National statements (visa D)

National entries on a D visa ("Remarks" line) and conditions of stay:

B7 / Exchange of students - Authorisation to stay strictly limited to the duration of the exchange

No renewal of the residence card because the duration of the authorisation to stay is strictly limited.

B8 / Authorisation to stay strictly limited to the duration of the course at a private institution of higher education + name of educational institution – Art. 9 and 13 of the Act of 15/12/1980

A foreigner applying for the renewal of their residence card must submit the following documents:

proof that they have passed the final exams (certificate prepared by the private institution of higher education for which the visa D was granted);
proof that they are enrolled in the capacity of a regular student for the next academic year (certificate of enrolment drawn up by the private institution of higher education for which the visa D was granted);
proof that they have sufficient means of subsistence;
proof that they have health insurance covering risks in Belgium;
proof that their conduct does not endanger Belgian public order or Belgian national security (extract from criminal record).

On the other hand, the foreigner may not excessively prolong their studies. [Act of 15/12/1980, Article 61/1/4. §2, 6°)

B9 / Authorisation to stay limited to the duration of the academic year – Secondary education – Articles 9 and 13 of the Act of 15/12/1980

A foreigner applying for the renewal of their residence card must submit the following documents:

proof that they have passed the final exams (certificate prepared by the institution of secondary education for which the visa D was granted);
proof that they are enrolled in the capacity of a regular student for the next academic year (certificate of enrolment drawn up by the institution of secondary education for which the visa D was granted);
proof that they have sufficient means of subsistence;
proof that they have health insurance covering risks in Belgium;
proof that their conduct does not endanger Belgian public order or Belgian national security (extract from criminal record, if they are aged 18 or over).

B10 / Family reunification – Art. 10bis. §1 of the Act of 15/12/1980 – Residence limited to the duration of the sponsor's studies

A foreigner applying for the renewal of their residence card must submit the following documents:

proof that they will not be a burden on the Belgian public authorities (certificate from the PCSW);
proof that their conduct does not endanger Belgian public order or Belgian national security (extract from criminal record, if they are aged 18 or over).
evidence of efforts to integrate into Belgian society;
evidence that the foreigner joining has stable, regular and sufficient means of subsistence;
evidence that the foreigner joining has adequate housing (if they have moved since the granting of visa D);
proof that the foreigner joining has health insurance covering risks in Belgium for the holder of the residence card and for themselves.

On the other hand, the foreigner must be effectively cohabiting with the foreigner joining (positive cohabitation investigation conducted by the competent municipal authorities).

B11 / Family reunification – Art. 10. §1, 4° to 6° of the Act of 15/12/1980 – Sponsor admitted or authorised for a stay of unlimited duration in Belgium

A foreigner applying for the renewal of their residence card must submit the following documents:

proof that they will not be a burden on the Belgian public authorities (certificate from the PCSW);
proof that their conduct does not endanger Belgian public order or Belgian national security (extract from criminal record, if they are aged 18 or over);
evidence of efforts to integrate into Belgian society, if they are subject to this requirement;
evidence that the foreigner joining has stable, regular and sufficient means of subsistence, unless they are exempt;
evidence that the foreigner joining has adequate housing (if they have moved since the granting of visa D);
proof that the foreigner joining has health insurance covering risks in Belgium for the holder of the residence card and for themselves.

On the other hand, the foreigner must be effectively cohabiting with the foreigner joining (positive cohabitation investigation conducted by the competent municipal authorities).

B12 / Authorisation to stay limited to the duration of the activity for which exemption from a work permit is granted + duration of activity – Art. 9 and 13 of the Act of 15/12/1980

A foreigner applying for the renewal of their residence card must submit the following documents:

proof that they are exempt from a work permit for the activity performed;
proof that they have sufficient means of subsistence (employment contract, proof of actual deposit of salary in an account opened in their name);
proof that they have health insurance covering risks in Belgium;
proof that they will not be a burden on the Belgian public authorities (certificate from the PCSW);
proof that their conduct does not endanger Belgian public order or Belgian national security (extract from criminal record).

