A Belgian community in Spain

If you plan to move to Spain, you can rest easy. You certainly won't be the only one! There are a large number of groups and places where Belgian expats meet and exchange experiences. There is no shortage of a Belgian community in Spain! In 2017, 119,382 Belgians emigrated abroad. And figures from the consular population registry show that 451,909 Belgians were officially living abroad in 2017. The main reason why Belgians emigrate is for work or studies, and more than 80% choose another European country to do so. The top destinations then are: The Netherlands, France, Luxembourg and Switzerland. The second reason many Belgians emigrate is because of the weather: they go in search of a warmer climate. Then we choose southern France, Italy and, of course, Spain.

Community and groups

Flemings in the world

Flemings in the World is an interest group for Flemish expats. You will find information not only about Spain, but about 150 countries from all over the world. By country, you will find general information, useful links and addresses, job offers, the contact details of VIW representatives and news from other expats. On the page about Spain itself, you will find information about Dutch education and international schools in Spain. This community is an official foundation where you can go with all your questions.

Belgians and Dutch in Spain

This Facebook group for Belgians and Dutch in Spain is a community where other emigrants like you share their experiences. The members all live in Spain, or are thinking of moving to Spain. They share their experiences, give tips and let each other know what's out there. You can ask them questions and they also share information about renting and buying in the South Country. Planning a vacation to Spain soon to view homes? If so, be sure to contact them and find people who live nearby to share first-hand experiences.

Dutch and Belgians in Spain

This second Facebook group for Dutch and Belgians in Spain has more than 10,000 members who exchange information with each other. Everything you want to know about living, working, hobbies and life in Spain can be found in this community! So ask all your questions here, or browse the group to learn more about the country you want to move to.

Belgians in Spain

This is another Facebook group, this time just for Belgians in Spain. The advantage is that this is a smaller group that is more closely cohesive. The group is intended for anyone living in Spain. But also those who have a second home there, often go on vacation there or those who want to emigrate in the future can go there. Here you can not only ask questions, but also discover great restaurants, trips, activities, ... that other group members share.

VIW - Costa Blanca

One of the most popular destinations for Flemings in Spain is the Costa Blanca. No wonder there is a separate community for this: Flemings in the World - Costa Blanca. You will find local news from the Costa Blanca in Dutch and an extensive cultural calendar with all kinds of shows, performances, events and holidays. You can also search for real estate for sale and rental, vacation homes for rent and jobs in the Costa Blanca. You can get in touch with a number of Dutch-speaking experts in Spain (general practitioner, accountant, architect, insurance broker, etc.) and you will find heaps and heaps of information about living and working in Spain.

Union Francophone des Belges à l'étranger.

For the French speakers among us, there is also the Union Francophone des Belges à l'étranger. It is the Walloon, and therefore Francophone, counterpart of Flemings in the World. You will find local news, information to prepare your move and you can become a member for personal help with all kinds of problems you might encounter.

The Belgian government in Spain

Of course, not only will you find communities of Belgians who have made their home in Spain, the Belgian and Flemish governments are also present. Below we give you all the useful information about that.

General Delegation of the Flemish Government

The Flemish Government has a General Delegation in Spain. This government department is located in Madrid and is responsible for all diplomatic, political a social contacts between Spain and Flanders. So this is the representation of the Flemish government in Spain. Calle de Antonio Maura, 7 - 1D 28014 Madrid - Spain T +34 917 69 1515

The Belgian Embassy

The Belgian Embassy for Spain and Andorra, Belgium's official diplomatic representation in Spain, is located in Madrid. They are responsible for diplomatic and political exchanges between the Belgian and Spanish governments. Embassy Madrid Paseo de la Castellana, 18 (6°) 28046 Madrid Spain Ambassador Marc CALCOEN +34 91 577 63 00 +34 91 431 81 66 Madrid@diplobel.fed.be

Belgian consulates in Spain

While the Embassy is the official representation of the government, as a Belgian citizen you can turn to the Belgian consulates in Spain. Belgians living or traveling in the country who experience a problem or need assistance should therefore turn to the consulate - the representation of the public administration. There are 4 consulates in Spain:

1. Consulate General in Madrid Paseo de la Castellana 18 (6°) 28046 Madrid
2. Consulate in Alicante Explanada de España 1-5° 03002 Alicante
3. Consulate in Barcelona Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes 680, 2° 08010 Barcelona
4. Consulate in Santa Cruz de Tenerife Edificio Ahlers Y Rahn, Calle Villalba Hervas, 4 - 2° 38002 Santa Cruz de Tenerife

There are also ten honorary consulates. There are three in Alicante: Cartagena, Malaga and Valencia. There are two honorary consulates in Barcelona: the honorary consulate in Palma de Mallorca and in Andorra la Vella. In the region around Madrid, there are even four honorary consulates: Bilbao, La Coruña, Cadiz and in Seville. And finally, there is the honorary consulate in Santa Cruz de Tenerife: Corralejo (Fuerteventura).