Residence permits & Identity cards

A citizen of any country other than a Member State of the European Union who intends to reside in Belgium for a period longer than 90 days, or for a succession of periods totaling more than 90 days per six months, must first obtain a temporary residency visa.

A citizen of a European Union Member State is granted a temporary residence permit valid for three to five months, which may then be renewed. EU nationals must register with the Belgian Social Security system to work and stay long-term.

Work permit first

In order for an applicant to engage in a professional activity on a salary basis (employee status), the required residency visa can only be issued upon the presentation of a work permit and supporting documents. The work permit is applied for and must be obtained by the employer in Belgium at the appropriate regional government office before the prospective employee enters Belgium.

It is the employer's responsibility to mail the work permit to the employee, who then contacts the Belgium Consular Office in whose jurisdiction he/she is a resident to apply for the temporary residency visa (ASP or MVV).

Persons considering a stay in Belgium as an au pair (age limit 18 to 26), and who already have a host family sponsor, be aware that specific regulations apply.

Registering place of residence / foreigner identity card

Non EU-nationals must register with their local commune within eight days of their arrival in Belgium, even if they are living in temporary accommodation. A residence visa is required to qualify for a temporary residence permit.

Within two weeks of moving to a permanent residence, an application must be submitted to obtain a foreigner identity card and to be officially registered in the foreign population register.

To apply for your identity card, whether you're an EU national or not, you and family members over the age of 21 must go to the town hall in person to register. Children under the age of 12 will be issued a 'name card', while children between the ages of 12 and 15 can apply for a child's card or an adult identity card.

Foreigner identity cards are renewable every year, and you must apply for a new card within eight days of moving to a permanent residence.

EU Citizens

An EU national is granted a temporary residence permit valid for three to five months. It may then be renewed for a further three months once employment is secured and the person registered with the Belgian Social Security system. EU nationals may then apply for an identity card and to be officially registered in the foreign population register. To obtain a temporary residence permit, simply register at the town hall of the commune where you're staying within three days of your arrival in Belgium.

Temporary residence

While looking for work, you will be issued with a 'mauve card' (registration certificate), which is valid for three months and renewable for up to one year, or until you receive permanent residence status.

Application Form and Document List