Brexit

In this section, you can read more about the consequences of Brexit for British citizens in Belgium and Belgians in the United Kingdom.

British nationals in Belgium

On this page you will find information about the consequences of the Brexit for British citizens in Belgium.
  1. Last updated on

Since 1 January 2021, the following rules are applicable depending on the situation:

  1. British nationals and their family members who exercised their right to free movement by residing, or working cross-border, in Belgium before or on 31 December 2020 the latest may apply for the status of beneficiary of the Withdrawal Treaty. Certain family members, who can prove a relationship with a beneficiary of the Withdrawal Treaty, will still be allowed to join their family member in Belgium starting from or after 1 January 2021. British nationals and their family members who already legally reside in Belgium can apply for a new residence status in Belgium since 1 January 2021. They will be given until 31 December 2021 to do so. This residence status will allow them to invoke the rights granted to them in the Withdrawal Treaty.
     
    British citizens and their family members resident in Belgium must register with the municipality in which they reside in accordance with the rules already in force and keep this information up to date.
     
    More information about the situation of British nationals in Belgium can be found on the website of the Immigration Office of the Federal Public Service Internal Affairs. We recommend you to regularly consult their page to remain updated about any changes. 
     
    Click here if you are a British national who resides in Belgium under a special identity card from the Protocol Directorate
     
  2. British nationals who wish to settle and reside in Belgium starting from or after 1 January 2021 will have to comply with the general rules that apply in Belgium to immigrants who are not nationals of a Member State of the European Union, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland. Nonetheless, there will be an exception for certain family members, who can prove a relationship with a beneficiary of the Withdrawal Treaty who will still be able to join their family member in Belgium starting from or after 1 January 2021 (see point 1).
     
  3. British nationals or residents who wish to travel to Belgium starting from or after 1 January 2021 for a short stay (maximum 90 days over a period of 180 days) will still be able to do so without a visa. Please take into account the since 1 January 2021 revised travel advice for travel between the UK and the EU (link).