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Are you coming to study in Belgium and already hearing about the A-card, D-visa, or residence permit renewal? If these terms still seem a bit confusing, don't worry: the A-card is simply the document that formalizes your right to reside in Belgium during your studies.
For international students from outside the European Union, understanding how it works is essential. When should you apply for it? How long is it valid? Can you work with it? And what happens when it expires?
The A-card is a temporary Belgian residence permit. It is primarily issued to nationals from countries outside the European Union who are authorized to stay in Belgium to pursue their studies. It serves as proof that you are legally authorized to reside in Belgium as a student. However, be careful not to confuse the A-card with the D-visa.
The D-visa is the long-stay visa that allows you to enter Belgium to begin your stay. Once you arrive, you must complete the necessary procedures at your local municipal office. The A-card then becomes your primary residence document in Belgium.
In short:
D-visa → arrival in Belgium → procedures at the municipality → A-card
Once you arrive in Belgium, you must report to the municipal administration of your place of residence within 8 days. This step allows the municipality to carry out the necessary checks regarding your address and your stay. You should not wait several weeks after your arrival to start the process. Practical procedures may vary from one municipality to another; some operate by appointment only.
The A-card is a temporary residence permit.
Its validity period depends on your residence authorization and your situation as a student. It is therefore not a permanent residence permit valid for the entire duration of your course. This is an important point: being enrolled at a university for several years does not mean that your A card is automatically valid for several years. If you wish to continue your studies in Belgium after your permit expires, you must apply for a renewal.
Yes. But be careful: this does not mean you can work without limits.
Your residence permit is issued to allow you to pursue your studies. Work is a supplementary activity and remains subject to the rules applicable to foreign students. During periods when you are expected to be focusing on your studies, you may work up to 20 hours per week, provided that this activity is compatible with your studies.
During school holidays, this 20-hour limit generally does not apply. This means that while a student can work, they cannot simply use their student status to engage in full-time professional activity throughout the year. Your main activity remains your studies
Because it accompanies almost your entire administrative life in Belgium.
It is notably necessary to prove your right of residence and may be requested for various administrative procedures. Most importantly, its expiration date should be a date you know by heart. A common mistake is waiting until you have received your new university enrollment to start thinking about renewal.
However, between obtaining documents, preparing the file, the appointment at the municipal office, and administrative processing, several steps must be anticipated.
8 days : to report to your municipal office after your arrival.
15 days : deadline to meet before your A card expires to submit your renewal.
€1,062 / month : reference amount for subsistence means for 2026-2027.
€12,744 / 12 months : amount corresponding to a full year.
20 hours / week : work limit during periods when you are expected to focus on your studies.