Dating in Belgium: finding love as an expat

Belgium’s dating scene is a bit like its weather – sometimes sunny and charming, other times unpredictable and like a wet dog. While the country’s cobblestone streets and cozy cafés might seem like the perfect backdrop for romance, finding love requires patience, humor, and maybe a sturdy pair of shoes for those winding streets.

So, how do you meet people and impress them on a first date? Is the quest for romance in Belgium a fairytale or a riddle?

Let’s find out:

Is it easy to date in Belgium?

More than a third of Belgians (36.1%) live alone (Statbel, 2024). Within the regions, the share of single-person households is 33.3% in Flanders (Dutch: Vlaanderen, French: Flandre), 37.4% in Wallonia (Dutch: Wallonië, French: Wallonie), and 47.1% in the Brussels-Capital Region (Dutch: Brussel, French: Bruxelles).

Of course, it would be wrong to assume every one of those is also single (i.e., without a partner). And with those statistics being the only ones available, it’s hard to say whether Belgians find it easy to date or not.

According to a 2022 study, however, an increasing number of young people are choosing to stay single for a long period of time. While the reasons are, as of yet, unclear, the study suggests it may be because online dating has given people too much choice. Singles have higher standards and refuse to settle for someone who isn’t perfect.

A lot of singles are also dealing with the phenomenon of “dating fatigue”; people are tired of months and years of dating without any luck and choose to just stay single for a while.

Alongside this, many young people prefer to focus on personal growth and their careers, prioritizing travel, housing, and self-fulfillment over having a family. These singles are looking for authenticity and want to avoid dating the “wrong” person.

How do you meet single people online in Belgium?

The best dating websites in Belgium

Unsurprisingly, in the modern era, one of the easiest ways to enter the Belgian dating scene is by going online.

To meet other single, like-minded internationals, try our own online dating service: Expatica Dating Belgium. Popular with both men and women, it helps to connect people who share similar interests and passions and ultimately find love in the country of chocolate and waffles.

Other popular dating sites are Badoo, Meetic, and Parship, which are free to use but may require payment in order to access special features.

The best dating apps in Belgium

International dating apps such as Tinder, Hinge, and Boo are common in Belgium. Breeze is also popular – this paid app doesn’t have a chat function; instead, a match leads to an instant date.

Turn Up is another app that offers great possibilities – it allows you to find your match through your taste in music. Meanwhile, Fruitz is a dating app that has assigned fruit to relationship goals. For example, if you’re looking for a friends-with-benefits situation, you pick the watermelon, and a cherry means that you’re trying to find “the one.”

Singles looking for same-sex relationships in Belgium may want to check out the dating apps Disco, Newe, Taimi, and Zoe.

As might be expected, users of dating apps tend to stumble upon the same issues as they would in other countries. For example, the apps are primarily focused on hooking up and are geared toward making rapid decisions. So, if you are looking for a genuine connection, you may be better off signing up for a website or meeting someone in person.

How do you meet singles in person in Belgium?

If online dating is not for you, then in-person meetups can be a good alternative. You can start by going to social events organized by Meetup groups. There are numerous events throughout Belgium, particularly in larger cities and towns, that allow you to meet people in a fun and safe way. Even if you don’t find the love of your life, you might make some new friends.

Another great way to meet new people is by joining a local sports club or association. From cooking classes to sports teams, this poses a great way for potential partners to meet and bond over shared passions and interests.

Meeting people through friends

Of course, you can also reach out to your social and professional network to find a date. If you have friends or close work colleagues you trust, see if they know of any suitable singles they could set you up with. Otherwise, keep an eye out for social gatherings and do some searching yourself.

If you’re feeling confident, Belgium’s cities have plenty of opportunities to acquaint yourself with strangers, for example, in bars, at clubs, or at a local event or festival. Some people also meet their partners on vacation; you just have to be a little outgoing.

While this method requires more effort, it can be rewarding to find attractive singles without the worry that their online personality might not match their real-life one.

Local speed dating events

Speed dating is another interesting way of meeting potential dating partners in Belgium. This is where singles meet at a venue and are matched for a series of quick-fire conversations with others to see if compatibility or a spark exists.

You can find events near you on websites such as dare to date, which advertises events all over the country. Social networking sites like Facebook and Instagram may also have details of upcoming mixers or speed-dating events.

What is the dating etiquette in Belgium?

Generally speaking, Belgians are kind but a bit reserved. It may take them a while to open up and let you in. Because of this, they may come across as distant or disinterested, but you just have to see through that.

Belgians are also known to like their comfort zone, which means they are less likely to be available for last-minute plans or spontaneous dates.

But, if you’re up for the challenge, here’s what to expect in terms of first dates and what might come next if things progress.

A typical dating scenario

In Belgium, people typically meet for first dates at a local café or bar (wine, cocktails, games, take your pick). As time goes on, dates will likely center around your shared hobbies and interests. For example, you could have a picnic at the park, visit a museum, or do something sporty like bouldering or axe-throwing.

Dates are typically friendly and relaxed but can be more direct than in other countries. Belgian men and women value honesty and will tell it like it is. This also means they don’t have time for playing games or second-guessing someone’s intentions. They prefer to put their cards on the table, which means you don’t have to assume anything.

