Belgium enforces stricter documentation requirements for EU citizens applying for residence since 2025. It applies if they want to stay longer than three months in the country. Applicants must submit complete documentation on their first visit to the local municipality.
Foreigners need to have an actual place of residence in the municipality and should report within eight working days of the arrival in Belgium. The timeline is rather strict as all required documentation has to be ready before scheduling a municipal appointment. Incomplete applications will not be accepted and processed.
EU citizens who come to Belgium for a stay of less than three months must report their presence in Belgium within 10 working days of entering Belgium via “My Address in Belgium” (MAB). Persons staying in a hotel, hospital or prison are exempt from this requirement.
Required materials include proof of EU nationality and supporting documentation that demonstrates the applicant’s purpose of residence. Acceptable evidence includes employment or self-employment contracts, proof of job-seeking, university enrollment, financial resources, or family ties to an EU or Belgian national.
The European Commission has emphasized that these regulations must align with the EU Free Movement Directive (2004/38/EC). Key principles include:
| Principle | Details |
|---|---|
| Right to Reside for Up to 3 Months | EU citizens can reside without conditions for up to three months. |
| Longer Residence for Workers | Workers, self-employed individuals, and job seekers with genuine prospects can stay longer. |
| Sufficient Resources Requirement | Non-working EU citizens must have enough resources to avoid burdening the social assistance system. |
Family members of EU citizens, either EU citizens or nationals of a non-EU country, have the right to accompany or join EU citizens.
More information here.
Leave a Reply