belonging to the European Economic Area 2 and Swiss nationals 3 : registration in city and application for residence permit

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1 International students EUnationals 1, nationals of a country belonging to the European Economic Area 2 and Swiss nationals 3 : registration in city and application for residence permit Overview Version 10th of August General information Who is an international student? Registration as international student in a city Notification Registration Conditions for the residence status as international student 2. How to apply your residence? a. Long stay (more than 3 months) a.1 General procedure: Registration - E-card or annex 8 a.2 Specific procedure for student with main place of residence in a neighbouring country (France, Luxemburg, Germany or the Netherlands) (annex 33) b. Short stay (maximum 3 months) b.1 General procedure - Notification of Arrival for 3 months (annex 3ter) b.2 Specific procedure for student with main place of residence in a neighbouring country (France, Luxemburg, Germany or the Netherlands) (annex 33) 1 The term EU-national refers to a person having the nationality of a member state of the European Union. It concerns nationals from the following states: Bulgaria, Greek-Cyprus, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malta, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Czech Republic, United Kingdom and Sweden. 2 The term European Economic Area national assumes that the person has the nationality of a member state of the European Economic Area (= Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) or of a member state of the European Union. 3 Swiss nationals are not considered as EU-nationals or nationals of the European Economic Area, but the same residence status is applicable. 1

2 1. General information Who is an international student? Every person without the Belgian nationality who is coming to Belgium in order to study, must have a student residence permit. EU-nationals and nationals from a country belonging to the European Economic Area benefit from more lenient residence regulations than third-country nationals. The procedures in this note do not apply to persons without the Belgian nationality who have been residing in Belgium for a longer period and who own a residence permit which is not based on studying in Belgium. The procedures in this note do therefore only apply to persons without the Belgian nationality who have come to Belgium with the specific purpose to study. Registration as international student in a city As soon as they arrive in Belgium, non-belgian students must contact in time the city where they are residing. This is important for several reasons: Students must apply for a residence document In order to obtain a residence document, the applicant must first arrange the notification or registration which is explained underneath. Students who will stay in Belgium for at most 3 months do only have to notify the city. In order to notify the city a student must have a residence address in that city. A notification implies that the temporary residence address is announced upon declaration to the city. Consequently this does not lead to a registration in the inhabitants register of the city. This means that the students don t get a main residence (=domicile) in that city. Nor will a national register number be created. This can lead to difficulties during certain administrative procedures: Not possible to apply for a card to park car Sometime problems might show up when doing bank transactions The student can only pass a driving test when he uses annex 33 and when he asks for a holder number (titularisnummer): Application at the Rijden counter (civil affairs department) or via (burgerzaken.reisp.rijb@stad.gent). In case of application via it is recommended adding a scan of the residence form (annex 33). The Rijden counter will apply for the number at the FOD Mobiliteit (Federal Government Service for Mobility) The student will receive the document via mail. In general, following cases should not cause problems: To apply for a cell-phone subscription (only payment via domiciliation) To apply for an internet subscription (number of identity card is needed, not a national register number) To apply for a Buzzy pass (public transport subscription): sole precondition is age (from 6 to 24 years) and the student must be able to present the address of his digs and a copy of ID/passport In order to work legally, the employer must report the presence of the student at the Belgian social security service. To this effect, he needs the national register number of the student. In case the student does not yet have a national register number, the presence of the student can be reported by means of his identification number of the social security service (INSZ), often abbreviated as creabis number. There are two ways to apply for this creabis number: the employer can make the application via or the student can apply for the number via the city. Sigedis cannot issue a creabis number to foreign jobstudents. The employer can proceed with the Dimona-notification without a creabis number if minimal identification data (name, given name, date and place of birth, gender, address) are available. There is however an exception for foreign jobstudents who are employed as temporary worker in agriculture and horticulture: these students must apply for the creabis number via the city. 2

