Registering residence for longer stays in Belgium (2026)

Last reviewed: 30 October 2026

In short: EU citizens who stay in Belgium for more than three months must register with the municipality of their place of stay within three months of arriving. The municipality issues an Annex 19 first and a registration certificate once the right of residence is recognised.

RuleWhat applies
Duty to registerMoving for a longer stayRequired for longer stays [1]
DeadlineMoving for a longer stayEU citizens who stay more than three months must register with the municipality within three months of arriving. A fine of 200 euros can be imposed if the registration certificate is not applied for in time. [1]
Where to registerMoving for a longer stayThe municipality of the place where the person is staying. [1]
Document for EU citizensMoving for a longer stayThe municipality first issues an Annex 19 (pending application for a registration certificate). Once the right of residence is recognised, the EU citizen receives a registration certificate (Annex 8), or on request an electronic E card. [1]
Deregistration on leavingMoving for a longer stay⚠ Not yet verified

Notes

  • This applies to EU citizens (and their family members). Rules for Belgian residents, non-EU nationals and short stays differ: EU citizens staying under three months must report to the municipality within 10 days. The snapshot is from 11 September 2025 and later changes were not checked.

Sources

  1. FOD Binnenlandse Zaken (IBZ), Internet Archive snapshot of 11 September 2025: Registration and reporting obligation (general) (Internet Archive snapshot of 11 September 2025) (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.