🇧🇪 Belgium
How the 90/180 rule applies to Belgium, plus the tools you'll want before you go.
Joined Schengen
1995
Currency
EUR
Timezone
Europe/Brussels
Calling code
+32
What counts toward your 90 days
Every day spent in Belgium counts toward the same Schengen-wide 90-day allowance. Days in Belgium are added to days in any of the other 28 Schengen countries when calculating the rolling 180-day window.
Entry and exit days both count as full days.
If you hold a Belgium national long-stay visa or residence permit, the 90/180 rule does not limit your stay in Belgium itself, but it does still cap your time in the rest of Schengen.
Nomading in Belgium, specifically
US, UK, and Canadian passports get you 90 days visa-free in Belgium. Indian and Chinese passports? You'll need a Schengen visa first.
Who Walks In Visa-Free and Who Doesn't
Most North Americans and UK citizens can waltz into Belgium for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa. Your passport gets a stamp on entry, and ideally, another on exit. This is standard Schengen procedure. Expect ETIAS checks to become mandatory for these groups starting in 2025. Citizens from countries like India, Pakistan, or China will need to apply for a Schengen visa before arriving, which allows for a specific duration and purpose of stay. Don't assume you can just show up and ask for an extension; that’s rarely how it works.
The 90/180 Day Count Trap
Belgium, like all Schengen states, operates on the 90/180-day rule. This means you can spend a maximum of 90 days in the Schengen Area within any rolling 180-day period. Belgium doesn't have a unique twist on this rule, but it’s where many people trip up. If you enter Belgium on day 1, leave for a non-Schengen country for two weeks, and then re-enter Schengen elsewhere, those two weeks don't reset your 90 days. It's a continuous count. For longer stays, you're looking at a national visa or residence permit, not just Schengen rules. Belgium's process for these can be lengthy, often requiring you to apply from your home country.
Where Nomads Actually Stay and What It Costs
Most remote workers in Belgium gravitate towards Brussels for its central location and international vibe. You'll find co-working spaces aplenty and decent public transport. Some opt for Antwerp too, known for its fashion scene and more compact feel. Expect to budget around €1,500 to €2,500 per month for a comfortable solo stay, covering rent, food, and transport. Internet is generally excellent, especially in cities, with speeds often exceeding 100 Mbps. Payments are straightforward; Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, though carrying some Euros for smaller shops or markets is always wise. You won't encounter many payment quirks beyond that.