From Moules-Frites to Meat Pies

Your Complete Guide to Trading Brussels' Grey Skies for Melbourne's Coffee Culture

By Sophie - Former EU policy advisor who made the leap from Brussels to Melbourne in March 2023. After 20 months navigating visa bureaucracy, coffee snobbery, and reverse seasons, here's everything you need to know about swapping European pragmatism for Australian optimism.

16,782

Kilometers Apart

6-12

Months Visa Processing

$15,000+

Total Moving Investment

Months to Feel Settled

I'll never forget my last morning in Brussels - standing in the Sablon square with my usual café au lait, watching commuters hurry past in their practical raincoats. Fast forward 18 months, and I'm sipping a flat white (never just "coffee" in Melbourne) in a laneway café, wearing shorts in what Europeans would call "winter." The journey from Belgium's bureaucratic heart to Australia's cultural capital isn't just about distance - it's about fundamentally rewiring how you approach life, work, and happiness.

Why Brussels Professionals Choose Melbourne (Beyond the Obvious Weather)

The Brussels-to-Melbourne migration has quietly become one of Europe's most compelling brain drain stories. It's not just about escaping European winters - Melbourne offers something Brussels can't: the perfect blend of European sophistication and relaxed Australian lifestyle, with career opportunities that don't require sacrificing your work-life balance.

The Appeal That Goes Deeper Than Sunshine

Melbourne consistently ranks as the world's most liveable city for good reason. For Brussels expats specifically, it offers the multicultural diversity we're used to, serious coffee culture that rivals Brussels' café scene, and a job market that values European experience while paying Australian wages. Plus, you can actually afford to live in the city center.

🎯 Why Melbourne Wins

Work-Life Balance: 37.5-hour work weeks are standard, not aspirational
Salary vs Cost: $80K AUD goes further than €60K EUR in Brussels
Coffee Culture: Finally, coffee that meets European standards
Cultural Scene: World-class arts, music, and food scene
Outdoor Living: BBQs in winter, beach trips year-round
Professional Growth: Less hierarchical, more merit-based advancement
Healthcare: Medicare beats most European systems

😬 What You'll Miss About Brussels

European Access: No more weekend trips to Paris or Amsterdam
Public Transport: STIB/MIVB is more comprehensive than Melbourne's
Food Costs: Dining out is significantly more expensive
Family Distance: Video calls with a 9+ hour time difference
EU Benefits: Lose automatic work rights across 27 countries
Beer Culture: Nothing matches Belgian beer quality and variety
History: Everything in Melbourne is "old" if it's from the 1800s

The Visa Maze: Navigating Australia's Complex Immigration System

If you think Belgian bureaucracy is complicated, Australian immigration will test every ounce of your patience. The good news? Brussels professionals typically have excellent credentials for Australian visa pathways. The bad news? The process can take 6-18 months and cost $10,000+ in fees and professional services.

Phase 1: Skill Assessment (2-4 months before application)

Choose your occupation: Must be on Australia's skilled occupation list. EU policy experience often falls under "Policy Analyst" or "Research and Development Manager"
Skills assessment: Required for most visas. VETASSESS handles many professional occupations ($1,200+ AUD)
English test: Even native speakers often need IELTS/PTE. Aim for score 8+ for maximum points
Document apostilling: All Belgian documents need apostille from SPF Justice - budget 3-4 weeks

Phase 2: Expression of Interest (EOI) Strategy

SkillSelect system: Submit EOI for Subclass 189 (independent) or 190 (state nominated)
Points calculation: Age, English, education, experience all matter. 80+ points typically needed
State nomination research: Victoria often sponsors policy/government professionals
Professional Year consideration: Can add 5 points if you're under 32

Phase 3: Visa Application (6-18 months processing)

Invitation to apply: Usually within 1-3 months if competitive score
Health examinations: Required for all applicants. Book early - Brussels appointments fill up
Police clearances: Need from Belgium and any country you've lived 12+ months
Application lodgement: $4,640 AUD base fee, plus family members

Phase 4: Grant and Activation

Visa grant: Can take 6-18 months from application
First entry: Must be within 12 months of grant
Residence requirement: 2 years from first entry to maintain permanent residency
Citizenship pathway: Eligible after 4 years residence

Visa Reality Check: Immigration law changes frequently. The points system, occupation lists, and state nomination requirements shift every 6-12 months. Budget for professional migration agent fees ($3,000-5,000 AUD) - trying to navigate this solo from Brussels often leads to costly mistakes and delays.

