The major things you and your family will require ...

Corporate human resources departments handle most of the documentation required for expatriate personnel and their families. For companies without this facility, a relocation agency will assist. This section provides a very brief description of the most important requirements you will need to meet. For a full explanation, please ask at a Belgian Embassy or Consulate.

Documentation ...

As with most countries, any stay in Belgium that lasts longer than three months is deemed permanent residence. For expatriate personnel coming to Flanders, this means a work permit will be required. It also means that the expatriate family will need to apply for identity cards and, where applicable, Belgian driving licenses. You should also ensure that you have all the appropriate educational documentation should you have children who will be attending school in Flanders.

Work permits, visas and identity cards ...

(please note: The procedure is different for citizens of European Union countries)
Prior to arrival in Flanders, expatriate personnel will require a work permit obtained through his or her company from a Belgian Embassy or Consulate as well as visas for all family members. Residency permits should also have been applied for. Within eight days of arriving, the family will need to go to the Town Hall of the area they live in. They will then be issued with identity cards and temporary residence permits. The list of documents required should be requested from the Embassy or Consulate.

Driving licenses ...

Foreign driving licenses together with an international permit remain valid until people from overseas become resident in Belgium. At that stage, a current Belgian driving license is required. In many cases, there are acceptance conventions between Belgium and other countries, such as the USA for example. This means that a national license can be exchanged automatically for a Belgian license at the same time as registration at the local Town Hall as above. In other cases, it may be necessary to take a driving test. The minimum age for driving in Belgium is 18. Please check with a Belgian Embassy or Consulate.

Other matters ...

All matters involving the bringing of pets, importing of certain goods and the like should be checked through a corporate Human Resources Department or directly with a Belgian Embassy or Consulate.

Flanders Investment & Trade is delighted to assist with any questions you might have and will put you in contact with the appropriate authorities.