Moving from UAE to Belgium (2026): Visas, Costs & The "Model 2" Permit
MoveConnector Euro-Logistics Team
Relocation Expert
Introduction: Your Move to the Heart of Europe
Relocating from the United Arab Emirates to Belgium places you at the strategic and political heart of Europe. Home to the EU headquarters and NATO, Brussels is a major hub for diplomats, lawyers, and corporate executives. However, moving to this highly regulated country requires precise paperwork and an understanding of local logistics.
This guide is designed for professionals and families relocating long-term (12+ months) from the UAE to Belgium with household goods.
Based on real relocations handled by MoveConnector partner movers delivering into Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, and Bruges, we cover the essential steps for 2026, from navigating the Single Permit visa to the mandatory "Model 2" registration.
Why Trust This Guide?
This guide is maintained by MoveConnector’s Euro-Logistics Team. We track real-time changes in Belgian customs law (Douane), local parking permit regulations in Brussels, and port protocols at Antwerp to ensure your move is compliant and cost-effective.
Quick Answer: Moving Logistics UAE → Belgium
- Is it tax-free? ✅ Yes, with the 'Exemption for Removal Goods' permit.
- Critical Document: 📄 Model 2 Certificate (Proof of local registration).
- Transit Time: 5–7 Weeks (Sea to Antwerp).
- Best Port: 🚢 Port of Antwerp (Europe's second-largest).
- Voltage: ⚡ 230V (Same as UAE) using Type E (French/Belgian) plugs.
- Hidden Cost: 🏗️ External Furniture Lift (often required in Brussels).
Top Belgian Destinations: Logistics & Access
Where you move dictates your logistics. Belgium's cities have distinct challenges for moving trucks.
1. Brussels (Bruxelles/Brussel)
- The Vibe: The international capital. Historic architecture meets modern EU districts.
- Logistics Challenge: Most apartments have narrow staircases and no elevators suitable for furniture.
- Mover Tip: An External Furniture Lift (
Lift extérieur) is almost always mandatory for deliveries above the ground floor. You must also reserve a parking space (Police Reservation) 7-10 days in advance.
2. Antwerp (Antwerpen)
- The Vibe: Fashion capital and diamond hub.
- Logistics Challenge: Strict Low Emission Zones (LEZ). Moving trucks must be registered or Euro 6 compliant to enter the city center.
- Mover Tip: Since it's the port city, delivery costs are slightly lower due to shorter trucking distances.
3. Ghent (Gent) & Bruges (Brugge)
- The Vibe: Medieval charm and student energy.
- Logistics Challenge: Car-free zones in historic centers (
Autovrij gebied). - Mover Tip: Special access permits are required for moving trucks to enter the pedestrian zones before 11:00 AM or after 6:00 PM.
Part 1: Ship from Dubai or Buy in Belgium?
Belgium has a mix of high-end design stores and affordable chains.
The Decision Matrix: What to Pack
| Item Type | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Luxury Furniture | ✅ Ship It | High-end furniture is 30-40% expensive in Belgium. |
| IKEA / Standard Items | ⚠️ Measure First | Belgian apartments often have smaller rooms than UAE villas. |
| Electronics (TVs/PCs) | ✅ Ship It | Voltage is compatible (230V). Adapters are cheap and easy to find. |
| Cars | ❌ Sell in UAE | The BIV (Registration Tax) is high, and homologation is complex. |
| Winter Coats | ✅ Ship It | You will need them immediately. Belgian winters are damp and cold. |
Who Should NOT Ship Household Goods to Belgium?
Shipping may not be cost-effective if:
- You are moving into a furnished apartment (common for short-term EU contracts).
- Your home is mostly budget/flat-pack furniture (it often breaks during re-assembly).
- Your total volume is under 6 CBM (shipping minimums usually apply).
- You plan to stay for less than 12 months.
In these cases, selling in the UAE and buying locally is often cheaper and faster.
Part 2: How Much Does It Cost to Move from UAE to Belgium? (2026)
Most shipments enter via the Port of Antwerp and are trucked to your city.
Estimated Sea Freight Costs (2026)
| Home Size | Shipment Type | Estimated Cost (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1-Bed | LCL (Shared Container) | AED 9,000 – 14,000 |
| 2-3 Bed Apartment | 20ft Container (FCL) | AED 18,000 – 27,000 |
| Large Villa (4+ Bed) | 40ft Container (FCL) | AED 29,000 – 40,000 |
Note: These estimates include sea freight and standard delivery. They exclude moving insurance (approx. 2.5-3%), customs inspection fees, and external furniture lift charges (approx. €150-€300).
Part 3: Visas & The "Single Permit"
1. The Single Permit
For non-EU skilled workers, this is the standard visa. Your Belgian employer applies for this on your behalf.
- Process: Combines your work authorization and residence permit into one application.
- Timeline: Can take 2-4 months. Ensure this is approved before booking movers.
2. The Town Hall Registration (Commune/Gemeente)
This is the most critical post-arrival step.
- Within 8 Days: You must go to your local Town Hall to register your address.
- Police Check: A local police officer (
Agent de quartier) will visit your home to confirm you actually live there. - Receive "Model 2": Once confirmed, you are issued a "Model 2" certificate. You cannot clear customs duty-free without this document.
⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING: The "Model 2" Lock Your container cannot be released from the Port of Antwerp tax-free until your mover presents the original Model 2 certificate to customs.
Do not ship your goods too early. If your container arrives before you have registered and received your Model 2, you will pay expensive port storage fees (demurrage) of €80-€150 per day.
Part 4: Clearing Belgian Customs (Douane)
You can import goods duty-free under the 'Exemption for Removal Goods' scheme.
How to Qualify:
- Residency: You are moving your primary home to Belgium (proven by the Model 2).
- 12-Month Rule: Lived outside the EU for at least 12 consecutive months.
- Ownership: Goods owned and used for at least 6 months.
Essential Documents Checklist:
- Passport & Visa (Single Permit).
- Model 2 Certificate (Original from Town Hall) - Vital!
- Employment Contract or proof of professional activity.
- Inventory: Detailed and valued (French for Brussels & Wallonia, Dutch for Flanders).
- Application for Duty-Free Entry: Your mover will typically submit the exemption request using the Belgian customs removal goods declaration (commonly referred to as Form 136F).
Part 5: Typical Timeline: UAE → Belgium Move
- Week 0–4: Employer applies for Single Permit.
- Week 5: Book movers & pack in UAE.
- Week 6–10: Sea transit to Antwerp.
- Week 11: Arrive in Belgium, register at Town Hall, Police Check, get Model 2.
- Week 12: Customs clearance at Antwerp Port (using Model 2).
- Week 13: Final delivery (likely with external lift).
Conclusion: A Move That Requires Local Knowledge
Moving to Belgium is a fantastic choice, but success depends on timing your shipment to align with your local registration.
We coordinate Belgian customs clearance, municipal timing, and external lift reservations as one managed process — not separate vendors.
Don't let Belgian bureaucracy delay your new start. Compare quotes from movers who are experts in the region.