Cost Reality: Brussels vs Melbourne Financial Breakdown

Melbourne's cost of living sits roughly 20-30% higher than Brussels, but salary premiums often compensate. The key difference? You'll spend more on daily expenses but less on taxes and healthcare. Here's the detailed breakdown based on 2025 data:

Category	Brussels (Monthly)	Melbourne (Monthly)	Real Difference
Rent (1-bed, good area)	€900-1,200	$1,800-2,400 AUD	+15% higher
Utilities & Internet	€150-200	$180-250 AUD	Similar costs
Groceries	€350-450	$500-650 AUD	+25% higher
Public Transport	€49 (STIB annual)	$150 AUD (Myki monthly)	+200% higher
Dining Out	€400-600	$800-1,200 AUD	+50% higher
Healthcare (Private)	€200-300	$150-250 AUD	-30% lower
Income Tax (approx.)	45% on €50K	32% on $80K AUD	Significantly lower

Hidden Financial Benefits: Australia's superannuation system means 11% of your salary goes into retirement savings (employer contribution). No equivalent exists in Belgium. Plus, Medicare covers most medical costs - budget $40-80 AUD monthly for private health insurance vs €200+ in Belgium.

Salary Expectations by Sector

Melbourne salaries often surprise Brussels professionals - especially when you factor in lower taxes and mandatory retirement contributions:

Government/Policy: $70K-120K AUD (vs €45K-80K in Brussels)
IT/Tech: $80K-150K AUD (vs €50K-100K in Brussels)
Finance: $90K-180K AUD (vs €60K-120K in Brussels)
Consulting: $85K-160K AUD (vs €55K-110K in Brussels)
Marketing/Communications: $65K-110K AUD (vs €40K-75K in Brussels)

Neighborhood Navigator: Finding Your Melbourne Base

Melbourne's neighborhood character is more defined than Brussels' gradual transitions. Each area has distinct personalities, and choosing wrong can significantly impact your happiness. Here's where Brussels expats typically thrive:

Fitzroy/Collingwood - The Brussels Parallel

Rent: $1,800-2,400/month (1-bed)

Vibe: If Ixelles had a creative, slightly grittier cousin with better coffee. Street art, vintage shops, and serious foodie culture.

Best for: Young professionals, creatives, anyone missing Brussels' artistic edge

Brussels equivalent: Ixelles/Flagey area - multicultural, artistic, slightly chaotic

Commute: 15-20 mins to CBD by tram, excellent nightlife within walking distance

Richmond - The Foodie Paradise

Rent: $1,900-2,600/month (1-bed)

Vibe: Vietnamese food quarter meets trendy cafes. Think Matongé but with better pho and more brunch options.

Best for: Food enthusiasts, young professionals, social butterflies

Brussels equivalent: Saint-Gilles - multicultural, food-focused, up-and-coming

Commute: 12-15 mins to CBD, Bridge Road shopping strip

South Yarra/Toorak - The Upmarket Choice

Rent: $2,200-3,000/month (1-bed)

Vibe: Melbourne's answer to Uccle - affluent, elegant, slightly conservative but with excellent amenities.

Best for: Finance professionals, couples planning families, luxury seekers

Brussels equivalent: Uccle/Ixelles borders - upmarket residential with good transport

Commute: 8-12 mins to CBD, Chapel Street shopping and nightlife

Carlton - The Academic Quarter

Rent: $1,700-2,200/month (1-bed)

Vibe: University area with Italian heritage. Like living near ULB campus but with better pizza and more parks.

Best for: Students, academics, book lovers, quiet lifestyle seekers

Brussels equivalent: Etterbeek near ULB - academic, multicultural, affordable

Commute: 10-15 mins to CBD, Lygon Street restaurant strip

St Kilda - The Beach Lifestyle

Rent: $1,800-2,500/month (1-bed)

Vibe: Bohemian beachside living. Like if Ostend was actually cool and had year-round beach weather.

