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An Immigration Request is your formal application to live, work, or study in Belgium. It's the starting point for getting legal permission to enter and stay in the country, covering everything from work permits to family reunification visas through the Belgian Immigration Office.

Filing this request kicks off a detailed review process where Belgian authorities check your eligibility, documentation, and purpose of stay. Each type follows specific rules under the Belgian Foreigners Act - for example, non-EU workers need their employer's support, while students must prove acceptance to a recognized institution and show sufficient financial means.

File an Immigration Request as soon as you plan to stay in Belgium for more than 90 days, or before your current residence permit expires. This applies when starting a new job, joining a Belgian university, reuniting with family members, or retiring in Belgium.

Submit your request at least 2-3 months before your intended arrival or permit expiration. The timing is crucial for skilled workers needing Type B work permits, students starting academic terms, and family members planning reunification. Early filing helps avoid visa delays and maintains your legal status under Belgian immigration law.

• Short Stay Visa Request: For visits under 90 days, often used by tourists, business travelers, or conference attendees
• Long Stay Type B Work Permit: For skilled professionals with job contracts in Belgium, requiring employer sponsorship
• Student Immigration Request: For international students accepted to Belgian universities, requiring proof of finances and enrollment
• Family Reunification Request: For joining close family members already residing legally in Belgium
• EU Blue Card Application: For highly qualified non-EU professionals earning above the minimum salary threshold

• Immigration Applicants: Non-Belgian citizens seeking to live, work, or study in Belgium must prepare and submit their own requests
• Belgian Immigration Office: Reviews and processes all Immigration Requests, conducting background checks and making final decisions
• Belgian Employers: Support work permit applications by providing job contracts and sponsorship documentation
• Immigration Lawyers: Guide applicants through complex cases and ensure compliance with Belgian immigration law
• Local Communes: Handle registration and residence card issuance after initial approval

• Personal Documentation: Gather valid passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate if applicable, and recent passport photos
• Purpose Evidence: Collect proof of employment, university acceptance, or family ties depending on your visa type
• Financial Records: Prepare bank statements, salary slips, or proof of scholarship showing sufficient means to stay in Belgium
• Housing Proof: Secure rental agreement or property ownership documents showing your Belgian address
• Health Requirements: Obtain medical certificate and valid health insurance coverage for Belgium

• Personal Information Section: Full legal name, date of birth, nationality, and current residence details exactly matching passport
• Purpose Declaration: Clear statement of intended stay duration and specific reason for immigration to Belgium
• Contact Details: Both current address and intended Belgian address, plus reliable contact information
• Supporting Documentation List: Itemized index of all attached certificates, proof of means, and required documents
• Declaration of Truth: Signed statement confirming all provided information is accurate and complete

While Immigration Requests and Immigration Forms might seem similar, they serve distinct purposes in Belgian immigration procedures. An Immigration Request is a comprehensive application initiating the process for long-term stays, while an Immigration Form typically handles specific administrative aspects or short-term matters.

• Scope and Purpose: Immigration Requests cover major status changes like work permits or residency, while Immigration Forms handle simpler matters like address changes or registration updates
• Processing Time: Immigration Requests undergo extensive review periods (often months), while Immigration Forms usually receive faster processing
• Documentation Requirements: Requests need extensive supporting evidence and financial proof, while Forms typically require basic identification and current status verification
• Legal Impact: Requests directly affect residency rights and work authorization, while Forms mainly update existing records or handle administrative changes