How to get Belgium residence in 2025 — permits, cards & renewals

Belgium residence in 2025 is required for non-citizens planning to work, study, or join family members in the country. The residence process combines federal rules set by the Immigration Office with local administration through commune registration. This guide explains residence permits, residence cards, application steps, and what changed in 2025.

Key terms to know

• Immigration Office (Dienst Vreemdelingenzaken / Office des Étrangers) — the federal authority responsible for residence applications.
• Commune registration — local registration at the municipal office, required to validate residence.
• Residence card A — temporary stay card, usually valid 1 year.
• Residence card B — permanent stay card after 5 years of legal residence.
• Residence card C — long-term EU residence card, valid for 5 years.
• EU Blue Card — special work-based residence for highly skilled professionals.

Types of residence permits in Belgium

The table below shows the main residence categories available in Belgium:

Step-by-step process in 2025

1. Identify the correct permit category (work, family, study, or long-term).
2. Secure the necessary visa (D visa) before arriving in Belgium if required.
3. Register at the local commune within 8 days of arrival.
4. Provide documents to the commune and Immigration Office.
5. Police verification of residence address is conducted.
6. Collect your residence card once approved.

Documents checklist

• Valid passport and visa (if required)
• Employment contract, enrollment letter, or proof of family relationship
• Proof of accommodation in Belgium
• Health insurance coverage
• Bank statements or proof of financial resources
• Birth and marriage certificates (if applicable)
• Police clearance from country of origin (for long-term permits)

Costs and timelines

Administrative fees for residence permits range from €150 to €400 depending on the category. Processing time for initial permits is 6–12 weeks. Renewals usually take 2–6 weeks once documents are complete. EU Blue Cards involve higher income thresholds and longer review times.

Renewals and long-term options

Residence card A must be renewed annually, while card B is permanent after 5 years of legal stay. Residence card C grants EU long-term residence and is valid for 5 years, renewable indefinitely. Renewal applications should be submitted 45 days before expiry to avoid gaps in legal status.

What changed in 2025

• New digital system for commune registration introduced nationwide.
• Higher income thresholds for family reunification sponsors.
• Mandatory integration courses expanded to more communes.
• Biometric data required for all renewals, not just first applications.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Arriving without registering at the commune within 8 days.
• Submitting incomplete financial proof for family reunification.
• Missing renewal deadlines, leading to loss of legal status.
• Confusing permanent card B with EU long-term card C.

FAQ about Belgium residence

• How long does it take to get a residence card? Usually 6–12 weeks for first applications.
• Can I bring my family? Yes, spouses and children can apply under family reunification rules.
• What is the difference between card B and card C? Card B is permanent residence, while card C is EU long-term residence valid for 5 years.
• Is health insurance mandatory? Yes, all residents must have health insurance in Belgium.
• Does residence lead to Belgian citizenship? Yes, after 5 or 10 years depending on integration and conditions.

Expert opinion

“Belgium’s residence system in 2025 combines federal immigration law with commune-level checks. Success depends on timely registration, accurate documents, and proof of integration.” — VelesClub Int. Immigration Team

Next steps

Explore our platform and check the Residency & Citizenship hub for detailed guides. Visit our main page or go directly to the Residency & Citizenship hub.