B13 / Authorisation to stay limited to the duration of the guest agreement – Researcher – Art. 61/11 of the Act of 15/12/1980

A foreigner applying for the renewal of their residence card must submit the following documents:

proof that they are an investigator within the meaning of Article 61/11 of the Act of 15/12/1980 (valid guest agreement);
proof that they will not be a burden on the Belgian public authorities (certificate from the PCSW);
proof that their conduct does not endanger Belgian public order or Belgian national security (extract from criminal record).

B14 / Authorisation to stay limited to the duration of labour card B – Salaried employee – Articles 9 and 13 of the Act of 15/12/1980

A foreigner applying for the renewal of their residence card must submit the following documents:

proof that they have a work permit for the activity performed (valid labour card B renewed during a legal stay);
proof that they have sufficient means of subsistence (employment contract, proof of actual deposit of salary in an account opened in their name);
proof that they will not be a burden on the Belgian public authorities (certificate from the PCSW);
proof that their conduct has not endangered Belgian public order or Belgian national security (extract from criminal record).

B15 / Authorisation to stay limited to the duration of the professional card + 3 months – Independent activity – Art. 9 and 13 of the Act of 15/12/1980

A foreigner applying for the renewal of their residence card must submit the following documents:

proof that they have a permit for the activity performed (valid professional card renewed during a legal stay);
proof that the activity is being performed as a business manager, director or active partner. An active partner must also submit their payslips and the company's certificate of incorporation or deed of transfer of shares;
proof of payment of social security contributions (official certificate from the social insurance fund for self-employed people) and of VAT, if VAT applies to the activity performed
proof that they will not be a burden on the Belgian public authorities (certificate from the PCSW);
proof that their conduct does not endanger Belgian public order or Belgian national security (extract from criminal record).

B17 / Authorisation to stay limited to 1 year – Art. 9 and 13 of the Act of 15/12/1980

For a foreigner authorised to reside in Belgium in the capacity of a rentier

A foreigner applying for the renewal of their residence card must submit the following documents:

proof that they have regular, stable and sufficient income in an amount at least equal to the living wage granted to a single person, this being €1,137.97 (amount indexed on 01/08/2022);
proof that they transferred this income to a bank account opened in Belgium in their name;
proof that they have health insurance covering risks in Belgium;
proof that they will not be a burden on the Belgian public authorities (certificate from the PCSW);
proof that their conduct does not endanger Belgian public order or Belgian national security (extract from criminal record).
evidence of efforts to integrate into Belgian society.

For a foreigner authorised to reside in Belgium in the capacity of a parent (father or mother), or adult child over 25 years of age, of a foreign diplomat who holds a special identity card issued by the Protocol Directorate (FPS Foreign Affairs)

A foreigner applying for the renewal of their residence card must submit the following documents:

evidence that they are taken into the care of and effectively living with the accompanied or joined diplomat;
copy of the valid special identity card issued to the diplomat by the Protocol Directorate;
proof that they have health insurance covering risks in Belgium;
proof that they will not be a burden on the Belgian public authorities (certificate from the PCSW);
proof that their conduct does not endanger Belgian public order or Belgian national security (extract from criminal record).
evidence of efforts to integrate into Belgian society.

B19 / Temporary authorisation to stay – Long-term resident status obtained in another Member State of the European Union – Art. 61/7 of the Act of 15/12/1980

For a foreigner who has come to Belgium to pursue an activity as an employee there

The renewal of the combined permit must be requested from the competent Region. The A card will be renewed if the Region renews the work permit and the Immigration Office renews the authorisation to stay.

For a foreigner who has come to Belgium to take on work other than as an employee there

A foreigner applying for the renewal of their residence card must submit the following documents:

proof that they have a permit for the activity being performed (professional card), or that they are exempt from this authorisation for the activity being performed;
proof that they will not be a burden on the Belgian public authorities (certificate from the PCSW);
proof that their conduct does not endanger Belgian public order or Belgian national security (extract from criminal record).

For a foreigner who has come to Belgium to study or to receive vocational training

See national entry B40.