Best for: Beach lovers, nightlife enthusiasts, weekend warriors

Brussels equivalent: No real equivalent - closest might be trendy parts of Schaerbeek

Commute: 20-25 mins to CBD, beach lifestyle with city access

Docklands - The Modern Option

Rent: $1,900-2,800/month (1-bed)

Vibe: Brand new high-rises with harbor views. Like if Tour du Midi area was completely rebuilt with modern apartments.

Best for: Corporate professionals, modern lifestyle seekers, harbor views

Brussels equivalent: Northern Quarter/Tour du Midi area - business district living

Commute: 5-10 mins to CBD, new development with amenities

Brussels Expat Secret: Most end up in inner-north suburbs (Fitzroy, Carlton, Brunswick) because they offer the multicultural, slightly chaotic energy we're used to from Brussels neighborhoods. Avoid anything too far out initially - Melbourne's suburban sprawl is real, and you'll feel isolated without established social networks.

Professional Life Revolution: Career Culture Shock

Melbourne's work culture will challenge everything you know about professional life. Where Brussels rewards political savvy and institutional knowledge, Melbourne values directness and results. The hierarchies are flatter, the dress codes more relaxed, and "work-life balance" isn't just a buzzword.

Industry Landscape for Brussels Professionals

The "Tall Poppy Syndrome" Reality

Unlike Brussels' hierarchical respect for titles and experience, Australia has "tall poppy syndrome" - a cultural tendency to cut down anyone who seems too ambitious or self-promoting. This means your Brussels networking approach needs adjustment. Australians value competence but dislike bragging. Show, don't tell.

Practical Impact: Drop the formal titles, embrace the first-name culture, and prepare for feedback that's more direct than Belgian diplomatic language. Your EU policy experience is valuable, but present it as "problem-solving" rather than "high-level strategic planning."

Job Market Realities by Sector

Government: Federal departments in Canberra, state government in Melbourne. Your EU experience is highly valued for trade, immigration, and international relations roles
Consulting: All major firms have Melbourne offices. European experience opens doors, especially for international projects
Tech: Booming startup scene, especially fintech and healthtech. Less developed than Brussels but growing rapidly
Finance: All major banks have headquarters in Melbourne. European regulatory experience increasingly valuable
International Organizations: Limited compared to Brussels, but UN agencies and development organizations have regional offices

"I struggled my first six months because I kept waiting for formal job descriptions and clear hierarchies like in Brussels. In Melbourne, roles are fluid, everyone's expected to contribute ideas, and 'that's not my job' doesn't exist. Once I embraced it, my career accelerated faster than it ever did in Europe." - Thomas, former EU trade analyst, now Senior Policy Advisor at Victorian Government

Networking and Professional Development

Professional networking in Melbourne operates differently than Brussels' formal institutional relationships:

Industry associations: Join relevant professional bodies immediately - they're more important for career advancement than in Brussels
Informal networking: Coffee meetings are serious business - Melburnians make real decisions over flat whites
Alumni networks: European university networks are surprisingly strong in Melbourne
Mentorship culture: More formalized than in Brussels - seek out senior professionals willing to guide your career

Cultural Integration: From European Cynicism to Australian Optimism

The biggest adjustment isn't the accent or slang - it's the fundamentally different worldview. Where Brussels professionals are trained in diplomatic skepticism, Australians operate from baseline optimism. Where Europeans plan for problems, Australians assume things will work out.

Social Life Transformation

Melbourne's social scene revolves around experiences rather than networking. Weekend BBQs replace dinner parties, outdoor activities substitute cultural events, and conversations focus more on personal interests than professional achievements.

Month 1-3: Honeymoon Phase

Everything seems amazing - sunshine, friendly people, excellent coffee. You'll probably Instagram constantly and message Brussels friends about how much better life is. Enjoy it, but don't make major decisions yet.

Month 4-8: Reality Check

The isolation hits. Everything costs more than expected. You miss European sophistication and start noticing Melbourne's limitations. This is normal - stick it out.

Month 9-12: Finding Your Rhythm

You develop local friendships, understand unwritten social rules, and create routines that work. Melbourne starts feeling like home rather than an extended vacation.

Year 2+: True Integration

You stop constantly comparing to Brussels. Melbourne's benefits become obvious, and you build the life that works for your priorities rather than trying to recreate European patterns.

