Applying for permanent residence

What is it about?

Once you have permanent residence, there are no longer any conditions tied to your stay in Belgium.

What are the conditions?

• ou have a valid residence card.
• You have 5 years of uninterrupted residence.

If you are an EU/EEA citizen or Swiss national with an EU card, an Annex 8(ter), or an E-card:

• You can apply for permanent residence yourself, but it’s not mandatory. This change is called sustainable residence, and you will receive an EU+ card.

If you are a non-EU/EEA citizen:

• A or H card holders: We recommend applying for permanent residence so you won’t need to renew your residence anymore. While waiting for your permanent residence, you should also extend your current residence card.
• Recognized refugees or beneficiaries of subsidiary protection: You can apply for indefinite residence 5 years after the submission of the asylum procedure that led to your current status (B-card).
• Other statuses: You can apply for long-term resident status (L-card). Sometimes, the Federal Immigration Office may issue a B-card on its own.

If you have a B-card:

• This is already indefinite residence, but you can still apply for:
  • Establishment authorization (K-card)
  • Long-term resident status (L-card)
  • You can apply as soon as you receive your B-card or later.

If you have an M-card:

• This is already indefinite residence, but you can still switch to sustainable residence (M+ card).

If you have an F-card:

• Shortly before your F-card expires, you can make an appointment to apply for sustainable residence (F+ card).

Important: If you no longer live at the same address as the person with whom you applied for family reunification after 5 years, you may need to apply for a K-card.

How much does it cost?

The application itself is free.

For the residence card, you pay

For urgent applications for multiple children under 12 at the same time, the second and subsequent cards cost 106 euro.

Preferably, you should pay contactlessly.

What are the steps?

Application for EU+ card:

• Make an appointment with the Migration Office.
• You will receive a proof of application (Annex 22).
• The EU+ card is applied for immediately.
• You will receive your PIN and PUK codes and can collect the card.

Application for F+ card, sustainable M card, or K card:

• Send an email to migratie@stad.gent with the subject: “APPLICATION F+, M, or K card - your full name - national register number”.
• Attach the following documents:
  • Copy of your passport.
  • Copy of your residence card.
• In the email, include the first and last name of the applicant, their mobile or telephone number, and email address.
• Note: You must attach the documents for each person applying for an F+, M, or K card.
• You will receive a confirmation of your application (Annex 22 or Annex 16).
• After 5 months, make a new appointment to apply for your new residence card.
• The F+, M with sustainable residence, or K card will be requested.
• You will receive your PIN and PUK codes and can collect the card.

Application for B-card:

• If you are a recognized refugee or have subsidiary protection, you can apply online.
• If you have an A-card based on another status, you can apply for renewal online or by appointment. The Federal Immigration Office will check with each renewal if you are eligible for a B-card.
• You will receive a confirmation email of your application.
• You will receive a second email with the decision.
• Make an appointment to apply for your new residence card.
• The B-card will be requested.
• You will receive your PIN and PUK codes and can collect the card.

Application for L-card:

• Send an email to migratie@stad.gent with the subject: “APPLICATION L card - your full name - national register number”.
• Attach the following documents:
  • Passport.
  • Residence card.
  • Proof of income:
    • For employees in Belgium: payslips for the last 3 months.
    • For self-employed in Belgium: last 3 months of bank transfers from the business to your personal bank account, and the latest tax assessment notice.
  • Health insurance.
• In the email, include the first and last name of the applicant, their mobile or telephone number, and email address.
• Note: You must attach the documents for each person applying for an L-card.
• You will receive a confirmation of your application (Annex 16).
• After 5 months, make a new appointment to apply for your new residence card.
• The L-card will be requested.
• You will receive your PIN and PUK codes and can collect the card.

Are there exceptions?

• Applications for EU+, B, M with sustainable residence, K, or L cards are not mandatory.
• Application for an F+ card is mandatory. If you don’t apply for sustainable residence, the Immigration Office can issue an administrative fine of €200.
• Students are not eligible for permanent residence.
• If you can’t start the application online, you can also make an appointment with the Migration Office.