For a foreigner who has come to Belgium for other purposes*

*In general, this is a foreigner who has sufficient means of subsistence.

A foreigner applying for the renewal of their residence card must submit the following documents:

proof that they are receiving interest from investments or a pension in an amount at least equal to the living wage granted to a single person, this being €1,137.97 (amount indexed on 01/08/2022);
proof that they transferred this interest from investments or this pension to a bank account opened in Belgium in their name;
proof that they have health insurance covering risks in Belgium;
proof that they will not be a burden on the Belgian public authorities (certificate from the PCSW);
proof that their conduct does not endanger Belgian public order or Belgian national security (extract from criminal record).
evidence of efforts to integrate into Belgian society.

B20 / Family reunification – Art. 40bis* or 40ter of the Act of 15/12/1980 – The sponsor is an adult Belgian or EU citizen

The foreigner who is admitted to stay in Belgium for more than 90 days in the context of family reunification with an adult Belgian or an adult national of one of the Member States of the European Union (hereinafter EU citizen) must meet the following residence conditions:

living in Belgium with the Belgian or EU citizen being joined;
will not be a burden on the Belgian public authorities (certificate from the PCSW);
their conduct does not endanger Belgian public order or Belgian national security (extract from criminal record, if they are aged 18 or over);
making efforts to integrate into Belgian society.

On the other hand, the Belgian or EU citizen being joined must:

have stable, regular and sufficient means of subsistence, unless the foreigner is not required to meet this residence requirement;
have adequate housing (if they have moved since the granting of visa D);
have health insurance covering risks in Belgium for the holder of the residence card and for themselves.

* Issuing a D visa to a family member of an EU citizen is exceptional.

Indeed, the entry conditions for such a foreigner are laid down in Directive 2004/38/EC. A foreigner exempted from a short-stay visa generally travels with this exemption, and a foreigner subject to the short-stay visa requirement travels with a C visa. The conditions for a foreigner wishing to stay in Belgium for more than 90 days as a family member of an EU citizen are explained in further detail on the pages about EU citizens.

B21 / Family reunification – Art. 40bis or 40ter of the Act of 15/12/1980 – The sponsor is an underage Belgian or EU citizen

The foreigner who is admitted to stay in Belgium for more than 90 days in the context of family reunification with an underage Belgian or an underage national of one of the Member States of the European Union (hereinafter EU citizen) must meet the following residence conditions:

have a genuine connection with the joined Belgian or EU citizen;
making efforts to integrate into Belgian society.

B22 / Family reunification – Art. 10, 10bis, 40bis or 40ter of the Act of 15/12/1980 – Return visa

This visa is granted to a foreigner who holds a certificate of immatriculation and is involved in a family reunification procedure, but who left Belgium before the decision was taken. The examination of the application will continue.

B23 / Authorisation to stay limited to 6 months with a view to adoption – Art. 9 and 13 of the Act of 15/12/1980

The foreigner applying for the renewal of their residence card must present the proof of the clear progress in the adoption procedure (document from the Federal Central Authority or the Central Authority for the community competent for adoption).

B24 / Authorisation to stay limited to 1 year – Art. 9 and 13 of the Act of 15/12/1980 – Working holiday procedure

No renewal of the residence card because the duration of the authorisation to stay is strictly limited to 1 year.

B26 / Right of return – Art. 19 of the Act of 15/12/1980

The foreigner will be returned to the situation they were in before they left Belgium.

B27 / Authorisation to return after 1 year – Art. 9 of the Act of 15/12/1980 + Royal Decree of 07/08/1995

The foreigner will receive an A card that is valid for 1 year, but is authorised to stay in Belgium indefinitely. They will receive a B card when their A card expires.(Circular of 05/02/1996, point V).

B28 / Family reunification – Art. 10bis, §2 or §3 of the Act of 15/12/1980 – Residence limited to the duration of the sponsor's stay

A foreigner applying for the renewal of their residence card must submit the following documents:

proof that they will not be a burden on the Belgian public authorities (certificate from the PCSW);
proof that their conduct does not endanger Belgian public order or Belgian national security (extract from criminal record, if they are aged 18 or over).
evidence of efforts to integrate into Belgian society;
evidence that the foreigner joining has stable, regular and sufficient means of subsistence;
evidence that the foreigner joining has adequate housing (if they have moved since the granting of visa D);
proof that the foreigner joining has health insurance covering risks in Belgium for the holder of the residence card and for themselves.

