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To work in Belgium you must have a full EU/EEA passport or identity-card. EEA nationals are free to enter Belgium for up to three months to look for work or set up in business. Even if you are visiting Belgium to look for work, you may be asked to prove that you have adequate means for the duration of your stay and that the cost of your return journey is secured.
Residence permit
If you are intending to live in Belgium for longer than three months, for any purpose, or you have the intention to work, you are required to register at the local town hall (maison communale/gemeentehuis) within eight days of arrival. Here you can also obtain your number for registration in the national pension register. You will also need this registration number when you enter Belgium to look for work with an E-303 form.
Temporary residence (mauve card)
Whilst you are looking for work, you will be issued with a 'mauve card' (registration certificate), which is valid for three months and renewable for up to one year, or until you receive permanent residence status. When applying, you will need to produce three passport-sized photographs as well as your current passport/identity card. Your name and details will be entered on the aliens' register (Registre des Entrangers/Vreemdelingenregister). You will have to pay a small charge and may be asked to produce evidence of your financial resources. You may also have your fingerprints taken.
Permanent residence (blue card)
Once you have a fixed address and a regular income, you should then apply for a blue card (EU residence card), which is valid from one to five years and renewable indefinitely. You can apply for a blue card as soon as you have permanent employment (which may be at the outset if you have evidence of a contract from your employer for one year or more). Whilst the application is being processed, you will be issued with a temporary mauve card.
When you receive your residence card (blue card), your name and details are entered in the population register of the relevant administrative district. You must notify any change of address or of personal status.
No rights can be derived from this text.
Text last edited on: 08/2006
Source: European Union
© European Communities, 1995-2007
Reproduction is authorised.
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