An American Living In Belgium?!?
Hello, I have quite a situation on my hands. My boyfriend lives in SHAPE, Belgium. I used to live there until we moved back to America due to US Military. I want to go back to live there in an apartment on SHAPE with a girlfriend of mine, and work on SHAPE. I do not know the first step to take...so if anyone at all has any idea what to do, please tell me!!! I need answers as soon as possible!!! Thanks!! Can I just go live there? Or do I need some kind of permit or visa? PLEASE HELP!!!
Immigration - 1 Answers
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Hi Palmtree, This isn't going to be an easy process at all. http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1044.html Belgium ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A passport is required that does not expire before the intended duration of the visit to Belgium, as well as proof of sufficient funds and a return airline ticket, are required. American citizens do not need a visa to travel to Belgium for business or pleasure for up to 90 days. U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration web site at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security. http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/235472/how_to_move_from_the_united_states.html To move to Belgium to live and work, you will need to have secured a long term stay visa, a residence permit and a foreigner identity card. If you have obtained all of those, then congratulations, however you still cannot legally work within the borders of Belgium without first obtaining a work permit for yourself. If you are moving to Belgium to work and need to obtain a work permit for yourself, there are two way of getting one for yourself. You can apply for the work permit on your own or you can have your employer apply for the work permit on your behalf. Most expats will tell you that having your employer take care of your work permit on your behalf is not only the easiest way to get a work permit, but it is also the less costly option The C permit, which is typically granted to domestic and agricultural workers, is only valid for one year. With the C permit, you can work for multiple employers. Be advised that you cannot renew C permits. The B permit allows you to work only for one employer and is valid for a period of one year. The B permit can be renewed by the employer. If you change employers, you will need to apply for a new B permit. But be warned that you might be required to return to the USA to re-apply for your residence visa since your situation has had some changes. Once you have lived and worked in Belgium with a B permit for 5 years, you qualify for the A permit. The A permit grants you the ability to work for any employer in Belgium for any period of time. To qualify for the A permit, you must fall into one of the following categories: 5 years of continuous residence and employment in Belgium, the spouse of an A permit holder, the spouse of a Belgian citizen, or the spouse of a EU national that is a resident in Belgium. http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/235734/how_to_move_from_america_to_belgium.html?page=2 As a foreigner wishing to obtain citizenship in the country of Belgium, you will first need to be at least 18 years of age by the time that you make your application for citizenship. Also, you must have made your primary residence within the borders of Belgium for the previous 3 years before your application is submitted You can also become a Belgian citizen by means of marriage. If you marry someone that is a Belgian citizen or if your spouse becomes a Belgian citizen, then you have the ability to apply for citizenship once you have been living together for a period of 3 years. You will not have to go through the entire naturalization process though.
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