French Doctors in Belgium: Procedures, Income, Financial Assistance, and Relocation in 2026
Dr. Thibault Mendes
Doctor & Founder of MyMedjob
Published on August 5, 2026 · Updated on August 7, 2026 · 11-minute read
A doctor who earned their degree in France can practice in Belgium, but not immediately: the European degree facilitates a simplified recognition process, provided that four mandatory steps are completed—professional recognition by the European Union, approval from the Federal Public Service for Public Health, accreditation, and registration with the Medical Association—before obtaining the INAMI number required to bill patients. Conversely, several regions are short on general practitioners, and an “Impulseo” relocation bonus of €20,000 to €25,000 is available in Wallonia for municipalities facing a shortage. Here are the steps to follow, the actual earnings, and the areas where to set up practice.
| Landmark 2026 | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Recognition of the EU Diploma | Automated for medical use, through the relevant community | Wallonia-Brussels Federation / Directive 2005/36/EC |
| Relocation Bonus for Areas with Labor Shortages (Wallonia) | €20,000 or €25,000, taxed at 16.5% | AVIQ — Impulseo I |
| Average Gross Revenue of a Full-Time General Practitioner | €201,640 (2023, reimbursed benefits) | INAMI, Health Professionals Report 2023 |
| Average Net Income of a French Private-Practice General Practitioner | €97,099 (2024 income) | CARMF, published in January 2026 |
| The Belgian Hospital Landscape | 101 general hospitals, 23 networks, 59 psychiatric hospitals | Federal Public Service for Public Health, January 1, 2026 |
Why are more and more French doctors choosing Belgium?
Because several regions in Belgium are short on general practitioners, and the barrier to entry is low for a French-speaking practitioner. In Wallonia, the AVIQ estimated that 145 general practitioners were needed to reach the threshold of 90 practitioners per 100,000 residents, and an additional 585 to compensate for retirements over the next five years. This shortage, the shared language, and the proximity to the border make it easier to set up practice here than elsewhere in Europe.
It is still possible to live in France and work in Belgium as a cross-border worker, but this status requires you to familiarize yourself with the tax, social security, and health insurance rules of both countries. At MyMedjob, connecting French doctors to the Belgian healthcare system is standard practice.
Can you practice medicine in Belgium with a French medical degree?
Yes, thanks to the automatic recognition of medical qualifications within the European Economic Area. A doctor who earned their degree in Lille and wants to practice in Kortrijk can have their degree recognized, complete the necessary paperwork, and practice across the border. The process is streamlined for the medical profession, as training standards are harmonized at the European level.
In practical terms, before beginning to practice, a physician must have his or her degree recognized by the Belgian authorities, register with the Medical Board, and, in almost all cases, obtain an INAMI number in order to bill for services. These formalities are essential but remain manageable for a French physician.
What are the benefits of practicing as a general practitioner in Belgium?
Three advantages consistently stand out: organizational freedom, a comprehensive healthcare system, and real opportunities to set up practice. Each of these factors carries as much weight as income in the decision-making process.
Greater freedom in organizing one's work
Whether working alone, in a group practice, in a private practice, or at a medical center—whether under a government contract or not—Belgium allows general practitioners to choose how they practice. They set their own office hours, determine the number of patients they see, and decide the pace of their work. For many French doctors, this organizational autonomy is the primary reason for setting up practice there, even more so than compensation.
A comprehensive and well-organized healthcare system
As of January1, 2026, Belgium had 101 general hospitals spread across 23 local and regional hospital networks, as well as 59 psychiatric hospitals, according to the Federal Public Service for Public Health. Emergency medical care is supported by 118 accredited emergency departments, 97 SMUR sites, 75 PIT units, and 295 ambulance dispatch centers. This framework facilitates collaboration between primary care physicians, specialists, and hospitals.
Opportunities to set up operations in many regions
In rural and semi-rural communities, a significant proportion of practicing general practitioners are nearing retirement. These departures create a need for new practitioners and an opportunity to take over an established patient base. Demand for primary care physicians remains strong, driven by retirements and population growth in certain communities. In small towns and villages, close ties with residents and local partnerships naturally help expand the patient base.
Are you looking for a law firm or a job in Belgium?
