Obtaining a residence permit in Belgium is one of the main requirements when moving to this country. Discover the types of permits and how to obtain them from our local immigration specialists who can help you with the application.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Temporary residence permit types | Employment Investment Study Family reunification |
Time needed to obtain the temporary residence permit (approx.) | 10 days |
Temporary residence permit validity | For the duration of the studies or the duration of the employment relationship Subject to renewal as long as the holder continues to meet the conditions for up to 5 years |
| Documents for obtaining temporary residence | – Filled-in application form |
| Mandatory registrations with state authorities (i.e. with the population/municipality register) | Yes |
| Dependents can join the temporary permit holder (Yes/No) | Yes, subject to conditions related to having adequate financial resources to take care of the accompanying family members |
| Temporary or permanent residency for investment purposes | Yes |
| Minimum temporary residence before applying for permanent residence | 5 years |
| Documents for obtaining permanent residence | Filled-in application form Personal identificationd documents Temporary residence permit Proof of accomodation and financial means Other documents, as may be required |
| Naturalization requirements | Proof of legal stay in the country Sufficient knowledge of one of the national languages Proof of social integration and participation to the country’s economy |
| Citizenship after permanent residence | After a legal stay in the country of at least 5 years |
Table of Contents
What are the residency requirements for EU/EEA citizens in Belgium?
EU citizens must register with the local municipal office if they plan to live in Belgium for more than 3 months.
EU nationals need to submit an application for a residence permit in Belgium that is based on their status. Some examples are the following:
- Employee: an individual who has taken up employment in the country will provide a valid employment contract;
- Jobseeker: in the event that no job has been secured, the applicant will provide evidence of his efforts (application letters);
- Self-employment: proof of registration with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises and with the social security fund for the self-employed;
- Student: proof of enrollment with a Belgian school or university is needed, along with proof of sufficient means of subsistence.
What types of Belgian residence permits are available for non-EU/EEA citizens?
The following:
- temporary;
- long-term/permanent.
IMPORTANT! Please note that temporary residence permits in Belgium are issued based on specific reasons. So, before moving here, it is important to select the grounds and prepare suitable documents.
One of our Belgium immigration lawyers can provide details on the separate process of applying for the permanent Belgian residence permit.
How can a non-EU citizen apply for residency in Belgium?
In order to obtain a permanent Belgian residence permit, one will:
- Obtain the C and the D cards: the C card is granted after 5 years of holding the B card and, like in the case of the EU national, is the manner in which the individual will be registered in the population register as opposed to the aliens’ one; the D card is granted when the foreign national has stable and regular income to support himself and the family, if applicable, he has health insurance and is able to prove the uninterrupted 5-year stay in the country.
- Obtain the B Card: this is the certificate of registration for an indefinite period with the Register of Foreigners and it is the first step as it grants access to applying for the C card; the Immigration Office assesses each case and grants this right of stay; non-EU nationals who have a B card are allowed to work without a professional card, however, a key difference is that they remain registered with the aliens register, as opposed to the municipal one;
We invite you to watch a video about obtaining Belgian residency and permanent residence in Belgium:
What are the main reasons for which foreigners can be granted residency in Belgium?
When it comes to non-EU/EEA nationals, they can immigrate to Belgium for:
- employment;
- business;
- family reunification;
- studentship.
NOTE: Citizens from countries outside the EU and EEA must also obtain a long-term residence visa (D visa) upon arrival.
What documents do I need to obtain a residence permit in Belgium?
When it comes to Belgian temporary residency, you will need:
- a valid passport;
- the D visa;
- clean criminal record;
- proof of accommodation in Belgium;
- valid health insurance;
- documents supporting the reason for relocation.
Where do I submit the documents to obtain residency in Belgium?
With the nearest Belgian Embassy or Consulate.
What are the steps to complete after moving to Belgium?
After relocation, you must register with the municipal office in the city you live in within 8 days of arrival. The police will visit you to confirm your living address, following which you will be issued the A residence card, which is, in fact, the physical temporary residence permit.
How long does it take to obtain a temporary residence permit in Belgium?
2 to 4 months.
How long must I live in Belgium to obtain permanent residence?
5 years. The permanent permit is applied for in person, with the municipal authority in the area of residence.
Contact us for more details about Belgium immigration, obtaining residency, citizenship, and handling other issues related to living in the country.