On the other hand, the foreigner must be effectively cohabiting with the foreigner joining (positive cohabitation investigation conducted by the competent municipal authorities).

B29 / Temporary authorisation to stay – Art. 61/27 of the Act of 15/12/1980 – Highly qualified worker (European Blue Card)

B30 / Family reunification – Art. 47/1 of the Act of 15/12/1980 – Other family member of an EU citizen

The foreigner who is admitted to stay in Belgium for more than 90 days in the capacity of another family member of a citizen of one of the Member States of the European Union (hereinafter EU citizen) must meet the following residence conditions:

For a genuine partner

have an enduring relationship in Belgium with the joined EU citizen;
their conduct does not endanger Belgian public order or Belgian national security (extract from criminal record).

For a family member who, due to serious health reasons, strictly requires personal care by the EU citizen

have a serious health problem that justifies strict and personal care by the EU citizen;
their conduct does not endanger Belgian public order or Belgian national security (extract from criminal record).

B31 / Authorisation to return after an absence of less than one year – Expired residence card – Art. 9 and 13 of the Act of 15/12/1980

The foreigner will be returned to the situation they were in before they left Belgium.

B32 / Resettlement – Art. 9 and 13 of the Act of 15/12/1980

The foreign national will be invited to apply for international protection in Belgium.

B33 / Authorisation to stay limited to 1 year – Art. 9 and 13 of the Act of 15/12/1980 – Humanitarian reasons

A foreigner applying for the renewal of their residence card must submit the following documents:

proof that they will not be a burden on the Belgian public authorities (certificate from the PCSW);
proof that they are pursuing studies or training or performing a professional activity;
proof that their conduct does not endanger Belgian public order or Belgian national security (extract from criminal record).
evidence of efforts to integrate into Belgian society.

B34 / Combined permit

B35 / Student – Mobility

The duration of the residence card is limited to the duration of mobility, or up to 2 years. An extension is not possible when the residence card expires, unless the foreigner presents the documents listed under B40.

B36 / Seasonal worker

A foreigner applying for the renewal of their residence card must submit the following documents:

proof of the renewal of the work permit issued by the competent Region;
proof that they will not be a burden on the Belgian public authorities (certificate from the PCSW);
their conduct does not endanger Belgian public order or Belgian national security (extract from criminal record).

B37 / Intra-Corporate Transferee (ICT)

B38 / Family reunification – Art. 10. §1, 4° to 7° of the Act of 15/12/1980 – Family member of a beneficiary of international protection exempt from conditions (housing, insurance, MEX)

The foreigner who, in the context of a family reunification with a foreigner, beneficiary of international protection in Belgium and exempt from the conditions of residence with regard to means of subsistence, housing and health insurance, is admitted to stay in Belgium for more than 90 days must meet the following conditions of residence:

living with the joined foreigner, beneficiary of international protection;
their conduct does not endanger Belgian public order or Belgian national security (extract from criminal record).

The foreigner who applies for unrestricted residence (B card) (status independent of the status of the joined foreigner) must prove that they have sufficient means of subsistence and that they have not become a burden on the Belgian public authorities (certificate from the PCSW).

B39 / Authorisation to stay limited to 12 months – Year to look for work after studies – Article 61/1/9 of the Act of 15/12/1980

No extension possible when the residence card expires.

B40 / Authorisation to stay limited to the duration of the studies – Enrolment at an institution of higher education + name of the institution – Art. 60, §3, 3°, a) of the Act of 15/12/1980

A foreigner applying for the renewal of their residence card must submit the following documents:

a certificate drawn up [in accordance with the model of the standard form established as per the Ministerial Decree of 28 March 2022] by an institution of higher education, proving that they are enrolled there to pursue higher studies;
the previous year's results (report);
a certificate demonstrating the progress of studies and [in accordance with the template of the standard form established by the ministerial decree of 28 March 2022] prepared by the higher education institution;
proof that they have sufficient means of subsistence for the duration of their stay to avoid becoming a burden on the Belgian social assistance system during his stay;
proof that he has health insurance covering all risks in Belgium (certificate of registration with a healthcare fund).

