You hesitate between France and Belgium to continue Your higher education ? In addition to choosing a university, one question often comes up among international students: getting a student residence permit Is it easier in belgium Or in france ?
In this article, we compare the two countries according to the following criteria: conditions of obtaining, deadlines, required documents, renewal and possible support.
The student residence permit is an authorization to reside legally in a foreign country for the duration of your studies. It is mandatory if you come from a country outside the European Union and want to stay longer than 90 days.
Choose between the belgium And the france for your request for residence permit, it is not only a question of destination: it is a strategic choice that affects your budget, your deadlines and your daily life as soon as you arrive.
Processing times
En belgium, the procedures are generally faster: it takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks after registering with the municipality.
In France, deadlines can reach 8 to 10 weeks, especially in big cities. These deadlines vary depending on the prefecture and the time of year.
Cost of the residence permit
En france, the application for a multi-year residence permit costs approximately €92.
En belgium, the fees for a request for student residence permit amount to approximately 366€ in 2025, not including possible communal costs.
In addition, there are additional costs: passport photos, official translations, health insurance, etc.
Administrative procedures
In France, you will often have to go to the prefecture several times, with proof of housing, resources and attendance. The procedures can be long and demanding.
In Belgium, the procedures are more centralized: your registration with the municipality, accompanied by proof of resources (at least €835 per month Or a Account blocked), is sufficient in most cases.
Flexibility and rights during studies
Both countries allow international students to work, but the conditions differ:
In both cases, the renewal of the permit depends on compliance with the obligations related to the stay: attendance at courses, sufficient resources, housing, etc.
Here's what you need to know to get your student residence permit within the rules and without stress.
Before you leave: the conditions to be met
Before entering Belgium, make sure you meet the following criteria:
Be admitted to a recognized institution (university, university, higher education institution).
As soon as you arrive in Belgium: steps to take
You must register yourself at the municipality of your place of residence in a period of 8 working days after you arrived. Here are the key steps:
1-Make an appointment at the municipality
To apply for the electronic residence card for foreigners (model A).
2-Compose your file
Prepare the following documents:
Valid passport (+ photocopy)
3-Pay the processing fee
Count between €15 and €35, according to the municipality.
Delivery deadlines
The duration of treatment varies according to the municipality and the period. In general:
You have to count 4 to 8 weeks to get your residence card.
Once you have obtained your residence card
You are officially allowed to stay and study in Belgium for the duration of your program. La Card needs to be renewed every year if your program is spread over several years.
Choose the France as a study destination, it also means accepting certain administrative procedures to obtain Your student residence permit. This document is essential to remain legally in the country for more than 90 days and to access several rights, such as student work.
Processing times
Deadlines vary depending on the prefecture and the time of year. On average, you have to count between 8 and 10 weeks to get your residence permit after submitting your application. In some major cities, these delays may be longer.
Cost of the residence permit
Applying for a multi-year residence card costs around 92 euros. In addition, additional costs may be added:
identity photos, official translations of documents, medical certificate (if requested), health insurance subscription.
Administrative procedures
The procedure usually involves several steps:
making an appointment online or at the prefecture,
submission of a complete file including:
proof of housing,
Rights while studying
With a student residence permit, you can:
work until 964 hours per year, which is approximately 20 hours per week,
request a renewal of your permit provided that you comply with the obligations related to your stay:
attendance at classes,
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