Making Local Connections

Sports culture: Join local AFL (Australian Football League) teams or tennis clubs - Australians bond through shared activities
Volunteer work: Strong tradition of community involvement - great way to meet locals and understand Australian values
Fitness culture: Park runs, beach workouts, cycling groups - very different from Brussels' gym culture
Food and wine: Melbourne takes food seriously - cooking classes and wine tastings are social activities, not just learning

Social Integration Hack: Embrace the "shout" culture - taking turns buying rounds/meals for the group. It's not about the money; it's about demonstrating you understand reciprocity and community. Also, learn some basic AFL team knowledge - you don't need to care, but you need to know which team your colleagues support.

Food Culture Revolution: From European Refinement to Multicultural Fusion

Melbourne's food scene will challenge your European assumptions about what constitutes "good food." Yes, you'll miss proper Belgian chocolate and artisanal European cheese. But you'll discover Vietnamese pho for breakfast, Greek mezze at 2 AM, and coffee culture that rivals anything in Brussels.

Dining Culture Differences

Breakfast culture: Serious business in Melbourne - elaborate brunches are social events, not quick coffee and pastry
Coffee sophistication: Single origin, specific brewing methods, latte art competitions - finally, coffee that meets European standards
Multicultural authentic food: Better Vietnamese, Chinese, and Middle Eastern food than anywhere in Europe
Fresh produce: Year-round availability of fresh fruits and vegetables - no more seasonal limitations
Wine culture: Australian wine is serious business, and you're living in one of the world's great wine regions

Where to Find European-Style Food

Cheese: Curds & Whey (Richmond) for European-style cheeses
Chocolate: Haigh's Chocolates (South Australian institution)
European deli: Simon Johnson (multiple locations) for imported European goods
Beer: Local craft beer scene is excellent, but import stores stock Belgian classics
Bread: Artisan bakeries throughout inner suburbs - different styles but excellent quality

My first month, I nearly cried trying to find decent bread and proper cheese. Now I realize I was looking for exact Brussels replacements instead of discovering Melbourne's own food culture. The Vietnamese bakeries make banh mi that rivals any European sandwich, and the Greek delis have cheeses I never knew existed. You don't replace European food - you expand your definition of what good food can be.

Healthcare Navigation: From Belgian Complexity to Australian Simplicity

Australia's healthcare system will feel refreshingly simple after navigating Belgian bureaucracy. Medicare provides universal coverage that's genuinely universal - no employer requirements, no complex reimbursement systems, no wondering if your specialist is "conventioned."

Healthcare System Overview

Medicare: Automatic coverage for permanent residents. Most GP visits bulk-billed (free), specialist referrals straightforward
Private health insurance: Optional but recommended. $80-150 AUD monthly for good coverage
Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS): Subsidized prescription medications - much cheaper than Belgian pharmacy costs
Mental health support: Medicare covers up to 20 psychology sessions annually - better coverage than most European systems

Finding Healthcare Providers

GP (family doctor): Choose one near home or work. Most bulk-bill, appointments usually available within 1-2 days
Specialists: Referral required from GP. Wait times vary but generally shorter than Belgian public system
Emergency: Public hospital emergency departments are free with Medicare. Private hospital coverage requires insurance
Dental: Not covered by Medicare - budget $200-400 AUD for routine checkup and cleaning

Healthcare Transition Tip: Register for Medicare immediately upon arrival - you'll need your visa and passport. Choose a local GP within first month and book annual health check. Australian preventive care culture is stronger than Belgium's - embrace regular checkups rather than waiting for problems.

Practical Moving Logistics: The Physical Transition

Moving 17,000 kilometers requires strategic decisions about what to ship, what to sell, and what to buy new. Most Brussels-Melbourne expats choose a hybrid approach that balances sentiment with practicality.

