Entry and residence regulations for Belgium: Your move made easy

Moving to Belgium – to the land of chocolate, art and warm hospitality – is an attractive goal for many Germans. With its central location in Europe, strong economy and high quality of life, the country offers ideal conditions for a new start. As a leading moving company, KOCH Moving Logistics is by your side. Here you will find all the important information about entry and residence regulations in Belgium, specifically for German citizens.

German citizens can enter Belgium visa‑free for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180‑day period, as Belgium is part of the Schengen Area. A valid identity card or passport is sufficient for entry. This applies to tourist trips, business trips, conference visits and family visits, as well as for jobseekers and persons wishing to pursue self‑employed activity.

NOTE ON ETIAS: From the last quarter of 2026 (expected), an ETIAS travel authorisation will be required for visa‑free stays. This costs €20, is valid for three years and is applied for online. The European Union will announce the exact date several months before its introduction.

 

Thanks to EU freedom of movement, German citizens can live and work in Belgium under simplified conditions. For employment or a stay of more than three months, you must register with the municipal administration of your place of residence within eight working days of your arrival.

 

For registration you need:

 

– a valid identity card or passport;

– proof of your employment or sufficient means of subsistence;

– proof of comprehensive health insurance.

 

After registration, you will receive national register number – a tax and social security number, which is required for all administrative procedures as well as for opening a bank account. It will also be noted on the electronic residence card for EU citizens (E+ card).

EU citizens such as German nationals have an unconditional right of residence for up to three months. For a longer stay (more than three months), the right of residence continues if:

 

– you are engaged in employment (employee or self‑employed);

– you are undergoing training;

– you have sufficient means of subsistence and health insurance;

– you are a family member of a person with such status.

 

For the duration of your stay, you can apply for an electronic EU residence card (E+ card) from the immigration office after registration. This card documents your right of residence but is not mandatory. Since 1 September 2025, stricter rules apply to applications: the applicant must submit complete documents during the first visit to the municipality, proving the purpose of their stay, such as an employment contract, university enrolment certificate, or proof of sufficient financial means. Incomplete applications will no longer be processed.

For third‑country nationals (citizens from outside the EU), stricter rules apply. They generally require a residence permit for longer stays of over 90 days.

After five years of uninterrupted lawful residence in Belgium, Union citizens automatically acquire the right of permanent residence. This right is unlimited and no longer linked to conditions of employment, sufficient means of subsistence or training.

Naturalisation in Belgium is possible under certain conditions. As a general rule: foreign citizens can apply to acquire Belgian citizenship after they have lawfully lived in Belgium for five years.

 

To apply for naturalisation, you must:

 

– have reached the age of 18 (or been declared legally mature);

– be lawfully resident in Belgium at the time of application;

– have demonstrably rendered exceptional services to Belgium in the fields of science, sports, society or culture, with which you have made a special contribution to Belgium's international reputation;

– explain why it is practically impossible for you to acquire Belgian citizenship by means of a declaration of nationality.

 

The naturalisation procedure is a favour granted by the Belgian Chamber of Representatives and is not a legal entitlement. In the event of a negative decision, no appeal can be lodged with a court. The Chamber of Representatives decides on the granting of naturalisation, which is published as a law in the Belgian Official Gazette.

An easier path for most emigrants is the acquire Belgian citizenship by means of declaration of nationality (after five years of lawful residence), comparable to standard naturalisation in Germany, provided that language skills and integration can be demonstrated.

 

NOTE ON DUAL CITIZENSHIP: Belgium generally allows dual citizenship. German citizens can acquire Belgian nationality without having to give up their German citizenship.

A double taxation agreement exists between Germany and Belgium , which prevents, which prevents income and assets from being taxed in both countries. The agreement regulates which state may exercise its right to tax and which waives it. For cross‑border commuters who live in Germany and work in Belgium, a special rule applies: the income is taxed in Germany, but the German tax authorities grant a tax reduction of 8% due to the Belgian municipal tax.

Belgium is similar to Germany in many ways, but also shows typical Belgian characteristics. Compared to Germans, Belgians are considered more open and talkative, but also somewhat less punctual. Unlike Dutch directness, Belgian communication is somewhat more indirect. A harmonious working environment is highly valued, and greetings are formal (handshake, introduction with first and last name).

Belgian work culture is characterised by a good work‑life balance, flat hierarchies and a strong social dialogue. The unemployment rate in 2022 was 5.6%, slightly below the EU average. The working environment is less formal, with a relaxed attitude towards punctuality. The statutory working week is 38 hours, and employees are entitled to 20 days of paid annual leave (plus 10 Belgian public holidays). A planned labour market reform includes, among other things, a probationary period of six months. In future, employeeswill be able to voluntarily work up to 360 hours of overtime per year without the employer having to grant time off in lieu..

Registration with the municipality is the central administrative act after your arrival in Belgium. The deadline for registration is acht Werktage eight working days after your arrival. Registration is done in person at the town hall of the municipality where you live. After registration, you will receive a national register number.

 

Required documents for registration:

– a valid identity card or passport;

– proof of residential address (e.g., rental contract, sublease contract or proof of ownership);

– proof of employment or sufficient means of subsistence (e.g., employment contract, bank statements);

– proof of comprehensive health insurance.

 

IMPORTANT NOTE: Belgian municipalities generally require you to prove that your livelihood and health insurance are secured.

German citizens do not need a visa to enter Belgium, so no visa fees are incurred. Administrative fees may apply for the issuance of the electronic residence card, the amount of which depends on the municipality.

Moving to Belgium requires thorough preparation and an understanding of local administrative procedures. We at KOCH Moving Logistics are by your side to make your dream of emigrating to Belgium as smooth as possible.