MyMedjob connects doctors with practices available for purchase and healthcare facilities seeking practitioners throughout Belgium.
How much does a general practitioner really earn in Belgium?
No direct comparison between France and Belgium is reliable, because the two countries do not measure the same thing. In Belgium, the INAMI reports an average gross revenue of €201,640 for a full-time general practitioner in 2023, based solely on reimbursed services—a revenue figure, not income, from which practice expenses, social security contributions, and taxes must be deducted. In France, the CARMF reports an average net income from self-employment of €97,099 for private-practice general practitioners in 2024. The two figures are not comparable down to the last euro.
To give a rough idea of the scale in Belgium: starting with revenue of €200,000, after approximately 30% in operating expenses, 20% in social security contributions, and taxes, the net income of a typical general practitioner is around €60,000 per year. A Belgian study by the Federal Planning Commission also puts the average net income at €4,707 per month. The decision is therefore not based solely on salary: autonomy, quality of life, and opportunities for setting up practice are equally important factors. For a detailed analysis of the net income gap, including contribution thresholds and corporate tax regimes, see our France-Belgium physician salary comparison.
Why are some doctors leaving France?
Beyond compensation, practitioners cite workload, administrative burdens, and the difficulty of maintaining a work-life balance. A national study using the Maslach scale found that nearly 45% of private-practice general practitioners show signs of burnout. The DREES confirms that work-life balance has become a major factor for young doctors when deciding where to set up practice. Research on French expatriate doctors highlights their search for better working conditions and a more balanced lifestyle—a context in which several Belgian regions are actively recruiting.
What kinds of assistance are available for people moving to Belgium?
The main incentive is the settlement bonus for areas with a shortage of healthcare providers; in addition, there are regional grants and programs to assist with the necessary procedures. All of these measures are designed to facilitate the establishment of practices in areas where healthcare services are lacking.
The Impulseo I Incentive in Areas with a Shortage
In Wallonia, the Impulseo I program, administered by the AVIQ, provides a one-time bonus of €20,000 or €25,000, depending on the municipality’s physician density. It is intended to support a general practitioner’s initial establishment within five years of receiving final certification in a municipality recognized as having a shortage of doctors, and benefits from a reduced tax rate of 16.5%. The grant must be repaid if the practice ceases operations or leaves the area within five years. In Brussels, the program remains governed by the federal royal decree and administered by Vivalis.
Regional Assistance and Support for New Businesses
Depending on the Region (Wallonia, Brussels, Flanders), other forms of support are available: assistance with starting a practice, investment aid, and administrative advice. Beyond financial support, various organizations assist with the necessary procedures—such as degree recognition, obtaining an INAMI number, choosing a legal status, and finding a practice location. The SSMG and support organizations contracted by the AVIQ connect doctors with municipalities facing physician shortages; platforms such as MyMedjob direct users to practices available for takeover and organizations that are hiring. It is recommended that you begin preparing your application as soon as you start the project.
What are the steps to practice in Belgium, step by step?
There are five steps that must be completed in a specific order: recognition of the degree, visa, accreditation, registration with the Order, and INAMI number. Each step is a prerequisite for the next.
1. Have Your Degree Recognized
Professional recognition of a degree must be requested from the relevant Community: the Wallonia-Brussels Federation for French-speaking applicants, and the Flemish Community for Dutch-speaking applicants. For a French degree, recognition is automatic under the EEA qualifications framework.
2. Obtain a visa from the Federal Public Service for Public Health
Following accreditation, the visa issued by the Federal Public Health Service (SPF Santé publique) constitutes the official federal authorization to practice. Depending on the circumstances, the authorities may request a criminal record check, a certificate of professional good conduct, and proof of language proficiency.
3. Apply for certification
Licensure officially recognizes the right to practice general medicine or a specialty following basic medical training. For a physician trained in the European Union, it is based on verification that the training completed meets the required standards.
4. Register with the Medical Board
Registration with the professional association of the province in which one practices is mandatory before beginning any professional activity. The application package must include a form of identification (Belgian eID or passport), the basic degree, the ministerial decree of recognition, the SPF endorsement, and a recent criminal record check.
A practitioner who is not a resident of Belgium must provide a criminal record extract or an equivalent document from their country of residence, dated within the last three months.
