Living in Belgium
Information about moving to, living or retiring in Belgium – including visas, working, healthcare and driving.
Getting help with living in Belgium
Help from the Belgian government
For any questions about moving to or living in Belgium, you may be able to get help from the:
The UK government and the British Embassy in Brussels cannot give personalised advice on moving to, living or retiring in Belgium.
Professional help in Belgium
You can also get help from English-speaking professionals in Belgium, including:
- lawyers
- translators
- notaries
- funeral directors
Help from the UK government
Read the travel advice for Belgium to understand the risks you may face if you live in or visit Belgium. This includes the latest information on:
- visas and entry requirements
- laws and cultural differences
- safety and security
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad.
Get help from the UK government abroad, including in an emergency.
Visas, residency and citizenship
Make sure you meet the entry requirements for Belgium before you travel.
Visas and residence permits
Check which visa or residence permit you need to live in Belgium.
You can get a visa to:
- work
- study
- volunteer
- do research
- live with family in Belgium
- live in Belgium without working, if you can financially support yourself
For more information, read the Belgian government’s:
Registering as a resident
Once you arrive, you need to register your residency in Belgium. The Belgian government’s guidance on moving to Belgium explains how to do this.
If you have any problems or questions about registering your residency contact:
Extending or replacing your visa or residence permit
Contact your local municipality (‘commune’ or ‘gemeente’) for information on how to:
- extend your visa or residency permit
- replace a lost, damaged or stolen visa or residence permit
You can also read the Belgian government’s guidance on loss or theft of identity cards or passports.
Long-term residency
You can apply for long-term residency in Belgium if you have lived there legally and continuously for at least 5 years.
To find out if you’re eligible and how to apply, read guidance on long-term resident status in Belgium.
Citizenship
Belgium recognises dual citizenship with the UK. This means that you do not have to give up (renounce) your British citizenship to become a Belgian citizen.
To find out if you’re eligible for Belgian citizenship:
- read guidance on citizenship in Belgium
- contact your local municipality (‘commune’ or ‘gemeente’)
- contact the Belgian Embassy in London
Help with visa, residency and citizenship applications
The British Embassy in Brussels cannot help with Belgian visa, residency and citizenship applications.
For any questions or issues, contact:
- your local municipality (‘commune’ or ‘gemeente’)
- the Belgian Immigration Office
- the Belgian Embassy in London
- an English-speaking lawyer in Belgium
Residency if you moved to Belgium before 1 January 2021
If you moved to Belgium before 1 January 2021, and have been legally living there since then, you and your family members have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.
Residency documents if you moved to Belgium before 1 January 2021
‘M’ cards
If you moved to Belgium before 1 January 2021, make sure you have an ‘M’ card. This shows that you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement. Read the Belgian government’s Brexit guidance for more information.
Under the new digital Entry/Exit System (EES), you’ll need an M card or other valid residence document when entering or leaving Belgium. Annex 22 of the Schengen Border Code (PDF, 1062KB) explains which residence documents are accepted.
If you have an M card or other valid residence document, you will not have to register with the EES when entering, leaving or travelling within the Schengen area. Without one, you may be wrongly identified as overstaying in the Schengen area and denied entry to Belgium or other Schengen countries.
‘P’ and ‘S’ cards
If you were resident in Belgium with a special residence permit (‘P’ or ‘S’ card) before 1 January 2021, you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.
You can choose to register with your local municipality (‘commune’ or ‘gemeente’) and get a new M residency card.
Read the Belgian government’s guidance on special residence permit holders.
If you do not have a residence document
If you were living in Belgium before 1 January 2021, but do not have a residence document, you must apply for a residence card. You’ll need to submit evidence to prove that you met the residency criteria at the time.
If your application is successful, you’ll get a residence card called an M card.
If your application is unsuccessful, you may be able to appeal. Your refusal letter, known as Annex 59 (‘Bijlage 59’) will tell you how to appeal. Consider getting legal advice from an English-speaking lawyer in Belgium.
Renewing your residency document if you moved to Belgium before 1 January 2021
You’ll need to renew your residence card every 5 or 10 years.
