Expat Relocation to Ghent: Historic, Creative & Corporate Hub Guide
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Ghent, Belgium, is a hidden gem where medieval canals meet a vibrant arts scene and a growing corporate landscape, offering expats an authentic European home. Less crowded than Brussels yet just as dynamic, Ghent attracts corporate workers tapping into tech and biotech hubs, creatives inspired by its design culture, and families drawn to its affordability and charm. From the majestic Gravensteen Castle to innovative startups near Ghent University, this city blends history with opportunity. Globexs makes expat relocation to Ghent effortless with furnished apartments in Ghent, temporary rentals for 1-11 months in Ghent, and corporate relocation services in Belgium. Save this guide to explore Ghent’s historic beauty, creative pulse, and practical tips for a vibrant expat life.
Why Choose Ghent? A Historic and Dynamic Hub
Ghent is where history and innovation intertwine. Its medieval architecture, including UNESCO-recognized belfries, coexists with a thriving university-driven economy, fostering tech, biotech, and logistics growth. Just 30 minutes from Antwerp and 45 minutes from Brussels by train, Ghent offers corporate access with a relaxed, authentic vibe. Here’s why expats choose Ghent:
Historic Charm: Canals, cobblestone streets, and landmarks like St. Bavo’s Cathedral create a storybook setting.
Creative Energy: Home to Design Museum Gent and street art festivals, Ghent is a haven for artists and designers.
Corporate Opportunities: Tech parks like Eilandje and biotech firms, plus proximity to Antwerp’s port, attract professionals.
Affordable Living: Furnished apartments in Ghent start at €1000/month, with meals at €12-€25, cheaper than Brussels or Antwerp.
Connected Location: Easy train access to Brussels, Antwerp, and Bruges makes Ghent a strategic base.
For corporate expats, creatives, and families, Ghent offers authenticity and opportunity, with Globexs’ expat relocation support in Belgium to guide your move.
Housing in Ghent: Authentic and Comfortable
Finding the perfect home is crucial for expat relocation to Ghent. Globexs offers furnished apartments in Ghent and temporary rentals for 1-11 months in Ghent, tailored for corporate workers, creatives, and families settling into this historic city.
Furnished Apartments for Expats
Ghent’s housing ranges from canal-side lofts in Patershol to modern flats near Ghent University. Globexs’ furnished apartments in Ghent include:
All-Inclusive Rentals: Utilities, Wi-Fi, and maintenance covered (all-inclusive rentals for 1-11 months).
Flexible Terms: Rent for 1-11 months, ideal for corporate assignments or exploring Ghent (temporary rentals for 1-11 months in Ghent).
Prime Locations: Near the historic center, tech parks, or cultural hubs like Kouter.
Expect €1200-€2100/month for a one-bedroom, offering excellent value for a European city.
Corporate Housing Solutions
For companies sending employees, Globexs provides corporate on-demand rental apartments in Ghent, perfect for short-term projects in tech or biotech. Benefits include:
High-speed internet for remote work (mid-term apartments for expats in Ghent).
Proximity to corporate hubs like Eilandje or Ghent University.
Streamlined booking for multiple employees, ensuring efficiency and comfort.
Booking with Globexs
Globexs ensures verified rentals for a seamless move. Whether you’re a corporate worker needing a furnished apartment in Ghent near tech parks or a family settling in, we’ve got you covered. Book Your Apartment Now.
Ghent’s Neighborhoods: Where to Live
Choosing a neighborhood defines your Ghent experience. Globexs’ neighborhood guidance for expats helps you find the ideal spot, from historic cores to family-friendly suburbs.
Top Neighborhoods in Ghent
Centrum (City Center): Historic heart with Gravensteen Castle and Korenmarkt. Perfect for creatives and professionals in furnished apartments in Ghent. Rents: €1,000-€2,500/month.
Patershol: Charming, canal-side area with cozy cafés and medieval streets. Ideal for expats in temporary rentals for 1-11 months in Ghent. Rents: €900-€1,800/month.
Eilandje (Tech District): Modern area near tech parks and Ghent University. Great for corporate workers in mid-term apartments for expats in Ghent. Rents: €850-€1,700/month.
Family-Friendly Neighborhoods
Sint-Amandsberg: Green, residential suburb with schools, 10 minutes from the center. Suits families needing furnished apartments in Ghent. Rents: €750-€1,500/month.
Mariakerke: Quiet, family-oriented area with parks. Ideal for budget-conscious expats. Rents: €700-€1,400/month.
Neighborhoods to Approach with Caution
Parts of Brugse Poort: Some areas are less residential and may feel gritty. Choose verified rentals through Globexs.
Far Outskirts (e.g., Wondelgem): Distant from cultural and corporate hubs, lacking Ghent’s charm. Stick to central or suburban areas.
Local Tip: Wander Patershol’s canals or sip coffee at Kouter to feel the neighborhood’s soul. Globexs’ neighborhood guidance for expats offers virtual tours.
Relocation Support: Smooth Moves with Globexs
Relocating to Ghent, especially for corporate assignments, requires careful planning. Globexs’ corporate relocation services in Belgium and expat relocation support in Belgium focus on housing, cultural integration, and practical support to ensure a seamless transition.
Housing and Cultural Support
Globexs specializes in:
Housing Search: Find furnished apartments in Ghent or temporary rentals for 1-11 months in Ghent near the historic center or tech districts.
Cultural Orientation: Tips on navigating Ghent’s creative and corporate scenes, from tech meetups to Ghent Festivities (July).
Translations: Assistance with Dutch/Flemish documents, such as leases or school forms, to ease integration.
Family and Corporate Relocation
For families and corporate groups:
School Search for Expats: Ghent’s international schools, like St. John’s International School (nearby Waterloo), offer English curricula. Dutch/Flemish dominates public schools.
