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.

Obtaining Residency Status in Belgium

• Determine the Type of Residency Permit Required
  • Employed or self-employed – Type B permit
  • Student – Type C permit
  • Family reunification – Type F permit
  • Check the Belgian Immigration Office website for more information: https://ibz.be/en
• Gather Required Documents
  • Valid passport
  • Completed application form (available on the Belgian Immigration Office website)
  • Proof of purpose of stay (work contract, university enrollment, etc.)
  • Proof of sufficient financial resources
  • Medical certificate from a doctor approved by the Belgian Embassy
  • Police clearance certificate
• Apply for a Long-Stay Visa (Type D)
  • Contact the Belgian Embassy or Consulate in your home country
  • Schedule an appointment and submit the required documents
  • Pay the visa application fee
  • Wait for the visa processing time (usually 15 days or more)
• Register with the Local Municipality
  • Within 8 days of arrival in Belgium, visit the local municipality office
  • Bring your passport, visa, and proof of address
  • Fill out the registration form and receive a residence certificate
• Apply for a Residence Permit
  • After registration, you will receive an appointment for the residence permit application
  • Attend the appointment with the required documents
  • Provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph)
  • Pay the residence permit fee
  • Wait for the processing time (usually 4 to 6 weeks)
• Apply for a Tax Number (National Register Number)
  • Visit the local tax office (Federal Public Service Finance)
  • Bring your passport, residence permit, and proof of address
  • Fill out the application form and submit it
  • More information available on the FPS Finance website: https://finances.belgium.be/en
• Open a Belgian Bank Account
  • Choose a bank that suits your needs
  • Visit the bank branch with your passport, residence permit, and proof of address
  • Fill out the application form and submit it
  • Activate your bank account and receive your debit card
• Enroll in health insurance
  • Choose a health insurance provider (mutuelle/ziekenfonds)
  • Visit their office with your passport, residence permit, and bank account details
  • Fill out the enrollment form and submit it
  • Pay the health insurance fees

After completing these steps, you will have successfully obtained residency status in Belgium. Make sure to keep all your documents up-to-date and renew your residence permit as required.

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.