Shipping vs. Fresh Start Decision Matrix

📦 Worth Shipping

Documents: All official papers, apostilled certificates
Electronics: Laptops, phones (check voltage compatibility)
Sentimental items: Photos, artwork, family heirlooms
Professional wardrobe: Quality suits and formal wear
Specialty items: Hard-to-find European goods
Books: If you have significant collections

🛒 Buy in Melbourne

Furniture: Shipping costs exceed replacement value
Kitchen appliances: Different voltage and plugs
Winter clothes: Australian winter is mild by European standards
Bedding: Different standard sizes in Australia
Car: Right-hand drive required, import costs prohibitive
Summer wardrobe: European summer clothes inadequate for Australian heat

Shipping Options and Costs

Full container (20ft): $8,000-12,000 AUD for door-to-door service, 6-8 weeks transit
Shared container: $3,000-6,000 AUD depending on volume, 8-12 weeks transit
Air freight: $15-25 AUD per kg, 1-2 weeks transit - only for essentials
Excess baggage: Airlines charge $50-100 AUD per extra bag - good for immediate needs

Shipping Reality Check: Factor in Australian customs duties (5-10% on most goods) and unpacking/storage costs. Many Brussels expats ship one moderate-sized shipment and buy everything else locally. IKEA, Kmart, and local furniture stores can outfit your entire apartment for $3,000-5,000 AUD.

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Language and Communication: English with an Australian Twist

While language seems like the easiest part of moving to Australia, Australian English has enough unique elements to trip up Brussels expats. Beyond the famous "g'day mate" stereotypes lie genuine communication differences that affect professional and social interactions.

Professional Communication Differences

Directness vs Diplomacy: Australians are more direct than Belgian professionals but less confrontational than Germans
Humor in workplace: Self-deprecating humor is expected - taking yourself too seriously is career limiting
Questioning authority: Encouraged rather than discouraged - flat hierarchies mean everyone's expected to contribute
Email tone: More casual than European business communication - "Cheers" instead of formal closings

Essential Australian Vocabulary for Brussels Expats

"How you going?" - Standard greeting, not literal question about travel
"No worries" - Universal response meaning "you're welcome," "that's fine," or "don't mention it"
"Arvo" - Afternoon (everything gets shortened in Australian English)
"Shout" - Your turn to pay for drinks/coffee for the group
"Fair dinkum" - Genuine, authentic, true
"She'll be right" - Everything will work out fine (fundamental Australian philosophy)

The "Tall Poppy" Communication Style

Brussels professionals often struggle with Australian communication patterns because we're trained in formal diplomatic language. Australians prefer understated achievement and self-deprecating humor over confident assertions. "I think this might work" gets better reception than "This is the optimal solution."

Practical Impact: Modify your Brussels presentation style. Lead with questions rather than statements, acknowledge team contributions generously, and learn to "read the room" for when serious discussion is welcome vs when lighter interaction is expected.

Long-Term Integration: Building Your Australian Life

The Two-Year Integration Timeline

Most Brussels-Melbourne expats report genuine settlement takes about 18-24 months. Understanding this timeline prevents premature decisions to return to Europe during inevitable difficult periods.

"I had my 'I want to go home' crisis at month 8 when everything felt foreign and expensive. My Melbourne friends told me to wait until month 18 before making any big decisions. They were right - by year two, I couldn't imagine leaving. The key is building genuine local relationships, not just expat connections." - Claire, former Brussels consultant, now Melbourne startup founder

Citizenship and Long-Term Planning

Permanent residency: Maintained by 2 years residence in first 5 years, then 5 years in each subsequent period
Citizenship eligibility: After 4 years residence as permanent resident
Dual citizenship: Belgium allows dual citizenship - you don't lose Belgian passport
Voting rights: Compulsory voting in Australia (small fine if you don't vote)
Social security portability: Some Belgian social security benefits can be maintained/transferred

Maintaining European Connections

Time zone challenges: 9-11 hour difference makes regular contact difficult
Annual Europe trips: Budget $3,000-5,000 AUD for yearly visit to maintain relationships
European community in Melbourne: Strong Belgian, French, and German expat networks
Professional networks: Many international companies facilitate European business travel

Frequently Asked Questions: Brussels to Melbourne

Based on 200+ consultations with Brussels professionals making this transition, here are the questions I'm asked most often:

🕐 "How long does the visa process really take?"

Short answer: 8-18 months from start to arrival, depending on your pathway.

Detailed timeline:

Skills assessment: 2-4 months (VETASSESS for most Brussels professionals)
Document preparation: 1-2 months (apostilles, translations, police checks)
EOI to invitation: 1-6 months (depends on your points score)
Visa processing: 6-18 months (189 subclass typically 8-12 months)
Planning and preparation: 2-3 months after grant

Brussels-specific tip: Start the process while still employed in Brussels. Most visa applications require proof of ongoing employment and income.

