Short-term absence:

If you wish to leave Belgium for less than three months, you do not need to do anything and you will retain your right of residence and the right to return to Belgium.

If the period of validity of your residence permit expires during your absence, you must remember to apply to the municipality for an early extension of your residence permit.

Long-term absence (longer than three months):

If you intend to leave Belgium for a period of more than three months but less than one year, you must notify the municipal administration of the place where you are staying of your departure and your intention to return. If you have a right to permanent residence, the permitted period of absence is increased to two years (24 months).

Your family members must also report in person. The municipality will then issue you and your family members with a certificate of departure in the form of an Annex 18.

If you expect your absence from Belgium to exceed the period of validity of your residence permit, you must apply to the municipality for an early extension of your residence permit.

On your return to Belgium, you must report to the municipal administration of your place of residence within 15 days of your return. You must also bring your valid residence permit and your certificate of departure. If you and your family members meet the conditions for return, the municipality will re-enter you in the population registers.

Permanent departure from Belgium:

If you wish to leave Belgium permanently in order to settle abroad, you must report in person – no later than on the day before your departure – to the municipal administration of the place where you have been residing until then. The municipality will ask you to hand in your residence permit and will deregister you from the population registers.

This procedure is not available online. Family members who are going abroad with you also have to report in person to the municipal administration.

Legislation

Article 19 of the Act of 15 December 1980 on access to the territory, residence, settlement and removal of foreign nationals.

Articles 37, 39, 40 and 41 of the Royal Decree of 8 October 1981 on access to the territory, residence, settlement and removal of foreign nationals.

Articles 7 and 12 of the Royal Decree of 16 July 1992 on population registries and the register of foreign nationals.

Support Service

Immigration Office

02/793.80.00

infodesk [at] ibz.fgov.be

Information services survey