(Editor’s note: Dispatches receives no remuneration for this post about The Louise by Clockwise. This post is a resource for our expat readersand DNs.)
Brussels, the vibrant capital of the European Union, attracts digital nomads, remote workers, and entrepreneurs from around the world, with its political influence, cultural diversity and cosmopolitan lifestyle. However, as the city continues to evolve, so do the ways people choose to live and work here. What used to be a place defined by rigid office towers and 9-to-5 routines is now embracing the rise of mobile, laptop living, or – as the local job advertisements often read – “teleworking.”
Besides remote working, there has been a new trend – a shift towards flexible, mobile, and conscious spaces that blur the boundaries between community, work and leisure. Working remotely offers freedom to travel, but it can also be lonely and isolating. This is where flexible co-working spaces come into play, allowing remote workers, digital nomads and small companies to expand their networks.
Besides this, co-working spaces can help with solving employee loneliness, according to research published by Harvard Business Review. The results show that participants experienced working from spaces like a co-working site as more socially fulfilling than working from the office or from home.
In Brussels, these types of spaces often host various events like language exchanges or Belgian beer tastings, allowing all users of the space to immerse themselves in the city’s rich culture. While coworking spaces do help digital nomads build community and stay productive, navigating the legal and bureaucratic side of working abroad can be challenging, especially in countries like Belgium, where these matters can be rather lengthy.
Interestingly, Belgium still does not offer digital nomad visas and requires non-EU citizens to apply for a work permit.
Offices AND outdoor green space
For the people on the lookout for a flexible coworking space in the city, The Louise by Clockwise is a place where a digital nomad, a remote worker, or a self- starter can find anything they need. Desks, private booths, and breakout areas cater to every type of workday mood, while coffee stations promise to keep the workflow smooth. Opening its doors to the public on 3 November 2025, the new space will accommodate more than 300 desks, allowing various enterprises, entities and Digital Nomads to find their space.
This is a place beyond a desk with a Wi-Fi connection; it is a service that is designed to match every member’s needs. Members also have access to a calendar of events, as well as facilities such as a cafeteria, bike storage and showers for added convenience.
The interior design of the space offers a collaborative environment where guests can discuss their projects, share ideas and learn from each other. What’s more, if members need privacy and a space to wind down, the outdoor terraces and green spaces provide a break.
Besides its amenities and design, The Louise by Clockwise also lives up to Brussels’ reputation for connectivity. Located on Avenue Louise, in the vibrant neighbourhood of Ixelles, the building is close to various cafes, luxury stores and corporates. The Louise is just a one-minute walk to the nearest tram stop (Defacqz) and a five-minute walk to the closest metro station (Louise/Louiza). Brussels-Central Station can be reached in 12 minutes, while Brussels-Midi, with direct Eurostar and Thalys connections to Paris, London, and Amsterdam, is only 11 minutes away.
Those interested in becoming members or using the space can book a private 30-minute tour with Maxence Jassonge via Clockwise’s platform, request a brochure, or fill in the membership form. Digital nomads and remote workers can also purchase a day pass or book a meeting room, currently available for other locations and soon at The Louise by Clockwise.
Brussels has its charms … and bureaucracy
Brussels offers a cost-effective base for travellers and digital nomads, especially compared to pricier hubs like Paris or Amsterdam, with coworking spaces such as The Louise by Clockwise providing amenities at reasonable rates. Additionally, the housing market in the city is way more accessible, with available apartments coming up online every day, allowing home seekers to find options more quickly and make informed choices without the usual stress or delays.
Further, Brussels is also one of the perfect spots if you want to travel across Europe. It is a good base since it provides numerous connections to France, Germany, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, which essentially are bordering countries. Additionally, Zaventem and Charleroi airports are very well-connected, offering direct flights to more distant countries such as Bulgaria, Denmark, Italy, Portugal, and Sweden.
Navigating the Brussels bureaucracy is a daunting task. Non-EU nomads have to apply for a D-visa in order to stay in the country for more than 90 days. However, those moving to Brussels to work for a company must have their employer apply for a work permit on their behalf. Those with a non-EU passport who wish to work as self-employed or start their own business in Belgium must apply for a professional card.
Despite these complex visa and work-permit requirements, expats and Digital Nomads can still find ways to settle in Belgium and succeed professionally, often by connecting through flexible co-working spaces, networking events and a supportive environment for remote and flexible work. Co-working spaces in Brussels often serve as hubs for professional networking, where members share recommendations for legal advisors, visa consultants, andother administrative services.
They also provide flexibility through short-term memberships, which can be useful for individuals relocating, travelling, or seeking to maintain a work routine without the commitment of a long-term lease.
Polya Plamenova Pencheva is a young Bulgarian journalist based in Brussels, Belgium. Polya holds a Master's degree in journalism from Rijksuniversiteit Groningen and loves writing and telling the untold stories of interesting people. You can find her dining at cute café, shopping at markets, scouting second-hand shops or just chillin' at home with something great to read.
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