Can you survive in Belgium if you only speak English?
You’ve decided to move to Belgium, and now you’re wondering if you need to learn a new language. Can you get by if you only speak English?
The truth is, whether or not you can survive in Belgium if you only speak English depends on what you want to get out of your experience. While plenty of expats spend years in the country without learning a word of French or Dutch, others feel isolated from parts of their new home if they don’t.
To make your decision easier, I’m explaining exactly what to expect in different situations of expat life in Belgium.
Do they speak English in Belgium?
It’s true that Belgian people speak good English. In fact, right now, we’re 6th on the global ranking of best non-native English speakers.
Some surveys show that 55% of the Belgian population can speak conversational English, while 33% of Brussels residents speak it fluently.
English is so ‘normal’ here these days, that some people want to make it one of our official languages. The Minister for Multilingualism, Sven Gatz, argues that as a common language that connects the country, it plays an important economic role and the law should recognise this.
However, that hasn’t happened… yet. So, many expats find that French and Dutch are still super important for integrating and settling into their host country.
Can you find a job in Belgium if you only speak English?
It depends on what you do. There are lots of multinational companies in Belgium that hire English-speaking staff, especially in the capital city. But the employment market is super competitive, and most companies prefer to hire multilingual candidates. And since Belgians speak such good English, I’m sorry to say that your language skills might not be enough to make you stand out.
You may have a small advantage if you speak a foreign language besides English. But being able to speak French or Dutch will surely increase your chances of finding work in your field and enjoying the quality of life you deserve.
If you are moving to Belgium with a job already secured, then you may be thinking the language isn't a problem. And maybe it’s not. But what if one day you decide to leave the job and you don’t want to leave Belgium?
Most expats from outside the EU have single work permits, which are tied to their employment contract. That means if you want to leave your job and stay living in Belgium, you will first need an offer from another company to be able to transfer your work permit.
Basically, learning an official language won’t just help you get a job. It will also protect you from feeling trapped in one you don’t like!
Can you get by in everyday life with only English?
Besides making your work easier, speaking French or Dutch will make your everyday life in Belgium more enjoyable.
You won’t feel awkward about always having to ask people to switch to English. You won’t feel uncomfortable if you can’t understand. And you’ll feel a lot more independent doing everyday chores like going to the supermarket, calling a plumber or handling your paperwork.
Speaking of paperwork, Belgian government officials are only required to speak to people in the language of the region they’re in. That means that government workers in the northern region, Flanders, may only speak to you in Dutch, and those in Wallonia will refuse to speak anything but French!
Can you get residency in Belgium if you only speak English?
The short answer is: no.
In order to apply for Belgian residency, you need to speak at least one of the three official languages (French, Dutch or German) to an A2 level. That’s a beginner level that you can reach within 10-15 months with consistent studying — or even faster if you speak a romance language, are a polyglot or a super fast learner.
Can you make friends easily if you only speak English?
If Belgium is so international, then surely English is enough to create a social network?
Making friends in a new country where you don’t speak the language isn’t easy, and Belgium is no different.
In fact, Belgian people are known for being reserved, standoffish and difficult to befriend (sorry!). Plus, most of us would always rather speak our native language in social settings - especially after a long day at work.
I’m currently living in Italy, and I can honestly say that being able to speak Italian has made me feel much more comfortable, secure and connected to my local community.
I know the language barrier may not be as big in Belgium as it is in other European countries, but it still exists. Even in an international city like Brussels. Learning even just a few words can make all the difference to your friendships!
Can you live in Belgium if you only speak English?
It’s true that a lot of people you meet in Belgium will speak good English, so technically you can survive without one of the official languages. But do you want to only survive?
There is still so much culture and so many opportunities that will be off limits to you without learning French or German. That might be fine if you’re only in Belgium for a short period of time. But if you’re moving your life here, it’s worth making the most of your new expat life… isn’t it?
Should you learn French, Dutch or… German?
If you’ve decided that you will learn one of our official languages, you might be wondering which to choose. I recommend keeping things simple.
If you’re moving to Wallonia, French will be more useful.
If you’re going to Flanders, Dutch will get you further.
If you’re in the Brussels Capital Region, consider French or Dutch — both will allow you to get around easily.
And if you somehow find yourself in the German-speaking community of the East Cantons, you should probably learn two of them. ;)
If you’ve decided to learn French, you’re in the right place.
Take a look at my online lesson packages or book a free call to see if I’m the right teacher to take you on this journey!
