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Section 5 of 8

Taxes and admin

Filing US taxes, keeping the Belgium side in order, and getting your driver's license.

Admin is nobody's favourite, but a little of it upfront saves headaches later, especially the Belgium side paperwork that's easy to forget once you're settled in.

US taxes

  • You file your taxes yourself, and how you do it depends on your visa.
  • You need a few documents from your employer before you can file.
  • It's easiest to file electronically through a filing website. You pay a small fee, but it's simple.

The Belgium side

  • Register with the Belgian consulate once you are here.
  • Keep your mutualiteit (health insurance) status sorted so you're covered when you visit home.

Driver's license

  • Mandatory for most visas if you stay longer than six months.
  • Once you have it, it works as your ID for buying alcohol at stores and getting into bars.