Stay of more than 3 months as a citizen from outside the EU, EEA or Switzerland
You do not have the nationality of an EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. You are staying in Belgium for more than 3 months. What do you need to do?
Upon arrival in Belgium
Step 1: Register yourself
Do you reside in Leuven? Register yourself with the city as soon as possible. How you do so depends on your situation.
Step 2: Complete your file (if required)
Have you not yet provided all documents? You provide them within the time limit communicated to you.
Step 3: Apply for electronic residence card or orange card
After approval we invite you to apply for a residence card. This is not mandatory for children younger than 12.
Do you have to wait for approval of your application? Then you will first receive an orange card in some cases.
Has your residence document been lost or stolen? Apply for a new one.
Step 4: Collect residence card
Have you received the PIN and PUK codes by post? Then you may collect the card at the city office. Make an appointment.
Extending or changing your stay within the first 5 years
You must regularly extend your stay within the first 5 years of residency in Belgium. The procedure differs for students.
You can also have your residence status changed within this term.
After 5 years of residence in Belgium
Have you resided in Belgium for 5 years? Then we advise you to apply for permanent residence.
Is your 5- or 10-year residence card about to expire? Then we invite you to apply for a new one.
From then on, you may also apply for Belgian nationality.
Do you have a question?
Contact us, we are happy to help you.