Corporate Relocation Services: Coordinate housing for multiple employees, ensuring proximity to tech parks or Ghent University (corporate on-demand rental apartments in Ghent).
Relocation Support for Families: Identify family-friendly neighborhoods like Sint-Amandsberg (neighborhood guidance for expats).
Globexs’ comprehensive relocation services in Belgium focus on housing and practical support, helping you settle into Ghent with ease. Contact Us for Relocation Support.
Living the Ghent Lifestyle: Historic and Creative
Ghent’s lifestyle blends medieval charm with modern creativity, from canal-side walks to innovative tech hubs and vibrant festivals.
Work-Life Balance
Corporate life thrives near Eilandje’s tech parks, with furnished apartments in Ghent in Patershol or Centrum for easy access. After work, relax at:
Graslei and Korenlei: Scenic canal quays for evening strolls.
Kouter: A lively square with cafés and weekend flower markets.
Barista (Centrum): A cozy, expat-friendly coffee spot.
Cultural Immersion
Embrace Ghent’s culture:
Festivals: Ghent Festivities (July) fill the city with music and street art. Say “Gezellig!” with locals.
Cuisine: Try stoofvlees (beef stew) at De Gekroonde Hoofden or vegan bites at Le Botaniste. Meals cost €12-€25.
Markets: Vrijdagmarkt for local produce or Muide Market for artisanal goods.
5 Dutch/Flemish Phrases to Blend In
Dutch/Flemish is Ghent’s primary language, with English common in corporate and academic settings. Learn these phrases:
Hallo, hoe gaat het? (HAH-loh, hoo GAHT het?) – Hello, how’s it going?
Dank je (DAHNK yeh) – Thank you.
Alsjeblieft (AHL-sye-bleeft) – Please.
Waar is…? (WAHR is?) – Where is…?
Gezellig! (kheh-ZELL-ikh) – Cozy/nice! (Perfect for canals or cafés.)
Use these at Vrijdagmarkt or Barista. Globexs’ translations services assist with Dutch/Flemish documents.
Expat Hangouts in Ghent
Ghent’s expat community is tight-knit, with corporate workers and creatives connecting at:
Meetup Groups: “Ghent Expats” and “Ghent International Network” host canal walks, tech meetups, and networking drinks.
Cafés and Bars: Barrazza (Patershol) and De Dulle Griet (Centrum) are expat favorites for craft beers.
Creative Events: Design meetups at Design Museum Gent or tech talks near Ghent University attract professionals.
Expat Story: Liam, an Irish biotech engineer, moved to Ghent in 2025. “Globexs’ furnished apartment in Ghent near Eilandje was perfect for work. Saying ‘Dank je’ at Barrazza and joining a Ghent Expats Meetup made me feel at home.”
Cool Places to Explore in Ghent
Ghent’s attractions highlight its history, creativity, and innovation:
Gravensteen Castle: A 12th-century fortress with panoramic views (€12 entry).
St. Bavo’s Cathedral: Home to the Ghent Altarpiece, a medieval masterpiece (€8 entry).
Design Museum Gent: Showcases Belgian design and local talent (€10 entry).
Patershol: A maze of historic streets with cozy eateries.
Ghent University Botanical Garden: A serene escape with free entry.
Local Tip: Grab a free “Visit Ghent” map at Korenmarkt’s tourist office for canal trails and festival schedules.
Practical Tips for Expats in Ghent
Thrive in Ghent with these tips:
Book Housing Early: Reserve furnished apartments in Ghent 2-3 months ahead for canal-side or tech district locations.
Use Public Transport: Trams and buses cost €2.50/ride; a 10-ride pass is €17. Trains to Brussels are €9 (45 minutes).
Learn Dutch/Flemish Phrases: Say “Alsjeblieft” at markets or “Gezellig!” at cafés to connect.
Avoid Tourist Traps: Skip pricey restaurants near Graslei; try Patershol for authentic dining.
Join Expat Groups: Attend “Ghent Expats” events or tech meetups to build connections.
Plan Your Move: Globexs’ corporate relocation services in Belgium cover housing and practical support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What’s the best neighborhood for expats in Ghent?
Centrum is ideal for creatives and professionals near Korenmarkt, with furnished apartments in Ghent at €1,000-€2,000/month. Eilandje suits corporate workers at €850-€1,700.
How much does it cost to live in Ghent?
A one-bedroom furnished apartment in Ghent costs €800-€1,800/month. Coffee is €2.50, meals €12-€25, and a tram ride €2.50. Globexs’ all-inclusive rentals for 1-11 months simplify budgeting.
Do I need to speak Dutch/Flemish to live in Ghent?
English is common in corporate and academic settings, but Dutch/Flemish phrases like “Dank je” help locally. Globexs’ translations services assist with documents.
Where do expats hang out in Ghent?
Barrazza (Patershol), De Dulle Griet (Centrum), and “Ghent Expats” meetups are popular. Tech talks near Ghent University attract professionals.
How can Globexs help with my move?
Globexs offers furnished apartments in Ghent, temporary rentals for 1-11 months in Ghent, and corporate relocation services in Belgium, including neighborhood guidance for expats and school search for expats.
Your Ghent Journey Begins
Ghent is a city of timeless beauty and modern ambition, where medieval canals meet innovative tech hubs and vibrant festivals. Whether you’re a corporate worker in biotech, a creative inspired by Design Museum Gent, or a family embracing Belgian charm, Globexs makes expat relocation to Ghent seamless with furnished apartments in Ghent, temporary rentals for 1-11 months in Ghent, and corporate relocation services in Belgium. Learn to say “Gezellig!” at Graslei, explore Gravensteen Castle, and settle into your new home. Save this guide and start your Ghent adventure today.
