinger himself showed up to express his support to the initiative.

More info :
  • Sign up now! www.vote.brussels
  • Share the encouragement from Commissioner Oettinger: https://twitter.com/GOettingerEU/status/1013738585906872326
  • Bust those myths about obligatory voting: www.vote.brussels/4-myths
  • Answer people's FAQs: www.commissioner.brussels/…/683-political-participation-678…
  • And start to talk about the local election issues & candidates: https://brussels-express.eu/category/brussels-elections/

Inventory check for rented property: all you need to know!

When you rent an apartment or house in Brussels, it is mandatory to carry out an inventory check in order to establish the general state of the property. At the end of the lease, an outgoing inventory check will often serve as the basis for repaying your rental guarantee. The EWD explains...