Immigration

Municipality Registration

Non-EU nationals staying longer than 90 days must register their address at the local commune/gemeente within 8 working days of arrival, per Belgium's Federal Public Service (FPS) Home Affairs rules.

1. 1Locate your local commune/gemeente office
2. 2Bring your passport with visa, lease contract (or a signed 'address hosting declaration' from your host if not renting), and passport-style ID photos
3. 3Attend the address verification visit from local police, typically scheduled after your initial registration
4. 4Collect your residence permit / registration card once approved — the full process takes around 2 months

• Missing the 8-working-day deadline can complicate banking, healthcare enrolment and future visa renewals
• If you don't have a lease yet, arrange the host's signed address declaration before your appointment to avoid losing time against the deadline

Residence Permit

The permit type (e.g. Single Permit for work, student permit, family reunification) determines validity and renewal conditions.

• Start renewal applications well before expiry — processing can take several weeks to a couple of months