Permanent Residence in Belgium

Written by Luis Minvielle Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Luis Minvielle

Luis is a writer with over 5 years of experience in B2B software. Even though he has always worked in tech, a sector he regularly publishes about, his initial incursions into writing were, curiously enough, music essays discussing scenes from different parts of the world—most likely to deal with his unfulfilled ambition of becoming a neo-soul crooner.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 19, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

If you’ve lived in Belgium for five years with a temporary residence permit (Card A), you might be eligible for a Belgian permanent residence permit. In this article, we’ll guide you through the different types of permanent residence permits available, the benefits they offer, and the steps you need to take to apply.

What is a Belgian permanent residence permit?

If you've lived in Belgium for five years, you're eligible for permanent residency, which implies a stable legal status that's comparable to the one Belgian citizens have. There are different cards depending on your nationality:

• E+ cards only apply to EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals.
• F+ cards are for families of EU nationals
• B, K, and D cards only apply to non-EU nationals.

While it's tough to lose permanent residency, it can happen if you commit a serious crime, leave Belgium for too long (1 year for B cardholders, and 6 years within the EU–EEA territory for L cardholders), or used false information during your application.

Electronic residence card type EU+

The E+ card is an electronic card valid for 5 years, given to EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens who have lived in Belgium for five years. With this card, you’re automatically registered in the civil registry.

Electronic residence card type F+

Family members of EU citizens can get an F+ card, which is a permanent residence card, after living in Belgium continuously for five years. This card is valid for 10 years and allows them to stay in Belgium long-term.

Electronic residence card type B

The Certificate of Inscription in the Aliens' Register for permanent stay is an electronic card valid for 5 years. If you've lived and worked legally in Belgium for five years with a certain temporary A card, you can get this type B card. Some A cards do not lead to a B card after 5 years. For example, a student residence permit. The best way to ensure a secure path is to get a work related A card.

The B card lets you leave Belgium for up to a year without losing your residency rights. B cardholders are registered in the foreigner’s registry. This option is granted discretionally. For expats, it's the only path towards the K card, which allows more benefits and registration in the civil registry rather than the foreigners.

Electronic residence card type K (formerly C)

Card K, previously known as Card C, is an electronic card valid for 5 years. Once you have a type B card, you can apply for a type C card, which gives you the right to settle in Belgium. With a type C card, you no longer need to be registered as a foreigner but instead in the civil registry. The main difference between these cards is the level of access they provide to social welfare benefits.

Electronic residence card type L (Formerly D)

The L card, which used to be called the D card, is for non-EU citizens who have lived in Belgium for five continuous years. To qualify, you need a monthly income of at least €793 (plus €264 for each dependent) and health insurance. With the L card, you can leave Belgium for up to six years, as long as you stay within the EU. Unlike the B and C permits, the L card is recognised by other EU countries — it's the equivalent to a long-term EU permit in other countries.

What are the benefits of a Belgian permanent residence permit?

There are temporary work permits and visas that allow expats to live in Belgium, such as the A card. Yet, holding these cards binds you to your circumstances, such as your employer or student status. The biggest perks of permanent residency are that you don't need a work permit or a professional card, and you won't have to renew your residence permit yearly. Both citizenship and permanent residency come with benefits like working, studying, setting up a business, buying property, getting a mortgage, and accessing social security. However, citizenship has stricter requirements, a longer application process, and higher costs — and you can only apply for it if you have a permanent residence card.

When can you apply for a Belgian permanent residence permit?

To get permanent residency in Belgium, you need to live there for five continuous years. If you have an EU Blue Card, you can count time spent in other EU countries as well. Just remember, you can only be away from Belgium for up to six months at a time and no more than a year in total over the five years.

The B card doesn't have fixed requirements for everyone and is often granted based on discretion. If you're not in a special category like a recognised refugee or someone with subsidiary protection, you'll need to provide strong evidence of your integration. This could be a job or rental contract, to show that you're not a burden to the State.

