Moving to Belgium

Nationals of most countries in the Western Hemisphere, Europe and the Pacific Rim do not need a visa to enter Belgium as a tourist for 90 days. Those from countries who do need a 90 day visa can apply for a Schengen visa, good in ten European countries. Non European Union residents staying over 90 days need to have a Long term visa to enter. This generally requires a work permit to be filed beforehand, but long term visas are also granted for retirees, and spouses of Belgian residents who are able to support them.

The visa process can take up to one year. EU nationals including Belgians can work in Belgium without a work permit. Once in Belgium, non EU nationals have eight days to register with their commune, and all family members over 12 must apply at the town hall for an ID card within two weeks of moving into their residence. This will place them on the foreign persons register. The application fee is 10 euros, and fingerprinting may be required. This foreign ID card must be carried at all times by law, and is good for a year or until the address is changed, at which point it can be renewed.