Middelkerke, Belgium 🇧🇪
#2156
,
Nomad Score:
59%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Middelkerke, located in West Flanders, Belgium, is a seaside town known for its beach resorts and family-friendly atmosphere. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 19,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of around 50 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD; Cash can be withdrawn from ATMs using international cards, and local banks like KBC and BNP Paribas are available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Proximus, Orange, and Telenet with straightforward prepaid plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like KBC and ING offer services for expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, vacation rentals, and serviced apartments through platforms like Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted in most places. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through Airbnb and local real estate agencies. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses such as Hostel Kiek in De Kök. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Near the beach promenade for easy access to the beach and local attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The city center has a good mix of amenities and accessibility. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Kosy Coworking situated in the nearby town of Oostende, offering professional workspaces. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de Zeemeermin, known for its relaxed atmosphere and free Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly networking events at local co-working spaces and cafes. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Group meetups organized through Facebook for expats living in the region. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt operates in the region for easy on-demand transport. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rental services available through De Fietsambassade. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Middelkerke Beach, directly accessible and known for its sandy shores. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Brussels Airlines offers regional connections. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | KLM and Lufthansa provide international flights from Brussels. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Easy access via E40 highway for road travel. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Middelkerke Train Station connects to major cities in Belgium. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | STIB/MIVB offers transit passes for local buses. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Local trains connect Middelkerke to nearby cities such as Ostend and Bruges. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | AZ Damiaan Hospital located in nearby Oostende. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Center Middelkerke offers various classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic-Fit gym provides accessible fitness solutions. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats available, such as Lavomatic Middelkerke. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Deliveroo operates successfully in the area. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Moules-frites (mussels with fries) is a local favorite. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | HappyVeggie offers a great selection of plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Chocolates from The Chocolate Line are highly recommended. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets on weekends offer fresh produce and products at good prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local stores such as Delhaize and Carrefour offer online shopping options. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Services like HelloFresh deliver meals directly to your home. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The beach promenade features numerous bars for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brouwerij De Halve Maan in Bruges offers tasting tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wijnhuis De Kleine Heks specializes in offering a curated selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various food stalls during local events provide unique street food options. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Il Carpaccio serve delicious Italian cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Middelkerke Casino is a popular tourist attraction. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Folklore Museum in nearby Oostende showcases local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The historic Fishermen’s Huts along the beach reflect local heritage. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Church of Saint Peter and Paul is a notable landmark. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The annual Beach Festival attracts tourists and locals alike. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The coastal district features cultural events and exhibitions throughout the summer. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Theater D'Ende has regular performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Weekly markets in the town square offer local crafts and foods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music events occur at various beach bars during summer months. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various public art installations are located throughout the town. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking schools offer classes focused on Belgian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Communal Art Gallery exhibits local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The historic station building is a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Symbolized by local festivals celebrating Flemish culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Westhoek Nature Reserve offers tranquil escapes. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Hoge Kempen National Park is accessible for day trips. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal path stretches from Middelkerke to Ostend, perfect for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Enjoy views over the North Sea from the beach promenade. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The nature reserve nearby provides excellent birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated beach areas allow bonfires during summer. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local delivery services include Bpost and GLS. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | QuickFix is a reliable tech repair shop in the area. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers provide table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Taalhuis offers Dutch language classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The local library has study areas and book collections. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural community centers host events and classes. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | GameZone in Ostend offers a variety of gaming experiences. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Middelkerke Casino offers gaming and entertainment options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €112,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,400 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €96,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €180,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €168,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €256,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €200,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 30% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Worldwide income basis for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 50% |
| 🧾 VAT | 21% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on cadastral income. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 10% standard rate, 6% for primary residence. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | 0% tax on income for digital nomads who qualify under certain conditions. |