Belgium (BE)

Required for commune registration, opening bank accounts, signing leases, and all official processes. Non-EU nationals must use a passport. EU nationals may use a national ID card.

Needed for registering children, accessing certain social benefits, and applying for citizenship. Belgium requires a certified copy with apostille if issued outside Belgium. Must be translated into Dutch, French, or German by a sworn translator.

Required for registering a spouse, claiming partner-related benefits, and joining household registration. Must be apostilled and translated if issued abroad.

Required for certain regulated professions, Belgian equivalency recognition (NARIC — regional: Naric Vlaanderen for Flanders, NARIC-CFWB for Wallonia/Brussels), and many employment applications. Belgium is a Hague Apostille member; foreign degrees from Hague member countries require apostille plus sworn translation into Dutch, French or German.

Required for commune registration, visa applications, and proving right of residence for employed EU citizens.

Rental contract (huurcontract / contrat de bail) or property deed required for commune registration and opening Belgian bank accounts. Lease must be registered with the region.

Extract from the criminal record (uittreksel uit het strafregister / extrait du casier judiciaire) required for employment in sensitive sectors (education, childcare, finance, security). Belgian communes issue this document — request it at your commune.

The 11-digit national identification number assigned upon commune registration. Required for healthcare, tax, social security, and all government interactions. Appears on your eID card.

Membership certificate from a Belgian mutuality or proof of private health insurance. Required for accessing healthcare reimbursements and some visa applications.

Original vehicle registration certificate from the country of origin required for Belgian re-registration with the DIV. If the vehicle was purchased abroad, proof of ownership is also needed.

EU/EEA driving licences are fully valid in Belgium and can be exchanged for a Belgian licence at any time at the commune. Non-EU licences from countries with a bilateral exchange agreement can also be exchanged directly; nationals of other countries may need to pass a Belgian driving test. An International Driving Permit is recommended for the initial period while residence is being regularised. Confirm current bilateral agreement status with the DIV (Vehicle Registration Directorate).

Bank statements, employment contract, or sponsor letter demonstrating financial self-sufficiency. Required for non-EU visa and residence permit applications.