Contact your your local municipality (‘commune’ or ‘gemeente’) for information on how to renew your residency document.
Bringing family members to Belgium if you moved there before 1 January 2021
The Belgian government’s guidance for family members explains:
- which family members can join you in Belgium
- how and when they should apply for their residence document
Passports and travel
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- apply for a British passport from abroad
- travel urgently without your British passport
If you have a Belgian residence card or long stay visa, the time you spend in Belgium does not count towards the 90-day visa-free period you can spend in the Schengen area.
Always carry your passport and residence card when entering, leaving or travelling within the Schengen area. If you’re asked to show your passport at border control, make sure you also show your residence card or other evidence of residence status. Your passport may be stamped if you do not.
If you have dual citizenship with an EU or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) country, you should enter and leave Belgium using your EU or EFTA passport.
European Entry/Exit System (EES)
Under the new digital Entry/Exit System (EES) there are new rules for entering, leaving or travelling within the Schengen area. Non-EU nationals will need to have their photo and fingerprints taken or verified at the border. This data will be stored in a digital record and used to monitor how long visitors have spent in the Schengen area.
British nationals legally resident in Belgium, and who have a valid residence card or other residence document, do not need to register with the EES. Annex 22 of the Schengen Border Code (PDF, 1062KB) explains which residence documents are accepted.
If you are legally resident in Belgium but do not have a residence document, contact your local municipality (‘commune’ or ‘gemeente’) for information on how to get one.
For more information about the EES, read:
Healthcare in Belgium
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- plan your healthcare
- take medicine abroad
As a resident, you must register with a health insurance fund (‘mutuelle’ or ‘ziekenfonds’) to access the healthcare system in Belgium.
To find out how to get medical treatment:
- read guidance on healthcare in Belgium and health in Belgium
- read the Belgian government’s guidance on health and social security entitlements
- find English-speaking medical facilities and doctors for British nationals in Belgium
Working in Belgium
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers working abroad, including documents you may need from the UK government.
To work in Belgium, you may need a work permit or work visa. Our guidance on travelling to Belgium for work explains the different work permits and visas available to you.
You do not need a work permit or visa if you both:
- have been living in Belgium legally since before 1 January 2021
- hold an ‘M’ or ‘N’ residence card, or have applied for one
This is because you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.
To apply for a job, you may need to provide a:
- UK police certificate
- Belgian criminal records certificate, which you can request at your local municipality (‘commune’ or ‘gemeente’)
If you live in Belgium and were regularly commuting to work in another EU or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) country before 1 January 2021, read guidance for frontier workers.
Recognition of qualifications
If you want to work in Belgium, you may need to get your foreign qualifications recognised.
Driving in Belgium
Read our guidance on moving, living and retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- drive abroad legally
- take your UK vehicle abroad
- get driving licence letters
The Federal Public Service of Mobility and Transport provides information on driving in Belgium, including how to:
For more information read guidance on:
- driving in the EU
- road travel in Belgium, in safety and security in the travel advice for Belgium
Driving in Belgium using a foreign driving licence
You can drive in Belgium for up to 185 days using a driving licence issued in:
- the UK
- Gibraltar
- Jersey
- Guernsey
- the Isle of Man
You cannot replace or renew any of these licences if you live in Belgium.
Exchanging a UK, Gibraltar or Isle of Man driving licence
To continue driving after 185 days, you must exchange your driving licence for a Belgian one if it was issued in:
- the UK
- Gibraltar
- the Isle of Man
You can apply for the exchange before the 185 days is over. Applications may take time to process, and you’ll need your Belgian licence to drive legally.
Once you start the exchange process, you will not be able to drive until you get your Belgian licence.
Applying for a Belgian driving licence
You cannot exchange your driving licence if it:
- was issued in Jersey or Guernsey
- has expired
- does not meet any of the other conditions required for you to exchange your driving licence
If this is the case, you can apply for a Belgian licence as a non-EU national.
For more information, read guidance on:
- how to get a driving licence in Flanders
- how to get a driving licence in Wallonia
- how to get a driving licence in Brussels capital region
You will need to pass a theory and practical driving test.
Disabled drivers
You may be able to apply for:
If you have a UK Blue Badge and live in Belgium, you must return it to the original UK issuing authority.
