Context

The new status of “long-term resident” (langdurig ingezetene/ressortissant de pays tiers résident de longue durée) will become effective as from 8 September 2008 (*). A non-EU national will be able, on certain conditions, to request in Belgium the status of long-term resident. This person will be able to establish himself, temporarily or definitely, more easily in another EU member state.

Conditions

The following conditions must be fulfilled in order to obtain the status of long-term resident:
1. at the time of the request, the non-EU national must be entitled to unrestricted residence;
2. the non-EU national must have an uninterrupted and legal stay of 5 years in Belgium;
3. the non-EU national must give proof of sufficient and regular income, being a monthly income of at least EUR 684, increased by EUR 228 for each person dependent on the non-EU national;
4. the non-EU national must have taken out health insurance, including coverage for himself/herself and family members dependent on him/her;
5. the non-EU national may not be a danger for public order or national safety.

Application

The application/request must be filed at the municipality where the non-EU national resides. The approval or refusal of the status is decided by the Foreigners Office (Dienst Vreemdelingenzaken/Office des Etrangers).

Type of residence permit

The non-EU national who is entitled to the long-term resident status will be granted the “EU residence permit for long-term residents” (EG-verblijfsvergunning voor langdurig ingezetene/Permis de séjour de resident de longue durée-CE), with a validity period of 5 years. The electronic version of this permit will be known as the “D card”.

Consequences

1. The long-term resident will be registered in the “population register” (Bevolkingsregister/Registre de la population).
2. It will be possible to obtain more easily a residence permit for more than 3 months in other EU countries.

(*) Two Royal Decrees of 22 July 2008 (published in the Belgian State Gazette of 29 August 2008-see http://news.hrservices.be?lk200809041 ) have implemented this new residence status, adopting the regulations of Directive 2003/109/EC of the Council of the European Union.