Necessary formalities

Before leaving for Belgium, you should go through certain formalities. Depending on your country of origin, some may not be necessary.

1. You must have a valid passport issued by your country of origin (for citizens of some countries, an identity card will suffice).
2. You must have a visa if you need one to enter Belgium. You can get one from the Belgian embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence. 
3. In some cases, you must also have the permits required for working in Belgium. You will need different permits (info depending on whether you wish to acquire self-employed status or employee status.

For more information on visas, please consult the website of the FPS Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation.

For more information on work permits, please consult the website of the FPS (in French or Dutch).

Formalities for residence in Belgium

You must also complete certain formalities once you have arrived. If you plan to stay in Belgium for less than three months, you must go to the municipal authorities responsible for your place of residence within three days of your arrival (unless you are staying in a hotel).

You can consult the list of documents required for stays of less than three months via the website of the FPS Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation.

If you plan to stay in Belgium for more than three months, you must go the municipal authorities responsible for your place of residence to obtain a residence permit. You should go to the authorities, taking your visa with you (if you need one), within eight days of your arrival in Belgium.

Click here to see the list of Belgian municipalities (in French or Dutch).