❌ "What if my visa gets rejected?"

Prevention is key: 95% of rejections are due to incomplete documentation or ineligible occupations.

Common Brussels expat rejection reasons:

Occupation not on skilled list: EU policy work doesn't always translate directly
Insufficient English scores: Even native speakers need IELTS 8+ for competitive points
Health examination failures: Undeclared medical conditions or incomplete vaccinations
Character requirements: Outstanding fines, even minor criminal history

If rejected: You can appeal within 28 days or reapply after addressing the issues. Most Brussels professionals who get professional migration agent help succeed on second attempt.

Alternative pathways: Working Holiday visa (if under 31), student visa pathway, or state-nominated programs if federal pathways fail.

🐕 "Can I bring my pets from Belgium?"

Yes, but it's complex and expensive: Budget $4,000-8,000 AUD and 6+ months preparation.

Process for cats and dogs:

Microchip: Must be ISO 11784/11785 compliant (check with Belgian vet)
Rabies vaccination: At least 21 days before blood test, valid for 3 years
Rabies antibody test: Blood sample to EU-approved lab, must show adequate antibodies
Health certificate: Belgian government veterinarian endorsement within 10 days of travel
Import permit: Apply to Australian Department of Agriculture 8-12 weeks before travel
Quarantine: Minimum 10 days at Melbourne facility ($2,000+ AUD)

Brussels-specific considerations: Some Belgian vaccinations aren't recognized - verify with Australian authorities. Consider pet transport specialists like Jetpets or PetAir for logistics.

Alternative: Many Brussels expats rehome pets locally and adopt in Melbourne - emotionally difficult but practically simpler.

💰 "What about my Belgian pension rights?"

Good news: Belgium-Australia social security agreement protects most pension rights.

Belgian pension implications:

State pension: You keep rights to Belgian state pension based on years worked
Occupational pensions: Most private pension schemes allow international transfers
EU pension coordination: You lose EU-wide pension coordination benefits after leaving
Tax implications: Australian residents pay tax on worldwide income, including Belgian pensions

Australian superannuation:

Mandatory contributions: 11% of salary goes into super from day one
Preservation age: Generally can't access until age 60-67
Transfer options: Some European pension schemes can transfer to Australian super

Action required: Consult Belgian pension service and Australian financial advisor before moving. Timing of move affects tax obligations significantly.

🔄 "Can I maintain my Belgian tax residency?"

Highly unlikely and inadvisable: Both countries have strict tax residency rules.

Belgian tax exit requirements:

Deregistration: Must deregister from Belgian municipality within reasonable time
Exit tax: May apply to certain investments and stock options
Final tax return: Due by June 30 following departure year
Property ownership: Can keep Belgian property but affects tax residency determination

Australian tax residency: Usually automatic after 6 months residence or visa grant. Pay tax on worldwide income.

Double taxation agreement: Belgium-Australia treaty prevents double taxation, but you'll be resident in one country for tax purposes.

🚗 "Should I ship my car from Belgium?"

Absolutely not: Costs exceed value and conversion requirements are extensive.

Why shipping doesn't make sense:

Shipping costs: $3,000-5,000 AUD for container shipping
Right-hand drive conversion: Required and costs $15,000+ AUD
Compliance modifications: Australian Design Rules certification expensive
Import duties: 5% duty plus 10% GST on vehicle value plus shipping

Better alternatives:

Buy locally: Good used cars from $8,000-15,000 AUD
Car sharing: GoGet, Car Next Door for occasional use
Public transport: Melbourne's system covers most needs
Motorcycle option: Easier import process if you need personal transport

⚕️ "How does healthcare compare to Belgium's system?"

Simpler and often better: Medicare beats most European systems for accessibility.

Medicare vs Belgian healthcare:

GP visits: Usually bulk-billed (free) vs Belgian advance payment system
Specialists: Referral required but no pre-authorization complications
Hospital care: Public hospitals completely free vs Belgian hospital co-pays
Medications: PBS scheme makes most drugs $30-40 AUD vs full Belgian pharmacy prices
Mental health: 20 subsidized psychology sessions annually vs limited Belgian coverage

What's not covered: Dental, optical, physiotherapy (private insurance recommended for these)

Private health insurance: $100-200 AUD monthly for comprehensive coverage vs $200+ EUR in Belgium

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 "What about schools for my children?"

