Key Takeaways:
- Non-EU nationals need Belgium residence permits, while EU citizens only need passports to live in Belgium.
- Belgium offers temporary (D visa) and permanent residence permits for stays exceeding 90 days.
- Application requires forms, passport, photos, health insurance, financial proof, and police clearance; fees apply.
What is a Belgium Residence Permit?
A Belgium residence permit is a card issued to non-EU foreign nationals who wish to live in Belgium either for a specified period or indefinitely. While EU citizens need only their passports to move to Belgium, individuals from non-EU countries must apply for a residence permit card.
What are the Types of Belgium Residence Permits?
There are two primary types of Belgium residence permits that allow stays exceeding 90 days:
- Belgium Temporary Residence Permit
This permit, also known as a D visa, allows non-EU citizens to stay in Belgium for more than three months, up to five years. It is suitable for those who want to study, work, or live in Belgium temporarily. Belgium Permanent Residence Permit
Non-EU citizens can apply for permanent residency after living in Belgium continuously for five years. This residence permit lets you stay indefinitely in the country with similar rights as Belgian nationals. It is valid for five years and is renewable.
How to Apply for a Belgium Temporary Residence Permit?
What Types of Temporary Residence Permits Are Available?
Non-EU nationals can apply for various types of Belgium temporary residence permits based on their reason for moving to Belgium, such as:
- Residence permit for work
- Residence permit for studying
- Residence permit for a family reunion
- Residence permit for professional workers with Belgian EU Blue Card
What Documents Are Required for a Temporary Residence Permit?
To apply for a Belgium temporary residence permit, you need to provide the following documents:
- Application Form: Download, print, and fill out the long-stay visa application form.
- Valid Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay.
- Passport Photos: Two recent identical passport photos that meet Belgium visa photo requirements.
- Health Insurance: Coverage for your entire stay in Belgium.
- Civil Status Documents: Marriage or birth certificates, as applicable.
- Accommodation Proof: Document proving you have a place to stay in Belgium (e.g., apartment rental or invitation from a family member).
- Financial Proof: Evidence showing you have sufficient funds for your stay (e.g., bank statement, employment document).
- Police Clearance: Document proving you have no criminal convictions from your local police.
What Are the Fees for a Belgium Temporary Residence Permit?
The costs associated with a Belgian temporary residence permit are:
- D Visa (Temporary Residence): €180
- Residence Certificate: €20
How Do I Register for a Belgium Residence Permit After Arrival?
Upon arriving in Belgium, you must register your residence permit at the Stadskantoor (City Office) within eight days. Bring the following documents:
- National Passport
- Recent Passport-Size Photo: You can use the photo booth in the city office.
- Required Documents: Such as marriage or birth certificates.
- Proof of Accommodation: Rental contract or other evidence.
Contact the Stadskantoor in advance to confirm any additional documents you may need.
Can I Renew a Belgium Residence Permit?
Yes, you can renew your Belgium residence permit by submitting the required documents based on your residential status:
- Work Based on a Host Agreement: Submit a new host agreement.
- Work Based on a Single Permit: Obtain approval from the immigration office.
- Studying: Provide your valid national passport or ID card, university registration, study progress form, transcript of grades, proof of financial means, and health insurance for the next academic year.
- Family Reunification: Present proof of sufficient financial means, health insurance covering the whole family, and evidence of no criminal convictions.
For more detailed information, you can visit the official Belgian Immigration Office.
Can I Apply for a Temporary Residence Permit From Inside Belgium?
Yes, you can apply for a temporary residence permit even if you are already in Belgium. Contact the local municipality office, set up an appointment (if required), gather the necessary documents, and submit them on your appointment date.
How to Obtain a Belgium Permanent Residence Permit?
What Types of Permanent Residence Permits Are Available?
After living in Belgium continuously for five years, both EU/EEA/Swiss and non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can apply for permanent residency. The type of permanent residence card you will receive depends on your nationality:
- E+ and F+ Cards: For EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals.
- B, C, and D Cards: For non-EU nationals.
Here’s a closer look at each type:
- Electronic Residence Card Type E+: Automatically issued to EU, EEA, and Switzerland citizens after five years of residency. You will be registered in the civil registry.
- Electronic Residence Card Type F+: Issued to family members of EU citizens after five years of continuous residence.
- Electronic Residence Card Type B: For those who have lived and worked legally in Belgium for five years. Allows you to stay outside Belgium for up to one year without losing residency rights.
- Electronic Residence Card Type C: Issued after obtaining type B. It grants the right to establish and eliminates the need to register in the foreigner’s registry.
- Electronic Residence Card Type D: Requires a monthly income of at least €793 (plus €264 for dependents) and health insurance. Allows leaving Belgium for up to six continuous years provided you stay within the EU.
Can I Travel During My Belgium Residence Permit Application?
The national visa for Belgium is a multiple-entry visa, meaning you can leave and re-enter the country while your visa is valid. However, the Immigration Authorities might require you to remain in Belgium during the residence permit processing. Always inquire about your travel rights when submitting your application.
Wrapping Up Your Belgium Immigration Journey
Securing a Belgium residence permit is a pivotal step for non-EU nationals aspiring to study, work, or live in Belgium. Whether you’re opting for a temporary residence permit or aiming for permanent residency, understanding the process, requisite documents, and associated fees simplifies your journey. Ensure you register timely, renew your permit as required, and comply with all stipulated guidelines.
For more specific and detailed instructions, always refer to the official Belgian Immigration Office website. This trusted source will provide you with the most up-to-date and accurate information on Belgium residence permits and immigration requirements.
Learn Today:
Glossary of Immigration Terms
1. Belgium Residence Permit:
A card issued to non-EU foreign nationals allowing them to live in Belgium for either a specified period (temporary) or indefinitely (permanent).
2. Temporary Residence Permit (D Visa):
A permit that allows non-EU citizens to stay in Belgium for more than three months but not exceed five years for purposes such as study, work, or family reunion.
3. Permanent Residence Permit:
A permit that non-EU citizens can apply for after living in Belgium continuously for five years, granting them the right to stay indefinitely with similar rights as Belgian nationals.
4. Stadskantoor (City Office):
The local municipal office in Belgium where new residents must register their residence within eight days of arrival.
5. EU Blue Card:
A residence permit is granted to highly skilled non-EU nationals who meet specific criteria, allowing them to work and live in Belgium.
These definitions provide essential information on key terms related to obtaining and maintaining a residence permit in Belgium.
This Article In A Nutshell:
Belgium Residence Permits are for non-EU nationals to live in Belgium. Types include Temporary (D visa) for up to five years and Permanent after five years. Applications need specific documents. Costs vary. Register within eight days. Renewal is possible. Travel might be restricted during the process. The official Belgian Immigration Office provides detailed guidance.
— By VisaVerge.com
