Upon arrival in Belgium, you will have to apply for a residence permit or declaration of presence at the local government office in your place of residence. The residence card entitles you to reside/live in Belgium for a fixed period of time. You can leave and return to Belgium until the expiry date. Once you have a valid residence card, you will no longer need a visa, nor will you need to apply for a visa extension.
What is your situation?
Staying in Belgium for a maximum of 90 days
If you are planning to stay in Belgium for less than 90 days, you don't need a residence permit.
If you are staying in a hotel or hostel, you do not need to present yourself to the local government office.
If you are not staying in a hotel or hostel, you must present yourself to the Immigration Office in your place of residence in order to request a declaration of arrival (“annex 3” for non-EEA citizens) or a declaration of presence (“annex 3ter” for EEA citizens).
Students If you live in Antwerp or one of its districts, the International Relations Office can assist you with this application. Please send an email to residencepermit@uantwerpen.be.
Staff If you live in Antwerp or one of its districts, the International Staff Office can assist you with this application. Please send an email to residencepermit.staff@uantwerpen.be
Staying in Belgium for more than 90 days
All international students and staff staying longer than 90 days have to apply for a residence permit upon arrival.
Within eight days of your arrival in Belgium you must submit an application to the local government office in your place of residence to allow you to register at the Immigration Office and apply for a residence permit.
The university assists in the application of the residence permit for students and staff who will be living in Antwerp or one of its districts. The registration procedure depends on your registration at our university.
It is important not to start the application yourself at the city hall, otherwise we can not give you any further assistance with the application.
Degree students, exchange students, visiting research students and PhD students apply through the International Relations Office. Linguapolis students apply through the Linguapolis student office. IOB students apply through the IOB student office.
Find all information and contact details for students
Staff members apply through the International Staff Office.