3 For further information please contact: tel. 02/ or or Students who will be staying in Belgium for more than 3 months should normally be registered in the city. In order to register in the city, the student must have a residence address in that city. Registration means that the address of residence will be registered as main place of residence (= domicile). A police officer will pass by to check whether the person concerned is really residing at that address. 4 This will lead to enrolment in the population register of the city. A national register number will be created. Enrolment is not possible for students residing less than 3 months in Belgium. Students who will stay longer than 3 months in Belgium can on some occasions choose not to register in the city (see information about annex 33). Conditions for residence status as international student In general, these are the conditions for the residence: Having an identity document (= passport or identity card) Being enrolled for a field of study as a regular enrolled student (diploma contract with at least 54 credits) or as a exchange student (diploma or credit contract) The residence status of a student applies to non-belgian nationals who have come to Belgium to follow a bachelor or master study or in order to pursue a (pre)doctoral study. Exchange students 5 and some trainees 6 are also eligible for this statute. A preparatory study year is also eligible for this statute. This includes: - seventh year of secondary education in preparation for studies of higher education 7 - one year language course in an establishment organised, recognised or subsidised by Belgian authorities under the following conditions: o Language course as preparation for studies of higher education (to start in the following academic year) o Only language course Dutch, French or German allowed (no English) and this preparatory language course is not allowed, if student will enroll for studies of higher education in English o Preparatory language course only allowed for one year The residence status of a student does not apply to non-belgian nationals who have come to Belgium to pursue a post(doctoral) study, a placement or research in view of a guest agreement. The residence legislation will consider them as migrant workers. Main occupation: studies (at least 12 hours/week) 4 In principle, a simplified inspection procedure of the residence (without police check) is possible for a student who has to settle in Ghent, who is registered online at the International Student Counter and who is staying in a student home managed by one of the institutes of education in Ghent. 5 An exchange student is a student (EU-citizen or third-country national) who: is enrolled in an institute of higher education abroad, and is registered in a Belgian institute of higher education, and has not paid an enrollment fee to that Belgian institute of higher education but to that institute of higher education abroad, and can not obtain a degree at that Belgian institute of higher education but only at that institute of higher education abroad, and who comes to study in Belgium during 24 months at most. 6 The residence law only regards trainees as a student in case an internship is a necessary part of the studies in Belgium (enrolment certificate issued by an Belgian educational institution is necessary). In other cases (internship is a part of studies abroad or additional to completed studies) the trainee is considered to be a migrant worker. The International Student Counter does not treat files of migrant workers. Also the procedures explained here, are not applicable to migrant workers. 7 This is education especially organised to prepare a student for higher education and to broaden knowledge on one or more subjects. 3

4 Study at an educational institution which is recognized, organized or subsidized by the Belgian state or a private educational institution (specific conditions and procedures are applicable for private education) Owner of sufficient means of subsistence (declaration or proof) and a health insurance valid in Belgium Constitute no danger to the public health Constitute no danger to the public order or public security 4

