Belgium sees 75,000 inter‑regional moves in 2025, Brussels outflow continues

In 2025 a total of 74,882 Belgians changed residence between the country's three regions, a 1 % decrease from the 2024 record of 75,658 but still well above the 56,824 moves recorded in 2011. The data, released by the Federal Public Service Economy and analysed by the Flemish real‑estate federation CIB, show that inter‑regional mobility has remained above 70,000 annually since 2022.

Brussels experienced a persistent net outflow: 37,000 residents left the capital for Flanders or Wallonia, while only 19,000 moved in, creating a negative balance of 18,000. Flanders remained the main destination, attracting over 23,000 Brussels dwellers each year and, for the first time, more than 10,000 migrants from Wallonia. Conversely, a record 8,771 people moved from Flanders to Wallonia. CIB attributes the trend to factors such as housing affordability, larger living spaces, and the rise of teleworking. Kristophe Thijs, CIB’s communications director, said, “Brussels stays attractive for study and work, but once families look for more space they often turn to the neighbouring regions.”