Other key requirements include: Proof of current visa or permit conditions (like employment); No serious criminal convictions; Valid health insurance; A stable income to support yourself and any dependents (for the L residence card).

Your local municipality might also ask for extra documents, such as proof of social integration or language skills in Dutch, French, or German.

Why working for a local company matters for expats

As an expat, finding stable employment with a Belgian company can significantly expedite your journey to obtaining permanent residency. New rules stated in 2020 dictate that if you’re on a work visa, you must work for a Belgian company to get a B card. If you're with a foreign business in Belgium, you'll only get a temporary permit. A job not only helps you meet the income requirements, but also it can help you meet the requirements for various types of residence cards, including the B and K cards. This employment shows that you are contributing to the local economy and are well-integrated into Belgian society.

Many companies offer relocation packages that can ease your move and help you settle in Belgium. These packages can cover various aspects of your relocation, including visa support and settling-in services.

What documents are required to apply for a Belgian permanent residence permit?

Document requirements may change based on your circumstances, but typically for permanent residences, the application will ask for the following:

• 2 passport photos
• A valid passport with visa D
• Your rental contract
• Proof of your status. For employees: Decision to issue a single permit, plus an employer’s declaration or employment contract
• Proof of your Belgian address (like a recent utility bill)
• Your current Belgian residence permit
• Proof of health insurance
• Details of your income

The IBZ will process your application in about five months. Once approved, you’ll get an electronic ID card (eID), or a Kids-ID if it’s for a child under 12.

How to apply for permanent residency in Belgium?

It’s fairly easy to apply for the permanent residency. Follow these steps more or less in order and you’ll have it soon enough.

Check with your municipality

Start by asking your local municipal office in Wallonia, Flanders, or Brussels about their specific application procedures. Some municipalities offer online applications.

• For B Card: There is no specific procedure to make the switch from an A to a B Card. Usually, the Immigration Office will automatically offer a B card after your stay. If not, schedule an appointment at the Foreigners' Office, gather the required documents, and bring them to your appointment.
• For K or L Cards: You’ll need to fill out appendix 16 (annexe 16 in French, bijlage 16 in Dutch).

Complete the registration

After submitting your documents, a police officer will confirm your address. You’ll then need to visit the city office again to apply for your residence permit.

Receive your card

You'll get activation codes for your electronic residence permit and can pick up your residence card!

Can your family members get permanent residency?

If you’re planning to move to Belgium with your family, they can apply for a family reunion visa to join you. This visa, known as Visa D, needs to be applied for in person at the Belgian embassy or consulate in their home country.

Here’s who can apply for this visa:

• Spouses or registered partners over 21
• Dependent children under 21
• Dependent adult children with a disability (no age limit)
• Dependent parents (though this isn’t possible if both you and your parents are from outside the EU)

Once your family members are in Belgium, they can apply for a residence card. The type of card they can get depends on your and their specific situations.

What are Belgian permanent residence permit fees?

The application fee for a permanent residence card usually ranges from €10 to €25, depending on the municipality. The cost of the card itself is approximately €25 to €30. For Visa D, however, it's more expensive:

• Free of charge for minors under 18
• €206 for adults

What if your application is rejected

If your application is rejected or your permanent residency is terminated, don’t worry—there’s still a way to challenge the decision. You can go to the Council of State within 30 days of getting the decision. They’ll review your case and provide a verdict within six months.

For appeals, you can also go to the Council for Alien Law Litigation. Just remember to submit your appeal in Dutch or French within 30 days of the decision.

Talk to an immigration expert

It can be hard to find a job in Belgium… but it can also make the permanent residence process much easier. With employer support, you’ll meet residency requirements more easily and enjoy the benefits of permanent residency more easily than with other paths.

Start by checking our job board. Every company that’s listing job ads on our platform is open to hiring talent from abroad. We can also connect you with immigration and relocation experts. 

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