Public displays of affection (PDA) is generally moderate in Belgium. You’ll see couples holding hands, sitting close together, or sharing a quick kiss. Anything more intense may draw disapproving looks, especially in Dutch-speaking Flanders. French-speaking Wallonia is a bit more relaxed about PDA, but will also raise an eyebrow if you’re, for example, French-kissing in public.

Dating behavior in Belgium

Although Belgian culture and social norms are distinct in many ways, first-date etiquette is pretty typical. People are generally friendly and upbeat, meaning that the dating atmosphere is usually relaxed and fun. Punctuality is a point of pride in the country, so you’ll want to be a few to 15 minutes early. Belgians consider it very disrespectful to keep people waiting (it also shows poor planning).

The dress code is smart casual, something that is comfortable yet polished. You won’t impress any date by showing up to a date wearing torn jeans or loungewear.

When it comes to talking points, you might find that Belgian men and women are not fans of small talk. Taboo subjects include discussing religion and politics, especially the unity between Flanders and Wallonia. Being overly serious (i.e., desperate) or having a negative attitude won’t go down too well either, and you’re unlikely to get a second date.

Another thing to note is that the dating culture in Belgium is pretty monogamous. If you start seeing someone beyond a couple of initial dates, they generally expect you to be exclusive.

Gender roles in Belgium

Belgium is pretty progressive when it comes to gender roles. Men and women are considered equal, and either gender can ask each other out. It’s also not offensive to split the bill; in fact, it’s assumed you’ll both pay 50/50.

However, this doesn’t mean men don’t like to be chivalrous. Indeed, most will open doors and help their dates with their coats. However, too grand of romantic gestures will not be appreciated. Belgians are typically modest, and it will backfire on you tremendously.

What are Belgian relationships like?

Although Belgians take love quite seriously, relationships tend to progress at a slower pace in the early stages. Because of their reserved nature, it can take quite a few dates and months before things get going.

However, they’re not likely to mess around or play games. Deliberately leading someone on or sending mixed signals is not acceptable behavior, and they’ll let you know if they’re interested in a relationship or not.

Couples usually move in together after one to three years of dating. Many couples see living together as a good way to build a strong foundation for a life together and make sure they are compatible before committing to a long-term union.

When do you meet your partner’s family?

A tell-tale sign that your relationship has become serious is when your partner wants to introduce you to their family. Belgians tend to be relatively private and value their personal space, so they won’t rush any family introductions.

In the early stages of dating, it’s common to keep things casual. Once a relationship becomes more established – typically when there’s a sense of long-term potential – it’s more likely you’ll meet your partner’s family. This could happen around holidays, family gatherings, or special occasions, but only when both partners feel comfortable with it.

Meeting someone’s family is usually a genuine gesture that means you both see a future together.

Getting married in Belgium

The role of the family in weddings

In Belgium, wedding proposals are a private affair. It’s not standard for the groom-to-be to ask the woman’s parents for her hand first. In fact, depending on the family, it may even be considered sexist and a genuine offense.

It’s way more common for couples to get engaged and announce it to their friends and family afterward. It’s also customary for the future bride to receive an engagement ring from her soon-to-be spouse.

The challenges facing unmarried couples

Unmarried couples generally do not face strong societal or legal challenges in Belgium. Cohabitation is completely normal, and there is little to no social stigma attached to it. In fact, many couples choose to live together without getting married, reflecting broader European trends toward more liberal relationships and family structures.

Couples who choose not to marry could opt for partnership contracts, which provide some legal recognition and rights as married couples (e.g., joint taxation and some inheritance rights). Without partnership agreements, couples do not have automatic rights to shared pensions, inheritance, hospital visitation, or decision-making in medical emergencies.

Things to keep in mind when dating in Belgium

Is Belgium LGBTQ+ friendly?

Belgium has a long history of advocating for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people (LGBTQ+) rights. In 2003, it was the second in the world to legalize same-sex marriage, after its neighbor, the Netherlands. Belgium ranks 19^th out of 197 in the world on the 2025 LGBT Equality Index.

Major cities like Antwerp and Brussels have strong and thriving LGBTQ+ scenes. The country attracts many people from all over the world to enjoy its bars, nightclubs, and events, including the monthly La Démence party, and the annual Prides in Antwerp and Brussels.

What are the views on mixed dating?

Belgium is generally a multicultural and diverse country, especially in larger cities like Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent. Mixed dating – whether interracial or interfaith – is common and largely accepted, particularly among younger generations.

That said, like in many countries, attitudes can vary depending on the region, community, and individual backgrounds. In certain circles, people may be prejudicial and less accepting of mixed relationships. However, this is not a blanket rule.

What challenges come with online dating?

As in any country, online dating in Belgium comes with its risks. People might not always be who or what they say they are on their profile or during initial chats. The country has had its fair share of romance scams; the federal government even launched a public campaign in 2025.

Never agree to send money to someone before meeting them (never agree to send money to someone, period), arrange your first date in a public place, and be sure to tell a friend or family member where you’ll be.

Useful resources

• Febelfin – federal campaign with tips against online romance scams in Belgium
• Gorgeous Globe – article where 100 expats share their experience with dating someone in Belgium