Ghent, Belgium—a city where medieval charm meets modern living—has become an increasingly popular place for expats to call home. And it’s easy to see why.
Whether you’re drawn by its stunning architecture, high standard of living, excellent education system, or vibrant cultural scene, Ghent offers a lot for newcomers in 2025. It’s a welcoming, walkable city with a strong sense of community and growing economy, ideal for families, students, and professionals alike.
At Remitly, we know how exciting (and overwhelming) moving abroad can be. That’s why we’ve put together this practical guide to help simplify the moving process to Ghent. We’ll cover essentials like housing, transportation, finances, and integration with the local community.
Why choose Ghent?
Maybe you got a good job offer and didn’t have much say in the move. Or, perhaps you’re exploring your options and are wondering what life in Ghent is like.
You could be lucky enough to have a choice and are toying with the idea of moving to Ghent. Whatever the case, here’s why Ghent could be a great choice to start your next chapter.
- A vibrant international community: Around 15% of Ghent’s 268,000 residents are internationals, not to mention 85,000 students. There are plenty of expat events, meetups, and groups you can join to make connections and ease homesickness.
- Inclusive and multicultural: Ghent embraces diversity. Its commitment to multicultural openness is so strong that the city’s currently in the running to become the European Capital of Culture in 2030.
- Strong career prospects: Ghent has a dynamic job market, especially in innovative industries like biotech, greentech, and education. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow your career, these sectors offer great career opportunities.
Getting to know Ghent
Ghent is a city full of surprises. With a deep-rooted history and a modern, eco-conscious outlook, life here is interesting and captivating.
An overview of Ghent’s history
Located in the Flemish region of Belgium, also known as Flanders, Ghent sits just north of Brussels. Locals mainly speak Dutch, though French, German, and English are commonly spoken too.
Ghent’s history dates back to 630 AD, when St. Amandus, a bishop in Flanders, established a city at the meeting point of the Lys and the Scheldt rivers. The first construction was an abbey, setting the foundation for one of Europe’s most influential medieval cities.
Today, Ghent’s well-preserved medieval buildings and cobblestone streets attract over one million tourists annually. Some of the must-see sites include:
- Castle of the Counts (Gravensteen): A medieval fortress that welcomes almost half a million tourists annually.
- Ghent Belfry: Home to the city’s golden dragon and panoramic views.
- Saint Bavo’s Cathedral, Romanesque House, and St. Nicholas Church are other examples of the city’s rich architectural legacy.
By the year 1000, Ghent had become an important city in Europe—especially known for its textile and cotton industries—second only to London and Paris in wealth and size.
Ghent’s eco-friendly vision
Innovation is in Ghent’s DNA. The city strives to be a global leader in sustainability and promoting eco-friendly tourism. It’s one of the important tourist destinations in Belgium, alongside Brussels, Antwerp, and Bruges, although not as tourist-heavy.
Here are a few of Ghent’s standout green initiatives, also recognized and featured by the United Nations:
- Ghent Light Plan, artistically lighting monuments, squares, and architectural accents with energy-saving lights.
- Urban greening includes green roofs on bus shelters, building facade gardens, and street-level greenery.
- Low Emission Zone (LEZ) in the city, where older, more polluting vehicles are banned from the city center to improve air quality.
- Sustainable transport, such as electric scooters, boats, and a bike-sharing system, makes it easy to get around.
Other initiatives include community kitchens, circular benches made of sustainable concrete, sustainable urban logistics, job crafting for the over-55s, addressing food waste, and recycling.
Finding accommodation in Ghent
Sold on Ghent? We hope so. Now, you need to find a place to live.
Best neighborhoods to consider in Ghent
Ghent is generally a safe city. However, the usual petty crimes such as purse snatching and pickpocketing occur, so be mindful of your surroundings.
Each neighborhood in Ghent offers something unique depending on your lifestyle, budget, and stage of life.
Patershol is a trendy and historical neighborhood, centrally located with traditional cobbled streets, restaurants, and museums. It attracts families, young professionals, and adventurous foodie expats. Here, you’ll enjoy everything from Japanese and Turkish to traditional Flemish cuisine.
Sint-Amandsberg is a great option for families. It’s a residential district with modern amenities, spacious homes, and green parks. Its historical significance, museums, and exhibitions make family outings simple and affordable.
Those seeking quieter suburbs will prefer living in Zwijnaarde and Mariakerke, where houses and apartments are modern.
If you’re a student, consider living in Watersportbaan-Ekkergem, where you’ll find affordable housing near Ghent University.
Renting vs. buying property in Ghent
Once you’ve chosen a neighborhood you like, the next step is to decide whether to rent or buy.
Renting is fairly straightforward.
A one-bedroom apartment in the city center will set you back between €600 and €800 ($680 USD and $905 USD). The further away from the city you live, the cheaper the rent.
If you’re looking for luxury and large homes, prepare to pay between €1,000 and €2,000 ($1,130 USD and $2262 USD).
You can opt for short-term or long-term rentals.
Short-term rentals are best when you’re unsure about which area in Ghent to settle in. So, your lease will be between six months and three years to allow you to get a feel of the area you’re in.
Once you’re sold on a place, you can opt for long-term rentals provided you meet your tenant obligations and don’t breach the tenancy contract.
Should you decide on a long-term rental, expect to pay a three-month security deposit.
Local websites and agencies can help you find a home in Ghent. Consider these three.
Buying property is relatively easy, too.
Belgium doesn’t limit foreigners, including non-residents, from buying property or taking out a Belgian mortgage, as long as they pay the relevant taxes.
The lack of restrictions, affordability compared to other European cities, and high Return on Investment (RoI) make the Belgian real estate market a highly competitive one.
