DirectEmigreren
Chapter 4 of 15

Paperwork & bureaucracy

Municipal registration, eID, residence card, National Register

Summary

Belgian bureaucracy is complex but more structured than in many other countries. As an EU citizen, you have the right to live and work in Belgium without a visa. You must register at the municipality within eight working days of arrival. After registration, you receive a residence card (electronic foreigner card) and are entered into the National Register. Since September 1, 2025, stricter requirements apply: you must bring all supporting documents proving your reason for stay during your first visit to the municipality. This chapter explains every step.

What you need to know

Basic steps for EU citizens

1. Deregister in the Netherlands Before officially emigrating, deregister from your Dutch municipality (Basic Registration of Persons, BRP). Do this maximum 5 days before departure — not earlier, as deregistration affects your health insurance, benefits, and voting rights. You'll receive a proof of deregistration. 2. Registration at the Belgian municipality

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Knowledge Base

Glossary
  • eID (Electronic Identity Card)

    The Belgian electronic identity card. As an EU citizen you receive an E-card or E+-card. Use it to identify yourself with the government, bank and for online services via Itsme or eID software.

  • Rijksregister (National Register)

    The Belgian national population register. You receive a national register number when registering in your municipality. This number is required for work, taxes, health insurance and all official matters.

  • Mutualiteit (Health Insurance Fund)

    The Belgian health insurance fund. You are required to join a mutualiteit for your health insurance. Choose from: CM, Solidaris, Liberal Mutuality, Independent Fund, or the Auxiliary Fund (CAAMI).

  • Crossroads Bank for Social Security

    The central database connecting all Belgian social security institutions. Your national register number is the key to this system.

  • Kinderbijslag (Child Benefit)

    Belgian child benefit, called "Groeipakket" in Flanders. Automatic entitlement when living and working in Belgium. Amounts vary by region (Flanders, Wallonia, Brussels).

  • FOD Financiën (Federal Finance Department)

    The Belgian federal tax department. Here you file your annual tax return (Tax-on-Web), register as a taxpayer and handle all fiscal matters.

  • Personenbelasting (Personal Income Tax)

    The Belgian personal income tax. Progressive rates from 25% to 50%. Belgium has one of the highest tax burdens in Europe, but also many deductions and benefits.

  • Gemeente (Town Hall)

    The Belgian town hall. Here you register, request documents, and handle administrative matters. In Brussels and Wallonia this is called "commune" or "maison communale".

  • Zorgkas (Care Fund)

    The Flemish care insurance for non-medical care (home care, care homes). Mandatory for all residents of Flanders and Brussels. Annual contribution of ~€54.

  • Itsme (Digital Identity App)

    The Belgian digital identity app. Essential for online government services, banking and signing contracts. Comparable to DigiD but on your smartphone.

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