Guide to Residency in Belgium

Obtaining a residency visa in Belgium is not always easy, but our Guide to Residency in Belgium gives newcomers an overview of the steps involved and advice from others who have already navigated the process.

• Check Eligibility for Residency
  • Review the different types of residency permits available on the Immigration Office website: Belgian Immigration Office.
  • Determine if you qualify for residency based on employment, family reunification, study, or other specific criteria.
• Prepare Necessary Documentation
  • Gather personal documents such as passport, birth certificate, and marriage certificate (if applicable).
  • Obtain a police clearance certificate from your home country.
  • Get a medical certificate from an approved doctor stating you do not have any diseases that could endanger public health.
• Apply for a Long-Stay Visa (D Visa)
  • Complete the visa application form, which can be found on the website of the Belgian embassy or consulate in your home country.
  • Submit the application form along with the required documents to the Belgian embassy or consulate.
  • Pay the visa application fee.
• Register with the Local Municipality
  • Upon arrival in Belgium, go to the local town hall (gemeentehuis/maison communale) within 8 days to declare your presence.
  • Provide your address and the necessary documents to receive a registration certificate.
  • Wait for the police to verify your residence address.
• Apply for a Residence Permit
  • After your address has been verified, apply for a residence permit at the local town hall.
  • Submit the required documents, including proof of health insurance and sufficient means of subsistence.
  • Pay the residence permit application fee.
• Apply for a Tax Number
  • Visit the local tax office (belastingkantoor/bureau des contributions) to apply for a tax identification number.
  • Provide your personal details and proof of residency.
  • Receive your tax number, which is necessary for employment and other official procedures.
• Enroll in Social Security
  • Register with the Belgian social security system through your employer or as a self-employed individual.
  • Visit the social security office (Rijksdienst voor Sociale Zekerheid/Office National de Sécurité Sociale) with your residence permit and tax number.
  • Receive your social security card, which grants access to healthcare and other social services.
• Open a Bank Account
  • Choose a bank and visit a local branch.
  • Present your passport, residence permit, and proof of address to open an account.
  • Deposit an initial amount if required by the bank.
• Attend Mandatory Integration Course (if applicable)
  • Check if you are required to attend an integration course based on the region you live in (Flanders, Wallonia, or Brussels).
  • Enroll in the course, which typically includes language classes and information about Belgian society.
• Renew or Modify Your Residence Permit as Needed
  • Keep track of the expiration date of your residence permit.
  • Apply for renewal or modification at the local town hall before your current permit expires.
  • Provide updated documents and pay any applicable fees.

Please note that the above steps are a general guide and the exact process may vary depending on your specific circumstances and changes in Belgian immigration law. Always consult the latest information from official sources or seek legal advice if necessary.

What tips do expats have about residency and visas in Belgium?

"In order to visit Belgium, foreign nationals must obtain a visa prior to their arrival. The type of visa required depends on the purpose of the visit and the length of stay. Generally, visitors must apply for a Schengen visa, which allows them to stay in Belgium for up to 90 days. To apply for a Schengen visa, applicants must submit a completed application form, a valid passport, two passport-sized photographs, proof of travel insurance, and proof of sufficient funds. Foreign nationals who wish to stay in Belgium for longer than 90 days must apply for a residence permit. To apply for a residence permit, applicants must submit a completed application form, a valid passport, two passport-sized photographs, proof of accommodation, proof of sufficient funds, and proof of health insurance. Depending on the purpose of the stay, additional documents may be required. Once the application is approved, the applicant will receive a residence permit card, which must be renewed every year," commented one member living in Belgium.