Find a real estate agent to help you navigate the market, negotiate, and buy property legally.
Transportation options in Ghent
You’ll be moving around Ghent to go to work or run daily errands such as shopping and meeting friends. The two main options are public transport or driving.
Public transportation in Ghent
Ghent is big on sustainability, and public transport is a huge part of that. The system is reliable, accessible, and widely used.
De Lijn operates buses and trams throughout the city. The main hub is Ghent-Sint-Pieters station, which connects Ghent to other cities like Brussels, Antwerp, Paris, and Amsterdam. You can pay per journey or buy a monthly pass if you travel often.
There are also affordable biking options, such as Blue-bike rentals, or you could buy your own.
Driving in Ghent
You may not be able to drive immediately, because foreigners are only eligible for a Belgian driving license after being registered in Belgium for 185 days.
If you hold a non-European national driving license, consider exchanging it to start driving in Ghent.
To exchange a driving license, apply at the local Dienst Burgerzaken (Civil Affairs Office) and provide the necessary documents such as your residence permit and existing driving license. Sometimes, you may be required to take a driving test, depending on your country of origin.
If you have a European driving license, you don’t need to register for a Belgian one, because European national driving license holders are recognized throughout the European Union.
Bear this in mind when driving:
- The city center is car-free. You can’t drive through it, and even bikes are restricted in some areas.
- Narrow streets, pedestrians, and cyclists make city driving tricky. Parking is limited and expensive.
Managing your finances
To enjoy a comfortable life in Ghent, the three financial areas you’ll want to stay on top of are opening a bank account, budgeting wisely, and understanding the tax system.
Opening a bank account in Ghent
Setting up a local bank account makes day-to-day life easier. You’ll avoid international banking fees and gain access to services tailored to Belgian residents.
To open an account, online or in person, you’ll provide:
- A valid residence permit
- Your passport or ID
- Proof of address in Belgium (like a rental contract)
- Proof of income (occasionally required, depending on the bank)
There are popular local banks like ING and N26, as well as international options such as BBVA, Bank of America, and Deutsche Bank.
Budgeting tips for daily life
Excluding rent, the estimated cost of living for a family of four in Belgium is €3,356.3 ($3,792 USD) per month in 2025. A single person might spend up to €1,700 ($1,920 USD) monthly on rent, groceries, and transportation.
Consider the following cost-saving tips to keep more money in your pocket and find some to send back home to your loved ones.
- Shop at local markets.
- Cycle instead of taking the bus or tram.
- Depending on the length of your stay, owning a bicycle may be cheaper than renting one.
- Buy fruits and vegetables that are in season to get the best prices.
- Live outside the city center.
- Only buy the groceries you need to prevent food waste.
- Look for accommodation near public transportation for easy access.
Belgium uses a progressive tax system, with rates ranging from 25% to 50%, depending on your income. Residents are taxed on their worldwide income, while non-residents are taxed on Belgian income sources only.
There are three main regions一Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels一where Belgium levies certain taxes depending on the region. Hire a Ghent-based tax advisor who will guide you on local tax laws.
Essential services in Ghent
To settle in Ghent and access basic public services, familiarize yourself with the following:
- Healthcare: Consider hospitals like UZ Gent for specialized care. Register with a local general practitioner (huisarts) and the local mutualité/mutualiteit (health insurance fund).
- Energy providers: Popular ones include Engie (formerly known as Electrabel), Bolt, Eneco, and Energie 2030. Learn more from the Flemish Regulatory Body for the Electricity and Gas Market (VREG).
- Water supply: Ghent’s water services are managed by De Watergroep.
- Government services: Use MyGov.be to access national services online (taxes, social security, etc.)
- Permits: If you plan to stay longer than three months, you must register at the Dienst Burgerzaken (Civil Affairs Office). Bring your passport, visa, rental contract, and a photo. You’ll then receive a residence permit (eID) for accessing essential services.
- Supermarkets: Delhaize, Carrefour, and Colruyt are the major chains in Belgium.
Making a home in Ghent
Building a life in Ghent goes beyond work or studies, it’s about finding a sense of community, especially if you’re settling here with your family.
Quality education providers
Ghent offers great education options for both local and international families.
- Ghent University is a prestigious institution known for research excellence and its broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
- Artevelde University is a great choice for applied sciences, communication, and teacher training.
- International School of Ghent teaches pre-primary, primary, and secondary school students in English.
Public schools are also a strong option, with many offering Dutch-language classes and support for non-native speakers.
As well as the communities and friendships you form as parents and students, expats can connect through:
- Facebook groups like Expats in Ghent
- Online platforms like Meetup.com
- Neighborhood groups
- Professional associations
- Joining InterNations
Life in Ghent can be truly rewarding. You’ll enjoy access to excellent amenities, education, and public transport, as well as contributing to a sustainable living environment and a thriving expat community.
FAQs
How is life in Ghent for foreigners?
Ghent is safe with a vibrant international community. The city embraces multiculturalism and has a thriving economy. Children also have access to quality education from pre-primary to university.
Can a foreigner buy property in Ghent?
Yes, both residents and non-residents can buy property in Ghent. There are no legal restrictions for foreigners, though you’ll have to pay the relevant taxes and fees.
What are the best neighborhoods in Ghent?
Expats are attracted to different locations in Ghent depending on their lifestyles. Patershol appeals to families, young professionals, and adventurous foodies. Sint-Amandsberg is also suitable for families, and those seeking quieter suburbs will prefer living in Zwijnaarde and Mariakerke where houses and apartments are modern. Students mostly live in Watersportbaan-Ekkergem.