Let's delve into the realm of Belgium residence permits, exploring the intricacies of obtaining and navigating the process to secure legal residency in this European country.
Residence permit in Belgium: types
Various types of Belgian residence permits cater to the diverse needs of individuals:
- A-card (also known as a single permit): This temporary residence permit is granted to third-country nationals.
- B-card (also unlimited single permit): Reserved for third-country nationals who have legally resided in Belgium for 5 years, this permanent permit comes with the condition of not staying outside Belgium for more than 1 year.
- K-card (formerly C card): Following the type B permit, this permanent residence permit offers unrestricted stay and enhanced access to social welfare assistance. Holders are registered in Belgium's population register.
- L-card (formerly D card): Similar to the Type K card, this permanent residence permit provides unlimited stay rights and access to other EU member states for up to 6 years. Eligibility requires 5 years of legal residence and work in Belgium with a minimum monthly income of €883.
- E-card: Issued to EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals, this temporary residence permit facilitates their stay in Belgium.
- F-card: Temporary residence permit designed for family members of EU citizens.
- H-card: Temporary residence permit specifically tailored for highly-skilled workers possessing a European Blue Card.
Self-employed residence permit in Belgium
There are several avenues for foreign companies or individuals seeking to establish themselves in Belgium, each with distinct requirements:
Registration with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises: The Crossroads Bank for Enterprises is a comprehensive register containing identification data for businesses and their establishments. Any business operating in Belgium must register, obtaining a unique enterprise number for identification. The registration involves providing personal and business details, such as founder information, legal form, operating addresses, start date, and more. Costs for registration amount to 87 euros.
Professional Card for Self-Employed Individuals: Self-employed workers from outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland must obtain a professional card, which is mandatory. It can be requested at a Belgian embassy abroad or through one-stop-shop business services in Belgium, proving entrepreneurial skills.
Self-Employment Formalities: For freelance work as the main occupation, registration with the Trade Registry and VAT, along with affiliation with a social insurance fund, is required. For self-employment as a secondary occupation, similar formalities apply, and employees transitioning to freelance work have the option to continue as freelancers or make it their main occupation. Non-EU nationals also need a professional card for self-employment.
Understanding and adhering to these processes is crucial for individuals and companies seeking self-employed residence permits in Belgium.
- Remote Workforce: Foreign companies can opt not to set up physical offices in Belgium and instead hire workers who operate from their homes. These remote workers will fall under Belgian social security regulations, and the foreign company needs identification with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises.
- Office Presence without Fixed Establishment: A foreign company may choose to open an office in Belgium without a fixed establishment. This requires demonstrating entrepreneurial skills and enrolling with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises.
- Branch Establishment: If a foreign company decides to open a branch with a physical presence in Belgium, it remains subject to the laws of its country of origin but must have representation in Belgium by an agent with a permanent address. Legal documents must be translated into French or Dutch and submitted to the Commercial Court, and registration with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises is mandatory.
- Creating a Belgian Subsidiary: Establishing a business subsidiary in Belgium subjects it to Belgian law, requiring a recognized legal status. The deed of incorporation, drafted by a Belgian notary, is lodged with the Commercial Court. After publication of the articles of association, registration with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises and proof of entrepreneurial skills are necessary.
Registration with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises: The Crossroads Bank for Enterprises is a comprehensive register containing identification data for businesses and their establishments. Any business operating in Belgium must register, obtaining a unique enterprise number for identification. The registration involves providing personal and business details, such as founder information, legal form, operating addresses, start date, and more. Costs for registration amount to 87 euros.
Professional Card for Self-Employed Individuals: Self-employed workers from outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland must obtain a professional card, which is mandatory. It can be requested at a Belgian embassy abroad or through one-stop-shop business services in Belgium, proving entrepreneurial skills.
Self-Employment Formalities: For freelance work as the main occupation, registration with the Trade Registry and VAT, along with affiliation with a social insurance fund, is required. For self-employment as a secondary occupation, similar formalities apply, and employees transitioning to freelance work have the option to continue as freelancers or make it their main occupation. Non-EU nationals also need a professional card for self-employment.
Understanding and adhering to these processes is crucial for individuals and companies seeking self-employed residence permits in Belgium.
Residence permit in Belgium for student
The journey to studying in Belgium as a non-EU citizen involves meeting specific conditions and navigating a structured application process. Once enrolled in a recognized higher education institution, applicants can obtain a residence permit and a long-stay visa. The application, including required documents, is submitted to the Belgian diplomatic or consular post in their place of residence. The subsequent steps, such as registering at the municipality, obtaining a residence permit, and navigating study progress requirements, ensure a comprehensive understanding of the student residence permit process in Belgium.
Belgium residence permit: processing time
Processing times for initial applications vary based on the category:
- For the highly skilled/supervisors' category, it takes approximately 6 weeks.
- In the shortage professions category, the processing time extends to around 10 weeks.
- Other categories fall within an 8-week timeframe for initial applications.
- All remaining categories have a processing time of approximately 7 weeks for first applications.
How to renew a residence permit in Belgium?
When your residence permit in Belgium is approaching its expiration date, it's crucial to initiate the renewal process well in advance at the town or city hall of your residence. The renewal procedure may take several weeks, and for non-EEA nationals, careful planning is essential, especially if you intend to travel abroad, as a valid residence document is required for re-entry.
For EEA and Swiss nationals holding a Belgian residence permit, an invitation for renewal will be sent by the town or city hall, specifying the necessary documents. Following the prescribed procedure, an appointment can be scheduled for renewal. After the application, the new electronic Belgian residence card's PIN codes will be sent by post, and arrangements can be made to collect the card.
Non-EEA nationals, based on their status at KU Leuven (student, staff, visitor, legal partner/child), will follow distinct immigration procedures. Students, staff, and visitors are advised to contact the Student Immigration office for guidance on the applicable procedure for their specific situation. Additionally, notifying the Non-Belgians Office of a change of address within 8 days is mandatory, with the recommendation to address the renewal of the residence permit before updating the residence information. It's also essential to inform relevant offices, including the university, health insurance, bank, telephone company, and recent hospitals, about the change of address.
For EEA and Swiss nationals holding a Belgian residence permit, an invitation for renewal will be sent by the town or city hall, specifying the necessary documents. Following the prescribed procedure, an appointment can be scheduled for renewal. After the application, the new electronic Belgian residence card's PIN codes will be sent by post, and arrangements can be made to collect the card.
Non-EEA nationals, based on their status at KU Leuven (student, staff, visitor, legal partner/child), will follow distinct immigration procedures. Students, staff, and visitors are advised to contact the Student Immigration office for guidance on the applicable procedure for their specific situation. Additionally, notifying the Non-Belgians Office of a change of address within 8 days is mandatory, with the recommendation to address the renewal of the residence permit before updating the residence information. It's also essential to inform relevant offices, including the university, health insurance, bank, telephone company, and recent hospitals, about the change of address.
