Registering in Ghent as an employee with a work permit

What is this about?

Non-EU citizens who work for an employer usually need a work permit. Some categories of employees are exempt. Depending on the duration and nature of the job, the employer applies for the work permit through a work card.
More information on how to apply for a work card can be found on the Flanders website. You can collect the card at the City Office without an appointment, two weeks after receiving a letter from the Economic Migration Service.

Are you staying in Belgium for more than three months? You must register and apply for a residence card. This must be done at the municipality where you reside.

What are the conditions?

• You reside at a private address in Ghent
• You already have a work permit
• You have a visa D, which you must apply for at the relevant Belgian diplomatic post before coming to Belgium

You can also apply for a short-term work permit (less than three months)

• You have a visa C
• You have a residence card from another EU member state
• You do not require a visa

How much does it cost?

Starting your file in Ghent is free if you entered Belgium with a visa D.

For the residence card, you will pay:

What do I need?

• A valid passport
• A valid visa or proof of valid entry if you are exempt from a visa or have a residence card from another EU member state
• Your work permit or exemption

What are the steps?

Registration for less than three months
Follow the procedure to apply for a short stay and include your work permit in the documents.

Registration with a visa D for a long stay (more than 3 months)

1. Register online within eight working days. Follow all the steps in the form to complete the application.
2. You will receive a confirmation email once we have received your e-form.
3. Once your application has been processed and your file is complete, you will receive a digital Appendix 15.
4. The police will verify your address.
5. You will receive an email invitation (link) to apply for your residence card. Use the link to schedule an appointment to apply for your A-card. You will receive a temporary residence document (2nd Appendix 15) at the desk.
6. You collect your residence card at the location where you applied for it.
   You do not need to make an appointment for this, except at the Wijkkantoor Rabot. 
   Don't forget your codes!

Are there exceptions?

Are you staying in Belgium for more than three months but do not have a visa D and have another legal status? You must apply for a status change.