Relocating employees

Do you employ a foreign employee or expat? Then in certain cases you can call on the Expat Counter of the City of Antwerp.

Registering in the register of foreign nationals

Non-Belgian citizens wishing to establish themselves in Antwerp must register via the Migration Counter.
The Expat Counter of the city of Antwerp processes residence files for foreign employees that are requested by an expat partner.

Would you like to know more about the Expat Counter? Send an email to loket.migratie.expat@antwerpen.be.

How to submit an application to the Expat Loket?

As an expat partner you complete the entire application.
Ensure that the foreign worker has a long-stay visa (type D visa).
Find the adresses of Belgian embassies and consulates here.
You can also immediately register the family members of the employee if they also have a long-stay visa (type D visa).

Rate

Employees pay a federal contribution depending on their nationality. This contribution covers the administrative costs of an application and will not be reimbursed if the application is refused.

Applying for a work permit

Applications to work in Belgium must be submitted to the Economic Migration Department. More information can be found at www.vlaanderen.be/werken.

Applying for an electronic residence card or residence permit

A foreign employee with a right of residence can apply for an electronic foreigner’s card. This is not an identity card; the foreigner’s card only confirms that the employee is in compliance with Belgian legislation. Non-Belgians must also have their identity card or passport with them.

Your employee must personally apply for the electronic foreigner’s card via the Migration Counter. It is not possible to use a power of attorney.

Collecting a foreigner's card

Always by appointment (either made by the expat agent if via the Expat Counter or given when the card is requested by the Migration Counter employee)

Having a foreign driving licence registered or exchanged

A person who does not have a Belgian driving licence can have his or her foreign driving licence registered or exchanged for a Belgian driving licence. Registration is free; you can find the rates for the exchange here.

Do you want to register or exchange your employee’s foreign driving licence? Then the employee can make an appointment at a city counter for this.

Exceptions

It is not possible to register a European national driving licence if

The driving licence has expired
It concerns a category C or D driving licence (professional drivers)

In these cases, the employee must make an appointment with a city counter.

Overview of relocation agencies

An overview of the agencies familiar with the expat operations of the City of Antwerp

Not listed?

Is your relocation agency missing from the overview? Please submit your details to be added to the list.

Apr 28, 2023

Apply for financial support to kickstart your innovation

You want to realise an innovation in the digital, circular or health economy or in fashion and design. You have a tight strategic plan to develop this concept. But you lack the budget to realise your project.

Keep on reading. The city of Antwerp may financially support your innovation.

Antwerp again among top entrepreneurial cities in Europe according to Financial Times.

Six top ten spots in seven categories: the new rankings of fDi Intelligence establish Antwerp as an attractive location to invest in. For the first time, Antwerp is among the best ten cities in the ‘talent & lifestyle’ category. An additional asset to attract investors and entrepreneurs.

Call for projects: up to 100,000 euros in support for digital, circular or health innovation

Do you want to develop a revolutionary project that achieves digital or circular innovation or provides innovation in the health sector? Your project will boost the growth of your company. Your innovation will also be of added value to the City of Antwerp. But... you do not have enough budget to realise your project. Then be sure to read on. Chances are that your project proposal will be eligible for financial support from the City of Antwerp.