How to Apply for a Belgian Residence Permit (Annex 15)

Navigating Belgian residency can be tricky, especially with terms like Annex 15 and all the paperwork involved. This article breaks down who needs a residence permit, what documents Annex 15 requires, and guides you through the application process from start to finish.

What Is Annex 15 in Belgium?

The Annex 15 is a temporary residence document issued by Belgian municipalities. It serves as proof that you have applied for a residence permit and are legally staying in Belgium while your application is being processed.

It’s often requested by:

• International students awaiting their student residence card (A card).
• Job seekers and workers waiting for a work/residence permit decision.
• New arrivals registering their stay at the commune.

Who Needs to Apply?

You should apply for Annex 15 if you are:
An EU/EEA/Swiss citizen staying in Belgium for more than 3 months.
A non-EU citizen who has applied for a residence permit and is awaiting approval.
A student who has submitted all documents for their visa/residence card and needs legal proof of stay.

Documents Required

The exact list can vary by commune, but generally you’ll need:

• A valid passport or ID
• Visa D (if applicable)
• Proof of enrolment (for students)
• Proof of address in Belgium (rental contract or housing attestation)
• Passport photos (biometric format)
• Completed application form at the commune

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Register at Your Local Commune

• Go to the commune (town hall) within 8 days of arrival in Belgium.
• Bring all your documents and request to open a residence file.

2. File Your Residence Application

• The commune will check your paperwork.
• If complete, they issue you an Annex 15 immediately.

3. Police Verification

• The local police may visit your residence to confirm you live at the address provided.

4. Await Residence Permit Decision

• Annex 15 is valid for 45 to 90 days, depending on your case.
• You can renew it if your application is still under review.

5. Collect Your Residence Card

• Once approved, you will be invited to the commune to collect your electronic residence permit (A card for students, B/C/F card depending on status).

Processing Time

Most communes deliver Annex 15 the same day you apply. The full residence permit, however, can take several weeks or even months depending on the workload and the completeness of your file.

Documents You Need for Your Belgian Residence Permit (Annex 15)

Before you submit your application, gather these key documents:

• Valid national ID card: a clear color scan of both sides.
• Passport: valid for at least one year beyond your planned stay; include photocopies of all stamped pages.
• Proof of enrollment: an official acceptance letter or enrollment certificate from your Belgian institution dated within the last three months.
• Criminal record extract: issued by national authorities; must be recent and stamped.
• Sworn translations: any document not in French, Dutch, or English must be translated by a certified translator. Attach originals and translations.

Preparation tips:
• Check expiration dates and prepare two copies for consulate and local immigration office.
• Legalization or apostille: verify if your country requires additional authentication and secure it before departure.
• Organize your folder with labeled plastic sleeves to avoid missing papers.

With all documents accurately prepared, you’ll streamline your Annex 15 process and step confidently toward your studies.

After You Apply: Next Steps, Collecting Your Permit & Avoiding Delays

Once you’ve submitted your application, the process isn’t entirely out of your hands. Within a week, you should receive a confirmation email containing your file number. Use it to log into the federal immigration portal every two weeks for status updates such as “Received,” “Under Review,” or “Ready for Collection.”

If processing takes longer than the usual 6–8 weeks, reach out to your local commune’s population office by phone or email. Have your file number and passport ready to speed things up, and avoid sending multiple emails on the same day, which can slow staff responses.

When your permit is approved, you’ll receive an appointment notice with the date, time, and location for collection. Bring your passport and proof of payment for the residence card fee. In most communes, you’ll need to collect your card within 30 days or request an extension.

To minimize delays, double-check scanned documents before uploading, reply quickly to any requests for missing pages, and keep both digital and paper copies of all receipts. With a bit of organization and proactivity, you’ll be ready to collect your Belgian residence card without unnecessary stress.