Even if registering at a Belgian municipality is likely one of the more time-consuming bureaucratic procedures for internationals, changing an address officially can be almost as challenging.
Those who are registered and settled in one of the 19 municipalities of the Brussels-Capital Region can rest easily: one of the harder tasks has been completed, and they can access public services with ease.
However, matters can get slightly more complicated when moving to another Brussels municipality or when changing residence within the region.
This guide explains how to officially change address, what documents are needed and whether the procedure costs money.
Starting the process
A person who moves within the same or to another municipality in Brussels and already has a national registry number must start the process to legally change their domicile within eight days after moving.
People who fail to do this, or do it too late, risk getting a fine from the municipality. The change in address is also necessary for many important institutions and services, such as social security institutions, child benefit and health insurance funds, social services and other organisations.
The request can be made either: by applying in person at the town hall of the new place of residence; by sending a letter or by emailing the Population Registers Department (every municipality has its own address/email address for this service); or online via the IRISbox website.
When applying to register an address change, a name and first name must be provided, in addition to the date of birth, address of the new residence and a Belgian telephone number.
The person looking to change the address must also either upload or send a copy of their identity document, a property certificate (obtained from the notary or the registration office), a rental agreement or a certificate of residence.
In some municipalities (Schaerbeek, for example) the process is free, while in others, it costs up to €10. The process can take up to two months if done by post, but when done online, it will likely be completed within four weeks.
Own a car?
Once the application has been processed, an acknowledgement of receipt (model 2) will be sent by the commune.
This can be used to obtain a provisional residence parking card for the municipality with Parking Brussels if living in Anderlecht, Ixelles, Evere, Ganshoren, Jette, Koekelberg, Schaarbeek, Berchem-Sainte-Agathe, Molenbeek-Saint-Jean and Forest. The other municipalities manage their own parking policies.
In the meantime, the parking fee must be paid according to the hourly rate indicated on the parking meters.
Final steps
A neighbourhood police officer will then visit the applicant at their new home within 15 working days to verify that the person is in fact living here.
At this step of the process, the applicant can indicate what day and time would suit them best (daytime, evenings, weekdays or weekends).
If the visit provides sufficient proof that the property is indeed inhabited by the person requesting the address change, the municipality will send a "summons" to visit the town hall to change the address.
At this point in the registration, the applicant will receive an invitation to update the information on the electronic chip of their identity card or residence card.
It is not necessary to make an appointment for this, simply show up at the commune during opening hours (these are limited so it is advised to check these before leaving). When making the change for a household, it is sufficient for just one person to come with all identity cards or residence permits.
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Here, it is very important to have the PIN code for the car(s) involved. If you have lost this code, the municipal administration cannot give you a new one unless you have the PUK code, which can be used to create a new PIN code. If both are lost, the applicant must first request new codes from the FPS Home Affairs (the Ministry).
If the municipality does not accept the change of address, the dispute can be submitted to the FPS Home Affairs' Population and Identity Cards Directorate.
Once the address has been changed, employers, utility companies (electricity, gas and water suppliers), internet providers, bank and insurance company(ies) and other firms that need to keep track of your latest address should also be informed of this change.
