The Belgian residence permit is a card given to foreigners who desire to stay in Belgium for some time or indefinitely. Although EU citizens only require their passports to travel to Belgium, immigrants who come from outside the EU must apply for a residence permit card. To obtain a residence permit in Belgium, you must follow a set of procedures based on your purpose of stay (working, studying, family reunification, asylum, etc.). Here’s a clear step-by-step guide:
Belgian residence permits
- Temporary residence permits: For stay of more than 90 days (work, study).
- Permanent residence permits: 5 years of legal stay in Belgium.
- EU Blue Card for highly skilled personnel.
Belgium residence permit documents required
These are the standard documents you need to present to the authorities of Belgium when you claim a temporary residence permit:
Application form for a long-stay visa. You should download the application form, print and fill it out.
Valid passport. A valid passport will be required as long as you decide to stay in Belgium.
Two identical passport photos of you. You should have two photos, not old, and they should meet the Belgium visa photo requirements.
Health insurance. You should have health insurance coverage for the duration you will live in Belgium.
Civil status. You should carry along any civil status documents like marriage certificates or birth certificates.
Renewing a Belgian residence permit
You can renew your Belgian residence permit, but you have to present the necessary documents corresponding to your status of residence.
If you work in Belgium under a host agreement, you have to send a new host agreement.
If you are working in Belgium using one permit, you have to obtain the consent of the immigration office to renew your residence permit.
If you are a resident student of Belgium, for the following documents, you need to submit:
- Your national passport or ID card. They must be valid.
- New registration at your university.
- The standard form for studying progress is given by the university.
- A transcript of your grades.
- Proof of financial means.
- Evidence of health insurance for the coming academic year.
If you are living in Belgium under family reunification, you should have documents like:
- Proof of sufficient financial means.
- Family health insurance coverage.
- Evidence that you have no criminal convictions to your name.
Applying for a temporary residence permit from inside Belgium
In case you are in Belgium, you can apply for a temporary residence permit from the local municipality office. You must get in touch with the municipality, arrange a date for a meeting (if necessary), gather the necessary papers, and send them in on the day of your meeting.
Belgium permanent residence permit
Citizens of the EU/EEA or Switzerland have the right to receive permanent residence as soon as they live in Belgium for five consecutive years. If you want to get your residence card, you should visit your municipal office and apply for a document which gives you the right of permanent residence in Belgium. This card is valid for five years and renewable.
Nationals of non-EU/EEA or Switzerland can also apply for a permanent residence permit after being in Belgium for five consecutive years. It is, however, something that you need to apply for at your local office. They will forward your application for review to the Immigration Office. You will receive the residence card upon a successful application. If, after five years, you want to renew your permanent residence card, you do not have to make a new application.
Types of Belgian permanent residency
If you have been in Belgium for five years, you are qualified for permanent residency. If you are a citizen of another state or your status is a particular one, you can obtain one of the following permanent residency cards:
- E+ and F+ cards. Only applicable to EU, EEA and Swiss nationals.
- B, C, and D cards. Only applies to non-EU nationals.
Step-by-step instructions to get a residence permit
8 days after arrival, you must register at the town hall (commune/gemeente) where you are living.
You’ll need to present:
- Your passport with visa D.
- Proof of address (rental contract, declaration by host, etc.).
- Passport-sized photos.
- Evidence of financial funds and insurance.
- Then you’ll get a certificate of registration (Annexe 15) until you are provided with the residence card.
- Home Inspection by local police
The local police can come to your address to check that you live there.
Get your residence permit (Electronic Card)
If everything is fine, you will get a residence card (Type A for temporary stay).
Validity: Usually 1 year, renewable.
Can result in permanent residence in 5 years.
Renewing your residence permit
You have to apply for renewal before it expires. You need:
- Verification of sustained intention (job, study, etc).
- Updated documents (insurance, address, etc.)
Permanent residency in Belgium
After 5 years in continuous legal residence:
- You can apply for a long-term residence permit (Type B or C).
- You will have to demonstrate integration (language, participation, etc.).
Travelling during the Belgium residence permit application
Belgium’s national visa is a multi-entry visa. visa This entails that you can come in and out of Belgium as long as it is valid. However, the Immigration Authorities can insist on your stay in the country as long as they process your residence permit. On submitting your application, ask about your rights to travel.
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