In order to start living in Belgium, foreigners must have certain identity documents and a residence permit. Learn more about the types of residence permits in Belgium, how to obtain a temporary or permanent residence permit, the list of documents and other important details

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Foreigners planning to settle in Belgium must have a residence permit. The procedure for issuing the document depends on the expat's citizenship. That is, citizens of EU countries only need to provide their passport data to obtain a permit, for representatives of third countries the procedure is a little more complicated.

How to get a residence permit in Belgium in 2024? The available types of documents and the registration procedure are below.

Types of residence permits in Belgium

A residence permit is a document that allows you to stay in Belgium for more than 90 days. Currently, two of its types are approved in the country:

- Temporary residence permit – expats who plan to stay in Belgium for more than 3 months must apply for a long-term visa type D. This residence permit allows you to study, work and live in Belgium for five years.

- Permanent residence permit - after 5 years of continuous living in Belgium, you can issue a permanent residence permit. It allows you to stay in the country for an indefinite period and gives expats the same legal rights as Belgian citizens.

Temporary residence permit

Depending on the planned type of activity, the following types of temporary residence permits are allocated in Belgium: for work, study, family reunification and for highly qualified professionals with an EU Blue Card.

List of documents for a residence permit in Belgium

When you apply for a temporary residence permit in Belgium, you must have the following package of documents:

- Form for obtaining a residence permit.

- The passport is valid for the entire period of stay in Belgium.

- Two passport photos.

- Health insurance policy for the entire period of residence in Belgium.

- Marriage certificate.

- Birth Certificate.

- Confirmation of a place of residence in Belgium (apartment rental agreement, invitation from a family member, certificate from a dormitory, etc.).

- Confirmation of financial capabilities – the expat must prove that he has enough money to move to Belgium. It can be: a personal statement from a bank account, a certificate of employment, a certificate of wages, etc.

- Certificate of no criminal record.

- A document that will confirm the purpose of moving to Belgium (for example, work - employment contract, study - university certificate, family reunification - confirmation of family ties, etc.).

The procedure for obtaining a residence permit in Belgium

Once you arrive in Belgium, you will have eight days to register and get your residence permit. To do this, contact the Stadskantoor (City Office) with the above package of documents.

The fee for issuing a residence permit in Belgium is 180 euros.

How to extend a residence permit in Belgium?

You can renew your residence permit in Belgium by submitting the necessary documents according to your residence status:

- If you work in Belgium on the basis of a residence agreement – submit a new residence agreement.

- If you work in Belgium on the basis of a single permit – apply for a permit at the immigration service to extend your residence permit.

- If you are studying in Belgium - provide your passport, a certificate from the university, a study success form, a transcript of grades, confirmation of the availability of finances for living in Belgium and a health insurance policy.

- If you are living in Belgium due to family reunification - proof of sufficient funds for living, health insurance policy for the whole family, certificate of no criminal record.

For more information, contact the city administration (Stadskantoor).

Permanent residence permit in Belgium

● Citizens of the EU/EEA or Switzerland are eligible to obtain a permanent residence permit in Belgium after 5 years of continuous residence in the country. To do this, contact your local municipal office. This card is valid for five years and can be extended.

● Non-EU/EEA or Swiss nationals are also eligible to apply for a permanent residence permit after 5 years of continuous residence in Belgium. However, such cases are handled by the local immigration office. You will receive a residence permit if your application is accepted. After five years, you can renew your permanent residence card.

Types of permanent residence permits in Belgium

Depending on the expat's nationality and status, different types of permanent residence permits are available in Belgium:

● For citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland:

E+ card – citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland will receive this card automatically after five years of residence in Belgium.

F+ card – family members of EU citizens will receive an F+ card immediately after five years of continuous residence in Belgium.

● For citizens of non-EU countries:

  - Card B – If you have lived and worked legally in Belgium for five years, you are allowed to get an electronic card type B. With it you can stay outside the country for one year. Holders of type B cards are registered in the register of foreigners.

- Card C – Having received type B, you can apply for type C. The holder of a type C residence permit is registered in the register of citizens.

The difference between B and C cards is that they have access to different social benefits.

- Card D – In order to get this card, you must have a monthly income of at least €793 (plus €264 for dependents) and a health insurance policy. Holders of type D permits can leave Belgium for a maximum of six years, provided they stay in the EU for that period.

  The difference between permit D and permits B and C is that other EU member states also recognize type D.

Citizenship can be obtained after 5-10 years of permanent residence in Belgium and confirmation of maximum integration into society (employment, knowledge of the language, payment of taxes, etc.). Dual citizenship is allowed in the state.

Daria Rogova, Head of Insurance at Visit World

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