USAG BENELUX-Brussels

USAG Benelux integrates and delivers quality base support to enable readiness for NATO, USAREUR, and deployed elements of a globally responsive Army, while continuously maintaining protection as our number one priority.

Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) -- It is necessary and mandatory for every military and DOD Civilian family to obtain an EFMP screening prior to reporting for an assignment to Brussels. There are limited resources for EFMP in the Brussels community. For more information call the EFMP Program Manager at Commercial 011-32-22-80-9930 or DSN 314-597-9930. 

Sponsorship -- It is imperative that personnel assigned to Brussels request a sponsor to be appointed by their gaining unit so that they can ask the necessary questions and be fully acquainted with what to expect in Brussels. Indeed, your assignment and category of support will differ depending on whether you are SHAPE sponsored or Embassy sponsored. Many of the in/out-processing procedures and privileges differ between them. It is important that personnel follow the procedures established by their administrative sections.

Passport -- For Service Members ID and Orders are required to enter the host country (please check with the "Foreign Clearance Guidance" and your HR Office). In addition, it is highly recommended that Service Members get a Tourist Passport before departing the USA so that they can start traveling. Dependents need a "No-Fee" Passport (cannot be used for tourist travel). Also, dependents must have a tourist passport for traveling purposes in Europe.

Driver's License -- Service Members and Family Members (above age 18) must have a valid stateside driver's license. In addition, it is highly recommended that each driver obtain an International Driver's License prior to arrival in Belgium.

Housing -- It is very important for newcomers to register with the USAG Benelux - Brussels Housing Office within 2 days of arrival in order to participate in the housing program. You will be briefed on "do's and don'ts" in the housing arena. It is most important to always consult the housing office before engaging yourself in any kind of rental agreement or even a promise to rent, be it verbal or written.

You can ask your sponsor to send you a housing newcomer's packet or call/email the Housing in Processing Office and request one. Tel 011-32-2-280-9921 DSN -314-597-9921 Email usarmy.brussels.imcom-europe.list.dpw-housing@army.mil

Also, if you have school age children who will attend the Brussels American School (BAS) please make sure to check with BAS their bus services area before deciding about the area to live in.

Move-in expenses -- Brussels is a very expensive post because costs on the local economy are high. On average, move in cost of a home or apartment is approximately $7,000 (one month's rent and two months of deposit) depending on the rank. For Active Duty Army most of this cost is part of the Military entitlements you will receive at in-processing the Army Finance Office. Soldiers receive a Move-In Housing Allowance (MIHA) of about $600 to $700 for the light fixtures and draperies as well as reimbursement of move-in inspection fees. Additionally, Service Members can get up to three months advanced Oversees Housing Allowance (OHA) to pay for the guarantee housing deposit and the first month's rent. This means the first month of rent and two months deposit is needed by landlords in order to move-in. In most cases tenants must put three months' rent in a joint account with the landlord as a guarantee. Air Force, Navy or Marine personnel should check with their respective local Finance Service Office for their entitlements and Civilians need to contact CPAC (Commercial 011-68-25-5717 or DSN 314-597-5717) for information on their post allowance. For more information concerning (Army) pay and entitlements for Brussels Belgium, please call Commercial 011-32-2-280-9720 or DSN 314-597-9720.

School Buses -- Traffic does not come to a full stop when school buses are loading or unloading. Re-train your kids to this new, and fairly dangerous, situation!

Privately-Owned Weapons -- Obtaining authority to bring personal weapons to Belgium and the Netherlands is difficult and is discouraged. If you desire to bring personal weapons, it is a long, involved process. All firearms must be in processed and out-processed with the Belgian Federal Police in the Registration Office. For further information call the Registration office located on SHAPE. DSN 314-423-5165/3933; CIV from the United States: 011-32-65-44-5165/3933 or call Northern Law Center at 011-32-65-44-4868.

Additionally, any national firearm registration requirements may apply. See your national support element for further details. Note: Your personal weapon must be on your orders or it is not authorized.