Registration at your local Commune

If you are a non-European student

In order to obtain a residence permit for the duration of your studies, you are required to register in person at your local Commune within 8 days of arriving in Belgium.

In addition to a valid passport, and your temporary visa, you will need to take the following items/documents* with you to the Commune:

three identity format photos;

proof of enrolment in your sending university, or student card;

A written and signed declaration from Saint-Louis confirming that your stay in Belgium is part of an educational exchange programme;

an authenticated birth certificate;

a copy of your accommodation rental contract;

and the sum of ± 30.00 Euros to cover administration costs.

*Please note that the specific documents that are required may vary from one Commune to another, so it is worth checking your local Commune’s requirements in advance. The addresses of the different Commune offices are available from the International Relations Unit.

It is also worth noting that the process is a long one, so we strongly recommend that you contact your Commune as early as possible.

As a student you may nonetheless travel freely within the Shengen area.

The procedure is normally as follows:

you should makes an initial visit to your local Commune to declare your arrival;

a police officer carries out a check to verify that you do in fact live at the address you supplied at your initial visit;

following the police check, you will be given an appointment at your local Commune in order to finalise paperwork.

If you are a European student

To obtain a residence permit for the duration of your studies you are also required to visit your local Commune in person shortly after arriving in Belgium.

The registration process and document requirements for European students are the same as for non-European students.