B41 / Temporary authorisation to stay – Admission to studies + name of institution – Art. 60. §3, 3°, b) of the Act of 15/12/1980

B41 – Authorisation to stay valid for 4 months

At least 15 days before the expiration of their certificate of immatriculation or their visa D, the foreigner must go to the municipal administration and present a certificate prepared [in accordance with the model of the standard form established by the Ministerial Decree of 28 March 2022] proving that he they are enrolled to pursue full-time higher studies or a preparatory year of higher studies at the institution of higher education for which he received their visa.

They must also submit proof that they have health insurance covering all risks in Belgium for the duration of their stay, if this proof was not submitted with the visa application.

Extension of the A card

See national entry B40.

B42 / Temporary authorisation to stay – Enrolment for an entrance exam or an entrance test + name of institution – Art. 60. §3, 3°, c) of the Act of 15/12/1980

B42 – Authorisation to stay valid for 4 months

They must also submit proof that they have health insurance covering all risks in Belgium for the duration of their stay, if this proof was not submitted with the visa application.

Extension of the A card

See national entry B40.

B43 / Temporary authorisation to stay – No health insurance – Art. 61/1/1. §4 of the Act of 15/12/1980

This statement is always associated with the statement B40, B41 or B42.

At least 15 days before the expiration of their certificate of immatriculation or their visa D, the foreigner must present proof that they have health insurance covering all risks in Belgium for the duration of their stay.

B44 / Authorisation to stay limited to 1 year – Art. 9 and 13 of the Act of 15/12/1980 – Humanitarian reasons – Comprehensive family reunification

A foreigner applying for the renewal of their residence card must submit the following documents:

proof that they will not be a burden on the Belgian public authorities (certificate from the PCSW);
proof that they are pursuing studies or training or performing a professional activity;
proof that their conduct does not endanger Belgian public order or Belgian national security (extract from criminal record).
evidence of efforts to integrate into Belgian society.

If the visa was granted to join a family member in Belgium, the foreigner must also prove that they are cohabiting with this person, unless they are self-supporting.

B45 / Family reunification – Art. 57/34 of the Act of 15/12/1980 – The sponsor is the beneficiary of temporary protection in Belgium

Article 57/36 of the Act of 15/12/1980 determines the time when the regime of temporary protection ends.

If the A card of a family member, aged 18 or older, of a beneficiary of the regime of temporary protection expires before this regime ends, they must present proof that their conduct does not endanger Belgian public order or Belgian national security (extract from criminal record).

B46 / EU-Passworld

Authorisation to stay limited to Master + one year to look for work after studies

A foreigner applying for the renewal of their residence card must submit the following documents:

a certificate drawn up [in accordance with the model of the standard form established as per the Ministerial Decree of 28 March 2022] by an institution of higher education, proving that they are enrolled there to pursue higher studies;
the previous year's results (report);
a certificate demonstrating the progress of studies and [in accordance with the template of the standard form established by the ministerial decree of 28 March 2022] prepared by the higher education institution;
proof that they have sufficient means of subsistence for the duration of their stay to avoid becoming a burden on the Belgian social assistance system during his stay;
proof that he has health insurance covering all risks in Belgium (certificate of registration with a healthcare fund).

B47 / Authorisation to stay limited to 6 months – Art. 9 and 13 of the Act of 15/12/1980 – Project of wedding in Belgium

No renewal of the residence card because the duration of the authorisation to stay is strictly limited to 6 months.

B48 / Authorisation to stay limited to 6 months – Art. 9 and 13 of the Act of 15/12/1980 – Project of legal cohabitation in Belgium

No renewal of the residence card because the duration of the authorisation to stay is strictly limited to 6 months.