Settling in a new country can raise a lot of questions about issues such as language learning, your rights and obligations as a citizen, housing, job and/or training opportunities, and healthcare.

As soon as you are registered in the register of foreigners of a Brussels municipality, you can follow a free integration programme at a BAPA or BON in your own language or a language you understand.

Many of BAPA and BON social workers or trainers are “experts from experience”. This means that they themselves followed an integration programme at some point. They draw on their experience to guide and assist other newcomers. They completely understand how you feel. You can go to them with any questions you may have.

People who have been living in Belgium for longer can also follow the programme on a voluntary basis. Following the programme is always beneficial, whether for learning one of the national languages or for better understanding how Belgium works. Following the programme also allows you to prove your social integration when applying for citizenship.