How do I get a residence permit?

If you want to come to Belgium as a foreigner, you must be able to present certain identity and residence documents to gain access to Belgian territory.

For EU nationals, presenting your identity card or a passport is often enough. If you have another nationality, you may need a visa. To come to Belgium for a long period or permanently, there are other residence statuses.

You should apply for a visa at the Belgian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. If there is no Belgian embassy or consulate in your country of residence, you go to the Belgian embassy competent for your country. Usually this is in one of the neighbouring countries.

If you want to stay in Belgium for a very long period or permanently, you need another residence document. For this, you must submit an application to the Immigration Department (DVZ).

Applying for a residence permit can be quite complicated in some cases (e.g. when you want to stay in Belgium for a long time or permanently). A lawyer will advise you which residence permit is necessary in your case, what you need for this and help you with that application.