Rules and laws in Belgium (2026)
Last reviewed: 30 October 2026
Every topic we cover for Belgium. Each rule links to its official source.
Driving
E-bikes and speed pedelecs
Pedal-assist bikes up to 250 W and 25 km/h are listed among bicycles and have no helmet duty. A speed pedelec (up to 45 km/h) is treated as a moped: licence AM, helmet and registration plate.
Rules and sources →
E-scooters
Motorised scooters (up to 25 km/h by construction) are treated like cycles and may be ridden from age 16. No licence, registration or helmet is required, but a helmet is recommended. Insurance, passengers and alcohol rules were not confirmed.
Rules and sources →
Foreign driving licences
A valid EU/EEA licence may be used in Belgium and usually need not be exchanged at once after moving. A recognised licence from outside the EU/EEA may be used during the first 185 days of registration, and a Belgian licence can be issued only after those 185 days.
Rules and sources →
Mopeds
Belgium has two moped classes. Class A (up to 25 km/h) needs no licence; class B (up to 45 km/h) needs licence category AM. Both need a helmet, a registration plate and liability insurance.
Rules and sources →
Motorcycles: helmets and licences
Riders and passengers must wear a helmet, and a motorcycle must always use its dipped beam and rear light. The minimum ages for the practical exam are 18 (A1), 20 (A2) and 24 for category A, or 22 after two years on A2.
Rules and sources →
Seat belts and child seats
Everyone in a car must wear a seat belt. Children under 18 who are shorter than 1.35 m must use a suitable child restraint, and may sit in front at any age if fastened correctly.
Rules and sources →
Travel
Air passenger rights
Regulation (EC) 261/2004 applies. Compensation is EUR 250, 400 or 600 depending on distance, for a delay of at least 3 hours on arrival. The Belgian Civil Aviation Authority enforces the rules.
Rules and sources →
Customs allowances for tobacco and alcohol
From EU countries, Belgian customs lists 800 cigarettes, 10 litres of spirits, 90 litres of wine and 110 litres of beer as indicative limits for personal use. From outside the EU the allowances are 200 cigarettes, 1 litre of spirits over 22%, 4 litres of still wine and 16 litres of beer.
Rules and sources →
Health cover for temporary visitors
Visitors insured in the EEA or Switzerland can use the European Health Insurance Card in Belgium for essential care, with the same refund rights as people insured in Belgium. Part of the cost stays payable, and planned treatment needs form S2.
Rules and sources →
Identity documents
Belgians from the age of 15 must carry their identity card at all times. EU citizens can enter on an identity card or passport. The rule for foreign visitors inside Belgium was not found.
Rules and sources →
Meat and dairy imports
From other EU states the rules for third countries do not apply, though FASFC urges caution. From outside the EU, meat, meat products, milk and dairy products may not be brought in, with narrow exceptions such as 2 kg of infant milk.
Rules and sources →
Rail passenger rights
Regulation (EU) 2021/782 applies, with minimum compensation of 25 % of the ticket price from 60 minutes and 50 % from 120 minutes. The FPS Mobility and Transport is the national enforcement body.
Rules and sources →
Short stays (90/180-day rule)
Visitors from the UK do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Non-EU visitors are recorded in the Entry/Exit System and must declare their presence in Belgium within three days of arrival.
Rules and sources →
Tax-free shopping for visitors
Travellers living outside the EU can claim back VAT on goods exported in their luggage, for purchases of more than EUR 125 including VAT per invoice. Customs must stamp the invoice by the end of the third month after the month of purchase.
Rules and sources →
Travelling with pets
A microchip, a European pet passport and a valid rabies vaccination are needed, with a minimum age of 15 weeks. From outside the EU a rabies titration test and an animal health certificate may be needed. At most five animals may travel together, except for events.
Rules and sources →
Living
Maximum working time
The normal working week is 38 hours, on average over a reference period, and daily working time is 8 hours in principle. Workers are entitled to 11 consecutive hours of rest between two work sessions.
Rules and sources →
Registering residence for longer stays
EU citizens who stay in Belgium for more than three months must register with the municipality of their place of stay within three months of arriving. The municipality issues an Annex 19 first and a registration certificate once the right of residence is recognised.
Rules and sources →
State pension age
The statutory pension age in Belgium depends on the date of birth: 65, 66 or 67 years. People born from 1 January 1964 retire at 67. Early retirement is possible from age 60 with a long career.
Rules and sources →
Restrictions
Cannabis
Possessing or growing cannabis is an offence in Belgium, but prosecution of an adult is a low priority for up to three grams or one plant for personal use without aggravating circumstances. Minors may not possess or use it in any quantity.
Rules and sources →
Drones
Belgium applies the EU drone rules. Operator registration with the DGLV is required for a drone with a camera, and open-category drone pilots need an A1/A3 or A2 certificate. Open-category flights are limited to 120 m above ground level.
Rules and sources →
Knives and pepper spray
Under the federal weapons law, spring or gravity knives with a lock, butterfly knives and pepper-type sprays are prohibited weapons. Other edged weapons are freely available but may be carried only with a legitimate reason.
Rules and sources →
Tobacco and nicotine age limits
Tobacco and e-cigarettes may not be sold to anyone under 18, and smoking is banned in enclosed public spaces and in cars with minors present. These points come from a 2022 interfederal strategy document; nicotine pouches and public transport were not confirmed.
Rules and sources →
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.