21 Feb 2025
Belgium is a welcoming country with a rich culture and developed economy. Belgium is home to many people from various backgrounds. About 2.2 million residents were born abroad, which is around 19% of Belgium’s population. This diverse population enriches Belgian society, bringing a variety of perspectives and talents.
If you're moving here for work, study, or family, it’s important to know the immigration rules to help you get settled in smoothly. You can also easily send money back home when needed. This article will explain all the immigration policies you need to know before moving to Belgium.
If you are a citizen of an EU or EEA country or Switzerland, you have the advantage of moving to Belgium without needing a visa. You can enter the country using just your national ID or your passport.
When you arrive in Belgium, you can stay for up to three months without needing to register. However, it's advisable to register your presence with the local authorities as soon as you arrive. Visit your local town hall to register. This step is important for establishing your residency in Belgium.
You must take additional steps if you plan to stay longer than three months. You must register at the town hall and provide proof of health insurance and financial stability. This could include employment contracts or bank statements. Once you complete this registration, you will receive a foreigner’s identity card, which allows you to legally reside in Belgium.
There are several pathways for non-EU/EEA citizens to move to Belgium, including:
If you want to move to Belgium to send money home, you need a long-stay work visa. Belgium has different work permits based on your job type and skills. You can pick the one that fits you best. Generally, this visa lasts one year, and you can extend it if needed. If you have special skills, consider applying for the EU Blue Card. This card allows skilled workers to live and work in Belgium for one to three years, depending on your job contract.
You must get a student visa if you plan to study in Belgium. Depending on the length of your study program, this visa is valid for one or two years. When you arrive, you have eight days to register at the local office and get your residence card. This card lets you stay in Belgium while you study and can be renewed every year until you finish your program.
If you have family members living in Belgium, you can apply for a family reunification visa. After you arrive, you must go to the local town hall to get a foreigner’s identity card. This card registers you and gives you a residence permit, which depends on your family member’s status. Eligible family members who can apply for this visa include your spouse or partner and your dependent children.
After living in Belgium for five continuous years, citizens from the EU/EEA or Switzerland can apply for permanent residency. Similarly, non-EU/EEA and Swiss citizens are also eligible to apply for a permanent residence permit after five years of residency. They must do this at their local immigration office.
To become a Belgian citizen, you must have lived in Belgium for at least five uninterrupted years. Other ways to gain citizenship include:
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Yes, health insurance is mandatory in Belgium. Their home country's insurance may cover EU/EEA citizens if they have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Non-EU citizens must obtain health insurance that meets Belgian requirements.
Yes, opening a bank account in Belgium is usually simple. You will need your residence permit, identification, and proof of address.
The processing time for a visa can vary. Typically, it takes about 1 to 3 months, but this can depend on your nationality and the type of visa you are applying for.
Yes, you can bring your pet to Belgium. However, pets must be medically fit, vaccinated, and microchipped.
If you are a non-EU citizen, you may need to exchange your foreign driver’s license for a Belgian one after residing in Belgium for six months. EU citizens can typically use their existing licenses without any changes.
