The right of residence in Belgium can take different forms depending on the situation of the person concerned. The applicable rules depend in particular on the nationality of the applicant, the reason for the stay and the intended duration.
There are generally three main categories of stay: short-term, temporary and long-term or permanent.
The short-term stay concerns people who wish to stay in Belgium for a limited period, generally for a maximum of 90 days over a period of 180 days. This type of stay is often linked to tourism, family visits, business trips or certain short-term professional activities. Depending on the nationality of the traveler, a visa may be required to enter the Schengen area.
Temporary residence concerns people who wish to stay in Belgium for a longer period, but for a specific reason. It may involve, for example, studying in Belgium, working for a Belgian employer, self-employed activity or joining a family member. In these situations, the residence permit is generally linked to the reason for the stay and may be renewed if the conditions continue to be met.
Long-term or permanent residence may be granted after several years of legal residence in Belgium. It offers greater stability and generally allows for more extensive rights. In certain cases, a person who has been legally resident in Belgium for some time may also apply for Belgian nationality.
Understanding the different types of stay is an essential step to identify the most appropriate procedure for your situation.
Frequently asked question
1️⃣What is the difference between short stay and long stay?
The short stay generally corresponds to a maximum duration of 90 days, while the long stay concerns people who wish to live in Belgium for a longer period.
2️⃣ What are the residence permits in Belgium?
The Belgian authorities issue different types of residence cards depending on the person’s situation (for example: temporary cards, resident cards or cards related to a particular status).
3️⃣ Can we change the type of stay in Belgium?
In some situations, it is possible to switch from one type of stay to another, but this depends on the conditions provided by law.
4️⃣Does the right to work depend on the type of stay?
Yes. Some residence permits allow free work, while others impose specific conditions or authorisations.
5️⃣ How long does it take to get a permanent stay?
The duration depends on personal situation and applicable rules, but it generally requires several years of legal residence in Belgium.
6️⃣ Does permanent residence automatically give Belgian nationality?
No. Permanent residence and Belgian nationality are two different procedures, even if an extended legal residence may be a condition for submitting an application for nationality.