🇧🇪
Immigration & residence in Belgium
Belgium's Office des Étrangers / Dienst Vreemdelingenzaken issues residence cards. Your local commune handles registration and the national number.
Immigration offices in Belgium
Office des Étrangers / Dienst Vreemdelingenzaken: Residence permits, visas. Fedasil: Reception of asylum seekers.
Residence steps to prioritise
Register at your commune: Within 8 days of moving in. Police officer visits to confirm you live there. Bring documents — Passport, visa, rental contract. Fill in the annexe 15 or 19. Wait for the police visit — Usually within 2–3 weeks. Be at home mornings; leave a name at the door. Collect your card — Card A/B/F etc. depending on status. Pay ~€25 activation fee. Join a mutualité (health fund): Public health insurance is via a mutuality — choose any, coverage is identical. Pick a fund — Solidaris, CM/MC, Partenamut, Neutre — no wrong answer. Registration is free. Get your ISI+ card — Reimburses ~75 % of doctor fees; more if you have Increased Intervention (BIM/OMNIO). Work permit & single permit: Non-EEA workers usually need a Single Permit from the region. Employer files with region — Brussels/Flanders/Wallonia each have their own procedure. Decision in ~4 months. Register with employment service — Actiris (Brussels), VDAB (Flanders), Forem (Wallonia) — free coaching, language classes.
Documents to keep ready
Prepare your passport, visa or residence card, birth and marriage certificates, address proof, health-insurance proof, job or study documents, and passport photos. In Belgium, officials may ask for originals, copies and certified translations.
If a decision is delayed or refused
Ask Office des Étrangers / Dienst Vreemdelingenzaken for written confirmation that your application is pending. If you receive a refusal, read the appeal deadline immediately and contact a legal-aid organisation or migrant support office in Belgium.
Documents checklist
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Proof of purpose (job/study/family)
- Health insurance
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of sufficient funds
Frequently asked questions
Which office should I contact first in Belgium?
Start with Office des Étrangers / Dienst Vreemdelingenzaken. For broader newcomer help, also check Office des Étrangers / Dienst Vreemdelingenzaken, Commune / Gemeente, Actiris / VDAB / Forem.
What language will offices use in Belgium?
The main administrative language is Dutch / French / German. Larger offices often offer English or interpreters, but bring translated documents when possible.
How long does a residence permit take in Belgium?
Processing times vary from a few weeks to several months depending on the permit type and completeness of your documents.
Can I work while waiting for my permit?
In many cases yes, especially if you already hold a work-based permit. Rules differ by category — check with the migration authority before starting work.
What if my application is refused?
You almost always have the right to appeal. Free legal counselling is available through NGOs and, in some cases, publicly funded lawyers.
Ask TerraNowa