Stay and deportation from Belgium
If you are not Belgian and want to move to Belgium, you must have the necessary residence documents. The residence procedure that a foreigner must follow depends on their nationality, the length and purpose of their stay in Belgium.
There is “free movement of persons” in the European Union, which means that the residence rules for EU citizens are much more flexible than for citizens of other countries. This “free movement” also applies to the countries of the European Economic Area (EEA): in addition to the EU countries, this includes Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Transitional measures do exist for some new EU member states.
More information on residence documents for foreigners in Belgium: Residence documents in Belgium
Registration at the municipality
If you, as a foreigner, want to stay in Belgium for more than three months, you must notify the municipality where you are staying within eight days of your arrival. You must register in the population registers; to do this, you must have a real place of residence in this municipality.
Stay and deportation from Belgium: visas, documents, conditions and reasons for refusal
Types of visas for stay in Belgium
The following types of visas and residence permits are available in Belgium:
- Work visa: issued for employment, including seasonal work or intra-corporate transfer.
- Student visa: intended for studying at Belgian educational institutions.
- Family reunification visa: allows you to move to relatives living in Belgium.
- Business visa: regulated by laws on independent professional activity.
- Medical visa: for receiving medical care.
- Volunteer activity: issued for participation in charity or volunteer projects.
- Humanitarian regularization: granted on the basis of special circumstances.
- Refugee: refugee status gives the right to reside and the possibility of obtaining permanent residence after 5 years.
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Documents for obtaining a visa and residence permit
To apply for a visa or residence permit (RP) in Belgium, you must provide:
- A valid international passport.
- A completed visa or residence permit application form.
- Photographs of the established size (35×45 mm).
- Medical insurance with coverage of at least 30,000 euros.
- Proof of the purpose of the trip (employment contract, invitation from an educational institution, etc.).
- Documents on financial solvency (account statements, salary certificates).
- Ticket reservations and proof of accommodation (rental housing or property).
- Conditions for issuing a permit
The main requirements include:
- Law-abidingness (certificate of no criminal record).
- Financial stability (for example, from 789 euros for students).
- Medical insurance for the entire period of stay.
- No entry bans into the EU or Belgium.
- Reasons for refusals and deportation from Belgium
The most common reasons for visa refusal or deportation:
- Lack of valid documents (passport, visa).
- Use of forged documents or visas.
- Violation of the terms of stay (for example, exceeding 90 days on a Schengen visa).
- Insufficient financial means for living and returning home.
- Threat to public order or security.
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Duration of stay
The duration of stay in Belgium depends on the type of visa:
- A Schengen visa allows you to stay up to 90 days within 180 days.
- A temporary resident’s residence permit is issued for up to 12 months with the possibility of extension.
- Permanent residence is possible after 5 years of legal residence as a temporary resident.
- Procedure for obtaining a residence permit in Belgium
Choosing the reason for residence (work, study, etc.).
- Applying for a national visa type D through a consulate or visa center.
- Registering at the place of residence in Belgium upon arrival and receiving a residence card.
Successful processing of a visa or residence permit requires compliance with all conditions, correct preparation of documents and compliance with the rules of stay.
