Permanent residence for non-EU nationals
EU long-term resident, L card · Official name: Statut de résident de longue durée-UE / langdurig ingezetene-EU (carte L / L-kaart)
Non-EU nationals who have lived in Belgium legally and without interruption for 5 years can apply for permanent residence as an EU long-term resident. Once granted, they receive an L card (valid 10 years), which also makes it easier to move to and settle in other EU countries under certain conditions. Applications go through the municipality, with the Immigration Office deciding.
Life in Belgium
Finance
3
Currency
Euro
EUR
Euro
Cost of living
87
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
25–50%
Income tax (national)
VAT 21%
Tax-free allowance EUR 11,180 (income 2026); 50% above EUR 51,070; plus municipal surcharge, typically 0-9% of the tax.
Living
1
Happiness
#14 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
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Who it’s for
Non-EU nationals with 5 years of legal, uninterrupted residence in Belgium, typically holding a time-limited residence card.
Eligibility
5 years of legal, uninterrupted residence
Sign in to check this route against your profileYou need to have lived legally and continuously in Belgium for 5 years.
5 years
Residence required · legal and uninterrupted
Official wording
The applicant must have legally and continuously resided in Belgium for 5 years.
Income and health insurance
Sign in to check this route against your profileMunicipal guidance lists proof of health insurance and of income as additional documents for the L card.
Public order
Sign in to check this route against your profileThe applicant must not have breached public order.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Document checklist
- Fees
- Steps to apply
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- 4 documents
- 1 fee
- 3 steps
- Processing times and conditions
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Other routes to Belgium
- Visit & tourismSchengen tourist & business visa
- StudyStudent visa (type D) for higher education
- Work permitsSingle permit (gecombineerde vergunning / permis unique) – highly qualified worker
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