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With the entry into force of Belgium’s Ministerial Decree of 27 April 2021 on the modernisation of residence permits issued to citizens of the European Union1, the current “E” and “E+” residence permits have been replaced by “EU” and “EU+” cards as from 10 May 2021. 

WHY THIS MATTERS

Nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland staying in Belgium for longer than three months or with long-term resident status, will receive a new type of residence permit, i.e., the EU or EU+ card.  No new E and E+ cards will be issued anymore, unless an application was already filed for such prior to 10 May 2021.

EEA or Swiss nationals who still have an old residence permit E or E+ can already apply for the new residence permit.  In any case, their current E and E+ permits will remain valid until the expiry date.  However, in case the concerned nationals only have an annex 8(bis), an application for an EU or an EU+ card will be mandatory as the annex 8(bis) will be abolished. 

Background

EEA and Swiss nationals staying in Belgium for longer than three months received an electronic E card upon their registration in the commune of residence.  Present E cards, as of 10 May 2021, are being replaced by an EU card.

EEA and Swiss nationals who obtained long-term resident status, should have received an electronic E+ card.  Present E+ cards, as of 10 May 2021, are being replaced by an EU+ card.

The title of the cards and the lay-out have changed.  With Regulation 2019/1157 on strengthening the security of identity cards of Union citizens and of residence documents issued to Union citizens2 many new features have been introduced to better protect the residence permits of EU nationals against abuse and fraud and to facilitate control.  The most important feature is the implementation of biometric data such as fingerprints, which is foreseen on the new EU and EU+ cards. 

Overview

Issued prior to 10 May 2021 Issued as from 10 May 2021
E card: declaration of registration >

EU card

The EU card remains in principle valid for 5 years. 

E+ card: document proving long-term resident status >

EU+ card

The EU+ card remains in principle valid for 10 years.

Annex 15: temporary residence permit >

Annex 8ter: temporary document proving registration – issued in anticipation of an EU card

Annex 8ter: temporary document proving long-term resident status – issued in anticipation of an EU+ card

The annexes will remain valid for 45 days and will only be issued after the application for a new permit has been filed. 

Source: KPMG in Belgium

KPMG NOTE

Any questions or concerns regarding third-country nationals wanting to work or currently working in Belgium should be directed to your qualified professional services contact or a member of the team (see Contact Us section) with the KPMG International member firm in Belgium.  

FOOTNOTES

1  Ministerial Decree of 27 April 2021 on the modernisation of residence permits issued to citizens of the EU (27 avril 2021. - Arrêté ministériel relatif à la modernisation des documents de séjour délivrés aux citoyens de l'Union européenne, Moniteur Belge/Belgisch Staatsblad, 6 May 2021.

2  Regulation (EU) 2019/1157 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on strengthening the security of identity cards of Union citizens and of residence documents issued to Union citizens and their family members exercising their right of free movement: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2019/1157/oj

*  Please note that KPMG LLP (U.S.) does not offer immigration services or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.

 

The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Belgium.

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