Other non-EU nationals wishing to take up employment in Belgium must meet certain minimum salary requirements before being granted a work permit. The gross minimum salaries are being increased in 2006 to at least EUR33,082 per year for highly skilled workers and at least EUR55,193 per year for management executives.

Non-EU nationals who wish to work on a self-employed basis in Belgium are required to apply for a 'professional card' from the Federal Public Service of the Economy, Small and Medium-Sized Businesses, the Self-Employed and Energy. The application should be made at the same time as their visa application.

People wishing to retire in Belgium, or settle there without taking employment in the country must provide evidence of their means of support and health insurance policy. Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Within eight days of arrival in Belgium, foreign nationals are required to register at the town hall in the area where they will be living, to apply for a residence permit. EU nationals are required to submit their passport, three passport-sized photos and evidence of financial security, such as a letter from their employer or bank statements, while non-EU citizens also have to submit additional photos, a medical certificate, a 'certificate of good conduct' from the police authorities in their home country, and marriage certificate and children's birth certificates if accompanied by family members. A small fee will be payable. Following a Belgian address check by the police, you will be issued initially with a three-month temporary residence card. Once further checks of employment and other details have been carried out, a permanent five-year card will be issued to EU nationals, and a 'certificate of registration for foreigners' to non-EU nationals, who have to renew this annually. If you subsequently change address within Belgium you are required to register the new address at the town hall.

You can apply for naturalization as a Belgian citizen if you are at least 18 years old and if Belgium has been your main place of residence for at least three years immediately preceding your application. Applications should be submitted to the registrar in your Belgian municipality, and are forwarded to the Chamber of Representatives for a decision.

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