Sablon Diplomatic Circle

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A new diplomatic circle in Brussels

With 302 foreign diplomatic representations, 132 international organizations, and around 25,000 foreign diplomats and as many family members, Belgium hosts the largest diplomatic community in the world

The Sablon Diplomatic Circle, an initiative of the Federal Public Service (FPS) Foreign Affairs, aims to bring together representatives of various diplomatic missions, permanent representations, international organizations, and Directors of the FPS Foreign Affairs. It offers them the opportunity to meet and exchange on international topics in a warm and informal setting.

Read the press release "Foreign Affairs launches its new diplomatic circle" from 5 June 2025

Our activities
 

The Sablon district in Brussels is a true architectural and historical gem, located between the Palace of Justice and the Royal Square in the upper town. It is famous for its Gothic and Renaissance-style buildings, notably the Church of Our Lady of the Sablon, dating from the 15th century. The Grand Sablon Square and the Petit Sablon Square are surrounded by elegant houses and ornamental sculptures.

The Sablon is also a dynamic commercial center, home to antique shops, art galleries, renowned chocolatiers, and ice cream parlors. This district plays a prestigious role in the city, attracting both art lovers and gourmets.

It is also the venue for antique markets and cultural events, reinforcing its status as a place of interaction in Brussels, hence the idea of referencing this prestigious district in the name of our Circle.

Behind the Petit Sablon stands the Egmont Palace. This palace was built in several phases starting in 1532 and, after serving as a private residence and undergoing numerous transformations, it was purchased in 1964 by the Belgian government to become a prestigious building for its diplomacy. Heads of state and royalty from around the world have been received there, and today, the palace still hosts distinguished guests of the state daily. Conferences and prestigious events are organized in rooms equipped with the most modern technology. The Egmont Palace hosts around 250 events per year.

The Egmont Palace also houses the Protocol Services of Foreign Affairs and the activities of the Sablon Diplomatic Circle. 

A digitial key for you access to official Belgian applications

Technology is evolving… and the administration is keeping pace.

As early as the 2000s, the Belgian federal administration began its digital transition. You probably remember the launch of Tax-on-Web in the late 1990s. Today, this online tax declaration platform handles 94% of individual tax returns.

In 2004, Belgium introduced the electronic identity card, equipped with digital certificates. Since then, various Belgian residence permits have also included electronic chips, making access to online services easier. However, one category remained excluded: holders of special residence permits issued by the Protocol.

Until now, these beneficiaries were unable to complete their administrative procedures online. But that situation has just changed.

Although the eProtocol project — which will enable the issuance of chip-equipped special residence permits — won’t be finalized for several months, a temporary solution is now in place. The Protocol directorate is now acting as a local registration authority and can issue digital keys to holders of D (diplomatic) and C (consular) cards. In the absence of a chip-enabled residence permit or access to Itsme (which requires a national register number, unavailable to holders of diplomatic functions), they can now access Belgian administrative services online — whether federal, regional, or local.

This initiative marks a significant step forward: it will allow Belgium to join the ranks of the most digitally connected countries and offer these privileged foreign nationals access to hundreds of online administrative applications — a boost for our country’s image.

As for other holders of special residence permits — such as administrative, technical, consular, or service staff — they are generally registered in their municipality of residence and can already obtain their digital key from their local administration.

Attached are a few photos taken during the issuance of the first digital key to Mr. Blaurock, Deputy Head of Mission of the German Embassy.