Excellent options: Australian education system ranks higher than Belgium internationally.

School system overview:

Public schools: Free, high quality, secular education
Catholic schools: Lower fees than private, often excellent results
Private schools: $15,000-40,000 AUD annually but world-class facilities
International schools: Available but very expensive ($25,000+ AUD)

Brussels vs Melbourne school differences:

Language of instruction: English only (vs trilingual Brussels options)
School hours: 9 AM - 3:30 PM (vs Belgian 8:30 AM - 4 PM)
Uniform requirements: Most schools require uniforms
Sports emphasis: Much stronger focus on sports and outdoor activities

Enrollment process: Must be Australian resident to access public schools. Private schools accept international students but at higher fees.

📱 "How do I maintain my European bank accounts?"

Possible but complicated: Many European banks restrict non-resident accounts.

Belgian bank account maintenance:

Address requirements: Some banks require European address (use family/friends)
Activity requirements: Regular transactions needed to avoid closure
Tax reporting: Banks report to Belgian tax authorities under CRS
Online banking: May be restricted from Australian IP addresses

Why keep Belgian account:

Euro transactions: For European travel and purchases
Family connections: Easy money transfers to family
Property management: If you keep Belgian property
Return planning: Easier reintegration if you move back

Alternative solutions: Wise, Revolut, or other international banking services offer multi-currency accounts without residency restrictions.

Essential Resources for Brussels-Melbourne Expats

Official: australia.gov.au (government services), vic.gov.au (Victorian state government)
Immigration: homeaffairs.gov.au (visa information), skillselect.gov.au (points calculator)
Jobs: seek.com.au (main job board), linkedin.com, apsjobs.gov.au (government positions)
Housing: realestate.com.au, domain.com.au, flatmates.com.au
Community: Facebook groups: "Belgians in Melbourne," "Europeans in Melbourne," "Brussels Expats Australia"
Banking: anz.com.au, commbank.com.au, nab.com.au (major banks with expat services)

Financial Planning: Managing the Transition

Pre-Move Financial Preparation

Visa and moving costs: Budget €15,000-20,000 for visa, moving, and initial setup
Emergency fund: 6 months living expenses in Australian dollars ($25,000-35,000 AUD)
Belgian tax obligations: Understand exit tax implications and ongoing filing requirements
Currency transfer: Use services like Wise or OFX rather than traditional banks for better exchange rates

Australian Financial Setup

Tax File Number (TFN): Apply immediately upon arrival - required for employment and banking
Superannuation: Choose a fund immediately - employer contributions start from day one
Credit history: Start building Australian credit history with basic bank account and credit card
Property investment: Foreign investment approval required for real estate purchases

Ready to Make the Leap from Brussels to Melbourne?

The journey from Belgium's administrative capital to Australia's cultural heart isn't just a relocation - it's a complete lifestyle transformation. You're trading European sophistication for Australian optimism, bureaucratic complexity for straightforward systems, and predictable grey skies for endless blue horizons.

The process is complex, expensive, and emotionally challenging. But for Brussels professionals seeking work-life balance, career growth, and outdoor living without sacrificing urban sophistication, Melbourne offers something genuinely unique: a European-quality city with Australian lifestyle benefits.

Start your visa research today - it's the longest part of the process and determines everything else.

Looking back at that grey Brussels morning 20 months ago, I realize I wasn't just choosing a new city - I was choosing a fundamentally different approach to life. Melbourne didn't solve all my problems, but it gave me a sunny backdrop for solving them and a culture that prioritizes happiness over achievement. The visa process was brutal, the moving costs were shocking, and the first winter in shorts felt wrong. But sitting in my Fitzroy café, planning weekend trips to wine country while my Brussels colleagues battle February sleet, I know I made the right choice. Melbourne isn't perfect, but it's perfectly suited to the life I wanted to build.

About the Author: Sophie is a former EU policy advisor turned Melbourne-based international business consultant. She specializes in helping European professionals navigate Australian immigration and career transitions. Her Brussels-to-Melbourne journey is documented at europeaninmelbourne.com where she offers consultation services for professionals making similar transitions.