European civil servants

In Belgium, civil servants working for a European or international organisation have the right to ‘simplified residence’, which amounts to the issue of a ‘special identity card’. The members of their family can also take advantage of this system. Holders of these special cards do not have to apply for a work permit and are not obliged to register in the commune where they live. They are however included in a separate local authority register and receive a national number (though this does not appear on their special identity card).

EU nationals (including Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland) 

They can register without any problem with their municipality (see under long-term stay). They must supply a certificate provided by the European or international institution that employs them, together with a birth certificate or marriage certificate (where applicable). They can also apply to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a special identity card. This is done through the  Privileges and Immunities department in their organisation. Family members can also obtain this ID card as long as they are not in employment. 
 

Non-EU nationals and nationals of Bulgaria and Romania

They can apply for a special identity card through the Privileges and Immunities department in their organisation. Family members can also obtain this special ID card as long as they are not in employment.

Any member of a european civil servant's family who wish to work must:

• return the special identity card to the Protocol Department
• and sign onto the population register in the commune where they live

If this family member is not a subject of an EU member state or a partner of a European citizen, they will also have to apply for a work permit. This work permit will however be issued unconditionally as long as the person in question is part of the civil servant’s family. For all questions about the special identity card, contact us at blbe@blbe.be or call 02/ 280 00. 80.