RELOCATION
obtain legal residence to join you in Belgium. This can include spouses, registered partners, children under 21 or dependents, although conditions apply, for example, showing evidence of adequate health insurance and sufficient financial resources. They must first obtain a long-term visa for non-EU nationals (see below) to enter Belgium, and then register at your local foreigner’s office within eight days of arrival. Once registered, the municipality will provide you with an eID card, or an electronic foreigners card (la carte électronique pour étrangers/ Elektronische vreemdelingenkaart). This card isn’t a residence visa, but shows that the person has been included in the national register, and is normally valid for five years. It is not just foreigners who are issued identity cards – everyone living in Belgium over the age of 12 is required to have one, and must always carry it after turning 15 years old. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens – and family members – can acquire permanent residence automatically after five years of uninterrupted stay in Belgium by applying at the local commune. NON-EU NATIONALS Before arriving, the first point of reference is the Belgian consular authority for your country. All non-EEA/Swiss nationals staying longer than 90 days must apply for a long-stay visa (type D) before coming to Belgium. Certain non-EU nationals who have family members who are EU citizens can enter Belgium just using their passport; the consulate authority can advise you. After arriving, everyone is obliged to register at the local municipality within eight working days to apply for their residence permit. You and
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your family must register at the municipality town hall in person, which will include you in the foreign population register. Depending on the commune, you may prefer to take someone who speaks the local language. An application fee may be payable, and some communes may require cash. Your long-stay visas will be handled by the Foreigners Department. Residence visas for non-EEA/Swiss nationals are restricted to purposes such as study, work (if a work permit is in hand) and family reunification (including partners). As such, depending on the commune, you may be asked to produce: • Identity card or passport. • Up to four passport photographs. • Work permit. • Proof of means of support, usually in the form of an employment contract or letter from your employer (attestation patronale/ verklaring van de werkgever). • Belgian residential address (ie. copy of a rental agreement). • Visa (if applicable). • Evidence of your relationship, such as a legalised marriage licence or birth certificate.
your relative’s permit or your study course. Your foreigner identity card is associated with your address so if you move to a new permanent residence, you must also apply for a new card within eight days of moving. After five years of continuous stay in Belgium, you can apply for a long-term residence card. RENEWAL When your card is due to expire, you need to report again to the Foreigner’s Office at your local town hall for a renewal, which it is suggested you start six weeks in advance. Visa conditions can be found on the relevant government webpages below: Immigration Office of the Federal Public Service (FPS) WTC, Tour II, Chaussée d’Anvers 59b, 1000 Brussels +32 (0)2 793 8000 infodesk@ibz.fgov.be | dofi.ibz.be Department of Federal Immigration Chaussée d’Anvers 59B 1000 Brussels +32 (0)2 206 1599 helpdesk.dvzoe@dofi.fgov.be www.diplomatie.belgium.be
• Health insurance. You’ll be issued with a certificate of registration in the foreigner’s register (Certification d’Inscription dans le Registre des Etrangers/Bewijs van Inschrijving in het Vreemdelingen Register), and once your residency is approved, either an A residence card if you are staying for a specific amount of time, or a B residence card if you are allowed to stay in Belgium indefinitely. The length of validity will depend on certain factors, such as the length of your work contract,
WWW.EXPATICA.COM | BELGIUM EXPAT SURVIVAL GUIDE 2017
FEATURED RELOCATION COMPANIES • Art Of Living S.A Chaussée de Louvain 431 H, 1380 Lasne Central Line: +32 (0)2 653 0037 • Be welcome Reepkenslei 52, 2550 Kontich +32 (0)3 449 5698 | www.bewelcome.be www.culturaltraining.be • Transworld International Clement Vanophemstraat 78, 3090 Overijse (Brussels) | +32 (0)2 687 5090 www.transworld.be | info@transworld.be For a full list of Relocation Companies, please consult the listings on page 62.