Top 3 Destinations for Belgium Expats (2023 Data via 2025 OECD Report)
The report estimates that 28,000 Belgian citizens left for other OECD countries in 2023, up 1% from the year before.
| Country of Origin | Destination Country | # of Migrants |
|---|---|---|
| Belgium | France | ~7,840 (28% of overall Belgian outflow) |
| Belgium | Spain | ~5,880 (21% of overall Belgian outflow) |
| Belgium | Netherlands | ~3,360 (12% of overall Belgian outflow) |
France at #1 makes sense for a country where 40% of the population speaks French. Spain at #2 is consistent with the rest of Western Europe. The Netherlands at #3 reflects the Flemish/Dutch speaking north. All three are neighbors.
Where are those destination countries sending their people?
Emigration of French citizens (to OECD countries) was 104,000 in 2023. ~19% went to Switzerland, 16% to Spain, and 11% to Belgium.
Emigration of Spanish citizens (to OECD countries) was 80,000 in 2023. ~18% went to Germany, 13% to the Netherlands, and 12% to France.
Emigration of Dutch citizens (to OECD countries) was 42,000 in 2023. ~21% went to Spain, 18% to Belgium, and 13% to Germany.
| Country of Origin | Top Destination Country | # of Migrants |
|---|---|---|
| France | Switzerland | ~19,760 |
| Spain | Germany | ~14,400 |
| Netherlands | Spain | ~8,820 |