Kosovo's European integration process
Kosovo declared independence in February 2008 and has since pursued a path of European integration. The Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) between Kosovo and the European Union, which entered into force in April 2016, provides the main framework for Kosovo's relations with the EU and sets the agenda for political, economic and legal reforms.
The European Commission's Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement publishes annual progress reports on Kosovo's reform agenda and alignment with EU standards.
Kosovo's representation at EU institutions
Kosovo maintains a Mission to the European Union in Brussels, which serves as the main channel of communication between Kosovo and EU institutions including the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the Council of the EU.
Kosovo Mission to the EU: Avenue de la Joyeuse Entrée 1-5, 1040 Brussels — mfa-ks.net
The EU Office in Kosovo in Pristina represents the European Union in Kosovo, coordinates EU-funded programmes, and monitors the implementation of the SAA.
Visa liberalisation
Kosovo citizens gained visa-free access to the Schengen Area in January 2024 — a landmark achievement after years of negotiations. Kosovar nationals can now travel to Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa. This development has significantly facilitated movement between Kosovo and EU member states, including Belgium.
International arbitration and Kosovo
Arbitration is a recognised method of dispute resolution in Kosovo's legal framework. As Kosovo aligns its legislation with EU and international standards, arbitration has gained increasing importance for resolving commercial disputes involving domestic and foreign parties.
Kosovo's arbitration framework
Kosovo's legal system provides for arbitration as an alternative to court proceedings for commercial disputes. The framework is based on the Law on Arbitration, which aligns Kosovo's practices with internationally recognised arbitration standards including the UNCITRAL Model Law.
Domestic arbitration
Disputes between parties based in Kosovo, governed by Kosovo law and conducted in Albanian or Serbian.
International arbitration
Cross-border commercial disputes involving foreign parties, often conducted under ICC, UNCITRAL or other international rules.
Enforcement of awards
Kosovo is a party to the New York Convention, enabling recognition and enforcement of foreign arbitral awards.
Investment disputes
Foreign investors in Kosovo may access international investment arbitration mechanisms under applicable bilateral investment treaties.
Living in Brussels as a Kosovar expatriate
Brussels is home to a growing Kosovar community, drawn by employment opportunities at EU institutions, international organisations, NGOs, and the broader diplomatic ecosystem. The Belgian capital is also a hub for Kosovo's diplomatic and institutional engagement with the European Union.
The Embassy of Kosovo in Belgium
The Embassy of Kosovo in Brussels handles consular services for Kosovar nationals in Belgium and Luxembourg, including passport renewals and civil status documentation.
Embassy of Kosovo in Belgium: Avenue de la Joyeuse Entrée 1-5, 1040 Brussels — mfa-ks.net
Renting a home in Brussels
For Kosovar expatriates arriving in Belgium, finding accommodation in Brussels is one of the first practical challenges. Belgian rental law requires tenants to provide a security deposit — typically two months' rent in Brussels and Wallonia, and three months in Flanders — before moving into a property.
Rather than immobilising this capital in a blocked bank account, an online rental guarantee allows expatriates to obtain the required guarantee without tying up their savings — a widely used solution among newcomers to Belgium.
Moving to Brussels? Belgian landlords require a rental guarantee deposit. An online rental guarantee lets you avoid blocking funds in a bank account.
Learn more about online rental guarantees in Belgium →Registering in Belgium
- Register at your local municipality within 8 working days of arrival.
- Apply for a residence permit (electronic foreigners card) at your commune.
- Open a Belgian bank account — required for rental payments and salary domiciliation.
- Enrol in a Belgian health insurance fund (mutualité/ziekenfonds).
- Exchange your driving licence for a Belgian one within 185 days if required.
Visiting Kosovo from Belgium
Following the visa liberalisation in January 2024, EU and Schengen area citizens can visit Kosovo without a visa for stays of up to 90 days. The main entry point is Pristina International Airport Adem Jashari (PRN), with connections to major European hubs.
- EU citizens can enter Kosovo with a valid national identity card — passport not required.
- Currency: Euro is the official currency of Kosovo.
- Kosovo is not in the Schengen Area — separate entry/exit stamps apply.
- European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) are not valid in Kosovo — travel insurance is recommended.
- Kosovo drives on the right. EU driving licences are valid.