Belgium : Visa and immigration

Do I need a visa or work permit?

EU nationals do not need a visa or work permit but citizens of non-EU countries may be required to have these documents and should check with their local embassy or consulate. Those who wish to work or study in Belgium must register with the police or town hall.

How do I apply for a visa?

EU nationals do not need a visa or work permit.

If you are not a UK national, contact the Belgian embassy in the country where you are currently residing about how to obtain visas and work permits. If you are living in the UK, go to Visas for Belgium .

You might also find it helpful to contact your ministry of foreign affairs (or your own embassy if you are not living in your home country) to ask whether there are any issues to be taken into account when considering working in Belgium.

How do I apply for permanent residency?

EU nationals are granted a temporary residence permit valid for three to five months, which may then be renewed for three more months once you have secured a job and registered with the Belgian Social Security System. This then allows you to apply for an identity card and be officially registered in the foreign population register.

Citizens of any other country who intend to reside in Belgium for a period longer than 90 days, or for a succession of periods totaling more than 90 days in a six-month period, must obtain a temporary residency visa. You will need to have a work permit in order to do this.

Non EU-nationals must also 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.