Legal stay in Belgium after arrival
Upon arrival every student without the Belgian nationality must register at the local authority or at the municipality of their city of residence. You can find the type of registrations and contact details of the Migration Office where to register further down this page.
Register for a short stay
Third-country nationals who are registered in the Entry-Exit System and EU nationals who are staying in Belgium for a short period (maximum 90 days), no longer need to go to the relevant municipality in person to submit a declaration of arrival. This notification can now also be made online using the electronic form “My Address in Belgium” (MAB). This electronic form is in no way proof of legal residence, identity or nationality. If you need a proof of legal short-term residence and/or want to know the exact end date of your short-term stay in Belgium, you can request a declaration of arrival from the municipality where they are staying.
Persons staying in a hotel, hospital or prison are exempt from this requirement. More information is available on My Address in Belgium (MAB) | IBZ
Third-country nationals who have a residence permit or a D visa from another EU Member State, and will stay in Belgium for less than 90 days, must always report their arrival and address in person to the Migration Office of your local authority to obtain the declaration of arrival (Annex 3).
EU nationals who are staying in Belgium for a period more than 90 days and less than 6 months, must report their arrival and address in person to the Migration office of their local authority . They will receive a declaration of presence (annex 3ter)
Apply for a Residence Permit for long stay (A-card)
You should register with the municipal authority you will live in within the first 8 days after your arrival in Belgium. You must have permanent accommodation before they process your registration. Please contact your town or city hall directly to get more detailed information. For Ghent city: registration (‘domicile’). This A-card is valid till the end of the academic year (renewable). You are required to carry it with you at all times.
Mobility students
Non-EEA nationals who are enrolled as a student in a country of the European Union and will conduct a mobility at Ghent University (for more than 90 days) via the Erasmus+, Erasmus Mundus or double degree program, can make use of a simplified application procedure, called ‘Kennisgeving Mobiliteit’. This will allow the student to legally reside in Belgium without a visa D, provided that they meet the requirements below at least one month before the start of their Mobility. Find out more about this procedure via this page.
Orientation year after graduation
Almost graduated as a non-EEA student at Ghent University? Eager to enter the job market? Apply for an orientation year in Belgium!
Register as a cross-border student
You can study in Belgium while keeping your main residence in France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, or Germany. If you return to your home country daily or weekly, you can register as a cross-border student. After registration at Migration Office of your local authority (see address below), you will receive an Annex 33 (Dutch).
Extension of your Residence Permit
Students registered in Belgium with an A card who will continue their studies in Belgium should start the renewal of your legal residence in Belgium 90 days before the expiry date and no later than 15 days before the expiry date of your current residence permit. Read all the information carefully and start the process at your local city hall. Renewal A Card.
Leaving Belgium
Depending on the time you will be away and whether your departure will be temporary or permanent, you will need to take different steps.
Are you planning to travel abroad, temporarily, during your study program at Ghent University? You will (not) need to report your departure and your return with the municipal authorities depending on the period of your absence.
Note: If you are a non-EU citizen and your residence card expires, there is a risk you will not be allowed to enter Belgium again. If your residence card will expire during your stay abroad, be sure to apply for an extension before you leave!
You will leave Belgium permanently you must report your departure to the municipal authorities. The end of your stay will be registered.
Migration Office in your town of residence
Looking for Ghent University documents supporting your application for legal residence? Oasis-web for students — Info for Ghent University students — Ghent University
Having doubts, need more information or advice? You can reach out to us via students.visa@ugent.be