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Belgian eID and National Register Enrollment for Foreign Residents
Document Checklist
Photo d'identité / identiteitsfoto
Recent identity photograph (federal biometric standard)
Where to get: Belgian photo studio familiar with the federal Photomaton / eID standard
Required: Original print, white background, neutral expression, head 70-80% of the frame
Communes routinely reject photos with shadows, smiles showing teeth, head tilts, or non-white backgrounds. Use a Belgian studio that knows the federal standard rather than a generic passport photo from another jurisdiction.
Carte d'identité / identiteitskaart / passeport
Existing identity document
Where to get: Issuing-country authority (passport office or national ID office)
Required: Original; not expired. For renewals, the card being replaced; for first issues, a passport or foreign national ID
Identity is verified in person at the counter — copies alone are not accepted.
Preuve de résidence / bewijs van verblijf
Proof of residence at the declared address
Where to get: Landlord, property owner, or host providing accommodation
Required: Rental contract, ownership deed, or host declaration
When: First registration in a commune, or after a change of address
The commune may ask for additional proof such as a recent utility bill or a sworn host declaration depending on local practice.
Visa / *Annexe 3ter* / Annexe 19 / Annexe 19ter
Visa or arrival annex (foreigners only)
Where to get: Belgian diplomatic post (visa) or the commune of residence at first declaration (annexes)
Required: Visa C or D as applicable; the commune issues the matching annex at intake — Annexe 3ter for short stay under 3 months, Annexe 19 for EU long-stay pending registration, Annexe 19ter for non-EU family of an EU citizen
The supporting documents required by the underlying residence-permit stream (work contract, study admission, marriage certificate, sponsor declaration) must also be deposited; the Immigration Office (Office des Étrangers / Dienst Vreemdelingenzaken) decides the file before the electronic residence card is produced.
Preuve de l'autorité parentale
Parental authority proof (Kids-ID applicants only)
Where to get: Belgian birth certificate showing parentage, or court decision granting custody
Required: Original, accompanied by the applying parent or guardian's own eID. The child must be present at the commune for the photo and signature step.
Kids-ID is optional, not mandatory; validity is 3 years. Apply at the commune of residence or, for Belgian children abroad, at the Belgian consulate of the host country (slower track, about 6 weeks).
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