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Education in Belgium
Children in Belgium have a right to school, and adults can usually access language or integration courses. Contact the municipality early once you have an address.
Schools and language support in Belgium
Work permit & single permit: Non-EEA workers usually need a Single Permit from the region. Employer files with region — Brussels/Flanders/Wallonia each have their own procedure. Decision in ~4 months. Register with employment service — Actiris (Brussels), VDAB (Flanders), Forem (Wallonia) — free coaching, language classes. Free Dutch/French classes: Regional integration paths (Inburgering, Parcours d'accueil) offer free courses. Flanders — Inburgering via Agentschap Integratie & Inburgering — mandatory for most newcomers. Wallonia/Brussels — Parcours d'accueil (BAPA in Brussels) — free French classes + civic training. Schools & childcare: Compulsory education 5–18. Every child has a right to a school regardless of status. OKAN / DASPA classes — Newcomer children get 1 year of intensive Dutch/French then join mainstream. Kinderbijslag / allocations familiales — Auto-paid via regional agencies once registered at commune.
Enrolling children
Bring passports or ID, birth certificates, previous school documents, vaccination records if available, and proof of address. If documents are missing, still contact the school or municipality — children should not wait at home.
Adult language and integration courses
Learning Dutch / French / German makes appointments, work and school contact much easier. Ask integration offices, adult education centres, municipalities and NGOs about free or subsidised courses.
Education-related offices
Office des Étrangers / Dienst Vreemdelingenzaken: Residence permits, visas. Commune / Gemeente: Address registration, ID card. Actiris / VDAB / Forem: Regional employment services. Mutualité / Ziekenfonds: Compulsory health insurance.
Frequently asked questions
Can my child start school before all documents are ready in Belgium?
Yes, schools and municipalities should help children enter education even while paperwork is being completed.
Which office should I contact first in Belgium?
Start with Office des Étrangers / Dienst Vreemdelingenzaken. For broader newcomer help, also check Office des Étrangers / Dienst Vreemdelingenzaken, Commune / Gemeente, Actiris / VDAB / Forem.
What language will offices use in Belgium?
The main administrative language is Dutch / French / German. Larger offices often offer English or interpreters, but bring translated documents when possible.
Do my children need documents to enrol in school?
Schools must enrol every child. If documents are missing, the municipality helps to sort it out — do not delay.
Can I study for free?
Public universities are free or low-cost for EU citizens and often for other residents after a qualifying period.