Relocating to Belgium brings you into a country known for its cultural diversity, strong infrastructure, and high living standards. Whether you’re settling in Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Liège, or Bruges, setting up your utilities is one of the key steps to making your new home comfortable and functional.

This guide explains how to set up and manage:

• Electricity and Gas

• Water

• Internet and Mobile Services

It also covers major providers, average monthly costs, and practical advice to help you navigate Belgium’s utility systems with ease.

Electricity and Gas

Electricity and gas in Belgium operate in a liberalized market, meaning you can choose your energy supplier. However, the distribution network operator (DSO) depends on your region and is responsible for maintaining the physical infrastructure.

When you move into a new home, you’ll need to register a contract with your chosen supplier, even if the previous occupant already had service. If you’re renting, check whether utilities are included in your lease (“charges comprises”).

Documents required:

• Passport, ID, or residence permit

• National registration number (if available)

• Proof of address (rental contract or property deed)

• Bank account (for SEPA direct debit)

• Meter readings (recorded on move-in day)

Major energy suppliers:

• Engie (formerly Electrabel)

• Luminus

• Eneco

• Octa+

• Mega

• EnergyVision (green energy provider)

Distribution network operators (examples):

• Fluvius (Flanders)

• Sibelga (Brussels)

• Ores (Wallonia)

• Resa (Liège region)

Average costs:

• Electricity: €80–€150/month

• Gas: €70–€120/month (depending on heating and usage)

Tips:

• Compare suppliers and rates using www.comparateur-energie.be or www.mesfournisseurs.be.

• Many companies offer dual “electricity + gas” packages with discounts.

• Belgium encourages renewable energy, check for green electricity options (“électricité verte”).

Water

Water services in Belgium are not privatized and are managed regionally by public companies. You cannot choose your provider; it depends on where you live.

In most rental properties, water charges are included in the building’s common fees (“charges communes”), and tenants pay a regular contribution. Homeowners must register directly with their regional supplier.

Documents required:

• Proof of residence (rental contract or deed)

• Identity card or passport

• Move-in date and meter readings

• Bank details for billing

Main regional water providers:

• Vivaqua – Brussels region

• Waterlink – Antwerp region

• Farys – Ghent and surrounding areas

• SWDE (Société Wallonne des Eaux) – Wallonia

Average costs:

• €30–€60/month for an average household

• Bills usually issued quarterly or annually

Tips:

• Belgium’s tap water is safe to drink nationwide.

• Water charges include supply and sewage fees, both based on consumption.

• Many municipalities require a minimum standing charge (“forfait”) even with low usage.

Internet and Mobile Services

Belgium has reliable and widespread broadband internet and mobile coverage. Fiber connections are expanding rapidly, particularly in major cities.

When setting up your home internet, you can often choose between DSL, cable, or fiber, depending on your location. Many providers offer bundled plans that include internet, TV, and mobile services.

Documents required:

• Proof of identity (passport or residence card)

• Address and proof of residence

• Bank details for direct debit payments

Main internet providers:

• Proximus (largest provider, operates fiber and DSL)

• Telenet (mainly in Flanders and Brussels)

• VOO (Wallonia and Brussels)

• Orange Belgium (nationwide)

• Scarlet (low-cost subsidiary of Proximus)

Mobile providers:

• Proximus

• Orange

• Base (part of Telenet)

• Lycamobile (prepaid and international-friendly)

Average costs:

• Home internet: €40–€70/month

• Mobile plans: €20–€40/month for unlimited calls and generous data packages

Tips:

• Check fiber availability at your address on provider websites before choosing a plan.

• Contracts usually run for 12–24 months; short-term plans are available but may cost more.

• Prepaid SIM cards can be purchased at airports, supermarkets, and telecom shops.

• Use bundle packages (“packs”) if you need internet, mobile, and TV—these often include discounts.

General Tips for Managing Utilities in Belgium

• Register your meter readings immediately upon moving in to avoid being billed for previous tenants’ usage.

• SEPA direct debit (“domiciliation”) is the easiest and most common payment method.

• Keep all contracts and receipts, they’re useful for future moves or disputes.

• Language differences: Services and websites are usually available in French, Dutch, and English, depending on the region.

• Energy efficiency: Many Belgian homes have smart meters; use online portals to monitor consumption.

• Billing frequency: Most providers issue monthly or quarterly invoices, with annual reconciliation based on actual usage.

Wrapping Up

Setting up utilities in Belgium is relatively straightforward once you know which providers operate in your region. With your documents ready and your meter readings recorded, you can have electricity, gas, water, and internet connected within a few days.

Belgium’s infrastructure is modern and reliable, with flexible contract options and strong consumer protection. Whether you’re in a city apartment or a rural home, managing your utilities will be simple, efficient, and transparent, allowing you to focus on settling into your new Belgian life.