Belgium (BE)
Belgium is a small but densely populated federal kingdom at the crossroads of Western Europe, split across three linguistic regions — Dutch-speaking Flanders, French-speaking Wallonia, and bilingual Brussels — and famed for its medieval cities, world-class beer and chocolate, and its role as the de facto capital of the European Union.
Digital Services
Digital ID, e-government and essential apps in Belgium.
itsme®
itsme is Belgium's national digital identity and authentication app. It links to your Belgian eID card and allows secure digital authentication, contract signing, and identity verification for government and private services. Belgium leads Europe in mobile digital identity adoption.
How to get it: 1. Ensure you have a Belgian eID card (from your commune) and a Belgian mobile number. 2. Download the itsme app (iOS or Android). 3. Activate with your eID card (requires your PIN) and your Belgian mobile number. 4. Complete identity verification — the app guides you through the process. 5. The app is then usable for all supported services.
E-Government Portal
https://www.belgium.beBelgium's e-government is highly developed for a country of its size. The e-Box system is mandatory for businesses — all official government communications are sent digitally. For individuals, the e-Box is optional but growing. itsme is the primary authentication method. The FAS (Federal Authentication Service) coordinates single sign-on across all federal portals.
Essential Apps
ExpatCheapRent
FreeExpat-focused cheap rental finder at expatcheaprent.com — compares listings across major rental portals to help newcomers find affordable apartments.
Immoweb
FreeBelgium's #1 real estate portal for apartment and house rentals across Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges and all regions — the primary tool for expat property searches.
itsme
FreeBelgian national digital identity app — essential for accessing government services, banking, and signing documents digitally.
NMBS/SNCB
FreeOfficial Belgian railway app for train tickets, timetables, and disruptions. Essential for daily commuters.
STIB/MIVB
FreeBrussels urban transport app — buy tickets, check real-time timetables for metro, tram, and bus.
De Lijn
FreeFlanders public transport app for buses and trams. Real-time information and tickets.
myminfin (Tax-on-web)
FreeBelgian tax portal app. File your annual tax return, check withholding tax, and access tax documents.
RecycleApp
FreeBelgian waste and recycling collection schedule app — tells you exactly which waste stream is collected on which day in your commune.
Buienradar / Precipitations.be
FreeRain radar essential in Belgium — shows rain showers moving in real time so you can time your commute or outdoor activity.
KBC / Belfius / BNP Easy Banking
FreeBelgian bank mobile apps with Bancontact payments, mobile transfers, and account management. All fully support itsme login.
1733
FreeOut-of-hours GP service app — find the nearest on-duty doctor or pharmacy (wachtdienst) outside normal hours.
Yummie / Takeaway.com
FreeMost popular food delivery apps in Belgium. Deliveroo also operates in major cities.
bpost
FreeTrack parcels, find post offices and pick-up points, register mail forwarding.
BeWePay / Bancontact app
FreeThe official Bancontact mobile payment app for contactless payments between individuals and at merchants.
Belgium's digital infrastructure is excellent. The itsme app is central to daily digital life — set it up as soon as you have your eID. The e-Box digital mailbox is the future of Belgian official correspondence; register early to avoid missing important government communications. Internet and mobile connectivity are very good across the country, with 4G/5G widely available. Rural Wallonia and some Ardennes areas have slower broadband.