Tax
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers tax, including paying UK tax and National Insurance.
The UK has a double taxation agreement with Belgium so that you do not pay tax on the same income in both countries.
Contact the Federal Public Service Finance for any questions about double taxation relief.
You should get professional advice on paying tax in Belgium. To do this, find an English-speaking lawyer in Belgium.
Declaring your assets
All residents must declare assets outside Belgium, including:
- bank accounts
- securities
- insurance
- annuities
- property
The declaration is separate to the annual tax return. There are severe penalties and criminal charges if you do not do this.
All non-residents must file an annual Belgian tax return if they receive income, including a pension, from Belgium.
National Insurance
Check if you need to pay National Insurance if you’re going to work in the EU, Gibraltar, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland.
Pensions
Claiming your UK pension
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers:
- how to claim your UK State Pension
- where the UK government pays an annual increase in the State Pension
Your UK State Pension is calculated differently if you’ve previously lived in Australia, Canada or New Zealand and now live in the EU.
Claiming a Belgian pension
Contact the Federal Pensions Service to find out whether you can claim a pension in Belgium.
Benefits
Claiming UK benefits
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to claim UK benefits abroad, including Child Benefit.
You can also read guidance on benefits and pensions for UK nationals in the EU, EEA or Switzerland.
Claiming Belgian benefits
You may be entitled to some Belgian benefits.
To find out if you’re eligible and how to claim:
- read the Belgian government’s guidance on social security in Belgium
- read guidance on the Belgian social security system (in English, French, German and Dutch)
- contact your local municipality (‘commune’ or ‘gemeente’)
Buying and renting property in Belgium
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers buying and renting property abroad.
Contact an English-speaking lawyer in Belgium if you’re considering buying property or land.
Voting in Belgium
UK elections
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- vote in UK elections from abroad
- register as an overseas voter
Belgian elections
You may be eligible to vote in local elections in Belgium. For more information, contact your local municipality (‘commune’ or ‘gemeente’).
You cannot vote in:
- federal or regional elections in Belgium
- European elections, unless you hold citizenship of an EU country
Studying in Belgium
If you plan to study in Belgium, you must meet all visa requirements before you travel.
You do not need a student visa if you have been living in Belgium legally since before 1 January 2021, as you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.
The federal states provide information on:
For more information, read guidance on:
- studying in Belgium
- studying in the EU
- travel grants for students studying abroad or on placements (England)
You can also contact:
- your higher education provider in the UK or Belgium
- the Belgian Embassy in London
Children
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers moving abroad with children, including:
- getting permission to take your child abroad
- claiming UK Child Benefit abroad
- child maintenance payments if a parent lives abroad
Schools and education
The European Commission provides information about the school system in the:
All children aged 5 to 18 must attend school or home school in Belgium.
For more information, read guidance on how to:
- enrol your child in school in Flanders
- enrol your child in basic education (nursery or primary) or secondary education in Wallonia
- enrol your child in school in Brussels (in French or Dutch)
Childcare
Each Belgian community government is responsible for early childhood education and care in their community. For more information, read guidance from:
- Child and Family (‘Kind en Gezin’) (in Dutch), for the Flemish community
- ONE (Office de la Naissance et de l’Éducation) (in French), for the French community
- Kaleido Ostbelgien (in German), for the German-speaking community
You can also read the European Commission’s guidance on:
- early childhood education and care in the Flemish community
- early childhood education and care in the French community
- early childhood education and care in the German-speaking community
Births, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships
Births
If your child is born in Belgium, register the birth with the Belgian authorities. Read guidance on births in Belgium.
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- register the birth with the UK authorities to get a UK birth certificate
- apply for your child’s first British passport
Deaths
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers:
- what to do after someone dies abroad
- how to register the death with the UK authorities
If someone dies in Belgium, read guidance on:
- what to do when someone dies in Belgium
- English-speaking funeral directors in Belgium
- declaration of death in Belgium
Marriages and civil partnerships
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to get married or form a civil partnership abroad.
The Belgian government provides information on:
Divorce and separation
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to get a divorce or end a civil partnership.
