Stay of more than 3 months as an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen

You 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 in the city registry as soon as possible. Registration of a student proceeds differently. 

Registration as a EU, EEA or Swiss national

Are you coming to Belgium for a stay of more than 3 months? Then you must register yourself in the city registry as soon as possible.

Registration as a foreign student

Register yourself with the city of Leuven as soon as possible. How to register? This 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.

Non-Belgian file still to be completed

Submit the missing documents on time.

Step 3: Apply for electronic residence card

Has your application been approved? Then you can apply for a residence card. This is not mandatory for children younger than 12.

Has your residence document been lost or stolen? Apply for a new one. 

Residence card for non-Belgians from the age of 12

Do you want to apply for a new electronic residence card? Make an appointment at the city office.

Residence card for non-Belgians under the age of 12

Does your child not have Belgian nationality and are they younger than 12? Then you can apply for an electronic residence card for your child.

Residence document lost or stolen

Has your residence document been lost or stolen? Read what you need to do.

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.

Collection of residence card

Did you apply for a residence card and have you now received the PIN and PUK codes by post? Then you may collect the card at the city office. Make an appointment.

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.

Renewal of 5- or 10-year residence card

Is your 5- or 10-year card about to expire and do you want to remain in Belgium? Then you must apply for a new electronic residence card.

Permanent residence

Have you been residing in Belgium legally and continuously for at least 5 years? If you meet the conditions, you can apply for permanent residence.

Do you have a question?

Contact us, we are happy to help you.

Call us

016 27 21 94

Mail us

nietbelgen@leuven.be
We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Something wrong or unclear on this page? Let us know.