5. Get your INAMI number
The INAMI number is essential for billing services covered by the Belgian health insurance system. Without it, it is impossible to practice within the healthcare system. It officially identifies the practice, enables the issuance of treatment certificates, and grants patients access to reimbursement. It generally takes several weeks to a few months after obtaining the necessary prior authorizations.
Employee, self-employed, or company: Which status should you choose?
Once the necessary authorizations have been obtained, the next step is to choose a practice model: as an employee at a hospital or healthcare facility, as a full-time self-employed practitioner, under a hybrid status, or as part of a medical center or group practice. This choice affects income, social security coverage, contributions, and taxation. A self-employed practitioner can practice as an individual or form a company, typically an SRL. The most suitable legal structure depends on the level of activity, projected income, and objectives: guidance from a Belgian accountant or tax advisor is strongly recommended, especially since the difference in net income between the various structures is significant—this is the focus of our France-Belgium comparison.
- Verify the eligibility of the degree and initiate the recognition process with the Community
- Obtain a visa from the Federal Public Service for Public Health
- Apply for certification (basic, general practice, or specialty)
- Register with the provincial medical board
- Request your INAMI number
- Choosing Your Professional Status
- Find a practice or medical facility
Where should a general practitioner set up practice in Belgium?
In areas where demand for healthcare exceeds supply: rural and semi-rural communities and areas recognized as having a shortage of healthcare providers, where practitioners can set up practice most quickly and are sometimes eligible for a bonus. The choice of location directly determines the success of the practice and should be evaluated based on several criteria.
- Local physician density and areas recognized as having a shortage of physicians
- Potential patient base and upcoming retirements
- Proximity to hospitals and other healthcare professionals
- Accessibility of the office
- Setup grants available (Impulseo, regional grants)
- Desired Quality of Life
Some settle near the French border to stay close to their loved ones, others are drawn to large cities for their vibrancy, and still others seek a quieter setting. Areas with fewer medical facilities often combine high demand with specific forms of assistance. Wallonia is frequently chosen for its proximity and the shared language; Brussels and Flanders offer other opportunities, where proficiency in Dutch becomes a real asset.
The information in this article is provided for informational purposes only: eligibility requirements and procedures are subject to change. Consult the relevant authorities—SPF Public Health, the Medical Association, and INAMI—before setting up practice.
FAQ: French Doctors in Belgium
Can a French doctor begin practicing immediately in Belgium?
No. Even if recognized, a French medical degree requires several steps: recognition, a visa, accreditation, registration with the Medical Board, and an INAMI number.
How long does it take to get an INAMI number?
For a degree from the European Union, it generally takes several weeks to a few months after obtaining the necessary prior approvals (recognition, visa, accreditation). The processing time depends on the complexity of the case and the time of year.
Do you need to speak Dutch to practice in Belgium?
No, not if you’re practicing in Wallonia or Brussels with a French-speaking patient base. Dutch, however, is a real asset if you plan to set up practice in Flanders or work in multilingual settings.
Is it possible to live in France and work in Belgium?
Yes, as a cross-border worker—a common arrangement in border regions. This status requires you to review the tax, social security, and health insurance rules of both countries based on your personal circumstances.
Is it possible to take over an existing medical practice?
Yes, this is a common way to get started quickly: an established patient base, operational infrastructure, and sometimes support during the transition.
Key Takeaways
- The French degree is automatically recognized, but there are four steps that must be completed before practicing: recognition, visa, accreditation, and registration with the Order
- The INAMI number, the final step, determines how reimbursable services are billed
- In Wallonia, the Impulseo I grant provides €20,000 or €25,000 for a first installation in a service-deficient area, subject to a 16.5% tax rate
- Comparisons of income between France and Belgium are misleading: the INAMI reports gross revenue (€201,640), while the CARMF reports net income (€97,099)
- The Belgian healthcare system consists of 101 general hospitals, 23 networks, and 59 psychiatric hospitals
- Wallonia is attractive because of its proximity and its language; in practice, Flanders requires proficiency in Dutch
Setting up practice as a French doctor in Belgium is a well-defined but step-by-step process: each authorization is a prerequisite for the next, and the choice of legal status warrants a personalized financial assessment with a Belgian accountant. The real advantage lies as much in the autonomy of practice and the demand for care as it does in income.
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