The European e-Justice portal offers guidance on divorce and legal separation in Belgium.
Consider taking legal advice from an English-speaking lawyer in Belgium.
Documents for British people in Belgium
Our guidance on documents for British people abroad covers:
- legalising and certifying UK documents
- marriage and civil partnership documents
- affirmations and affidavits
- witnessing signatures
Lawyers, translators and notaries
To find an English-speaking lawyer, translator or notary in Belgium, read guidance on professional services if you’re abroad.
Pets
If you want to bring your pet with you to Belgium, read guidance on:
Returning to the UK
Read returning to the UK permanently. This includes information on bringing family members back to the UK, tax and access to services.
If the NHS funds your healthcare in Belgium through the S1 form, contact the NHS Overseas Healthcare Team to cancel it.
Disclaimer
We provide this information as a guide only. For definitive information, contact the Belgian authorities.
Read our consular information disclaimer.
Updates to this page
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Rewrote guide to make it easier to read and understand.
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Additional information added under 'Passports and Travel' about the EU Entry/Exit System.
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Update to information about the EU Entry/Exit scheme if you hold an M card.
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Update to ' Visas and residency if you were living in Belgium before 1 January 2021' and the 'Passports and travel' sections to include information about the EU's entry/exit scheme.
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Updated information on 'Exchanging your UK, Gibraltar or Isle of Man licence' section and added a link for English speaking translators/interpreters in the 'Births, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships' section.
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Update on passports and travel section: important advice about carrying valid ID documents in Belgium
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Updated broken links in the following sections: 'If you have a P or S card' and 'Exchanging your UK, Gibralter or Isle of Man licence'.
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Important information in the Working in Belgium, and National insurance sections if you work in Belgium, even it if it is for an employer based in the UK.
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Visas and residency guidance updated, following the 31 December 2021 residency deadline for people with rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.
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Guidance reviewed for Passports and travel, Healthcare, Working in Belgium, Studying in Belgium, Emergencies, and Returning to the UK sections. Professional qualifications section updated for British citizens who are moving or moved to Belgium after 1 January 2021 and those living there since before 1 January 2021.
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Working in Belgium section updated: new guidance for frontier workers
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Healthcare section updated including guidance on the S1 form and applying for EHIC and GHIC cards; working in Belgium section updated with link to Department for International Trade (DIT) guidance on working or providing services; and education section updated with information on studying in Belgium and funding eligibility for students, and link to DIT guidance on recognition of professional qualifications.
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Coronavirus section updated with a link to guidance on vaccines.
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Updated with additional details on how to apply for the new residence card and applying for a Belgian EHIC.
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Updated as the transition period ends with new information on how to apply for the new residency card, pet travel and moving to Belgium.
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Passports and travel section updated on carrying proof of residence when travelling.
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Healthcare section updated on how to apply for a new UK EHIC as a student or S1 holder. Working section updated with information on frontier workers.
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Passports and travel section updated to include information on passport validity and entry requirements when travelling to other European countries from January 2021.
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Brexit update: includes further details on passport validity, healthcare rights and State Pension uprating if the UK leaves the EU with a deal.
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Brexit update: healthcare section updated to reflect transitional arrangements announcement
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Brexit update: Pensions section updated to include further details on State Pension uprating.
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EU Exit update: added information about passport validity to passport section
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EU Exit update: added information on the latest no deal legislation in healthcare, visas and residency, education and driving sections
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We have updated the contact details you need to apply for an S1 form.
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EU Exit update: Updated information on passports. You must use the checker tool to see if your passport is still valid for your trip.
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EU Exit Update: Belgian government draft legislation on UK citizens' rights in a no deal added to the EU Exit section.
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EU Exit update: added latest information from the Belgian government about residence rights in the case of a deal or no deal in the EU Exit section.
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EU Exit update - Updated information on access to healthcare.
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EU Exit update: updated information on pensions and driving
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EU Exit update: New information in residency and visa section on draft withdrawal agreement in principle between the UK and EU. Plus information on travelling with pets in Europe in pet section.
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Complete revision of guidance to ensure it's up to date and accurate.
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Updated life certificate instructions for UK state pensions.
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First published.