5 2. How to apply your residence? a. Long stay (more than 3 months) a.1 General procedure: Registration - E-card or annex 8 For whom? EU-nationals, nationals from a country belonging to the European Economic Area and Swiss nationals who are coming to study for a long time (more than 3 months). How to apply? Within 3 months following arrival in Belgium, the student should register online at the International Student Counter. Because of the lengthy registration procedure and since an electronic registration document (E-card) cannot be issued immediately, the students are advised to introduce their application as soon as possible. Online declaration of arrival The online Arrival Form can be downloaded on the following website (at the bottom of the page): stad.gent/residencepermitstudent The online declaration of arrival is only possible for students who just arrived in Belgium and wish to obtain a registration for the first time. The students completely fill in the online Arrival Form and digitally forward it to the International Student Counter (internationalstudent@stad.gent) with a scanned copy of (valid) passport or ID-card enrolment certificate 8 issued by an educational institution in Belgium 9 proof of health insurance (for instance a European health insurance card) The student should also mention the length of the studies in Belgium in this application . Fill in the arrival form digitally (this increases the readability and it prevents problems with the spelling of the student s name) Mention the full official family name and first name Mention the full address (also the room number, if applicable) Only send the arrival form when the student is planning to stay at the mentioned address for at least 3 months Mention your address and (Belgian) phone number If applicable, mention the date you re leaving Belgium 8 An admission certificate or an invitation letter delivered by the educational institution isn t sufficient. The enrolment certificate needs to obtain following data: identity data student, contract model (diploma contract (or credit contract for exchange student)), number of credits, the field of study and start and end date of the study. 9 An EU-national who studies in a neighbouring country, but stays in Belgium (e.g. because of a educational apprenticeship), can only obtain an E-card as owner of sufficient financial means. The undermentioned documents need to be presented: Enrolment certificate in an educational institution in a neighbouring country (e.g. German university) Possible apprenticeship agreement in a Belgian educational institution, company, Proof of health insurance valid for a long stay in Belgium Proof of means of subsistence (not a declaration!) 5

6 For the time being, they do not need to present themselves at the Migration Counter (Administrative Centre Zuid) or in the competent service centre. The students will receive a confirmation mail. Further development of registration procedure The Migration Counter or the competent service centre (according the residence address of the student) initiate the following procedure: The student is immediately registered in a temporary register (= wachtregister) If necessary, the student will be asked to provide any missing documents The police checks the residential address of the student. This check includes the study, sleeping and eating facilities In view of a smooth address check, it is of the utmost importance that: o o o o o o o The student clearly mentions his first name and his family name on the door bell and the letterbox The student clearly mentions his address (as well as his possible room number) on the online Arrival Form The student also clearly mentions on the online Arrival Form a telephone number in Belgium where the police can contact him The student clearly indicates in the registration when the police will certainly (not) be able to find him at home (an address check by appointment is however not possible) The student does not move during the procedure of the inspection of residence The student does not stay abroad for a short period of time during the inspection of residence The student checks his mailbox if the police left the card below (in this case, contact the police service see phone number in upper right corner) In principle, a simplified inspection procedure of the residence (without police check) is possible for a student who has to settle in Ghent, who is registered online at the International Student Counter and who is staying in a student home managed by one of the education institutes in Ghent. The education institution that manages this home, sends a list with residing students to the International Student Counter, but this does not replace a declaration of arrival. The student should also report his arrival in Belgium online at the International Student Counter via the arrival form. 6

7 A positive inspection of residence is followed by an inscription in the foreigners register. A negative inspection of residence is followed by a removal from the temporary register (wachtregister) and the residence application is denied. In case of a negative inspection, the student will receive an . If necessary, an application for a national register number is introduced. As soon as the application file is entirely processed, the International Student Counter will invite the student by upon appointment (at the Migration Counter, Administrative Centre Zuid, Bloc B (ground floor), W. Wilsonplein Ghent) in order to complete the registration and to apply for an electronic registration document (E-card). To ensure a smooth procedure of the appointments, it is of the utmost importance that the student strictly observes the date and the time of the appointment. An appointment lasts 40 minutes. If the student doesn t appear at the appointment twice without notifying in time, the student loses the advantage of the accelerated registration procedure. The student has to wait longer for a new appointment. The manufacture of the electronic registration document (E-card) occurs by means of a private company, which sends the PIN/PUK codes 10 required to activate the card, by mail to the student s address. It is very important that the student takes the necessary precautions to receive these codes (in case of an address change that any correspondence is sent through by B-Post to the new residential address). Students who are staying in a student home of the Ghent University are advised to contact the person responsible of the student home. Simultaneously, the company will forward the manufactured E-card to the Migration Counter or the competent service centre. The delivery period lasts approximately 3 weeks. 11 Meanwhile the student will receive a paper version of the registration document (annex 8). It is important to know that the annex 8 might constitute a problem during certain specific administrative procedures (such as handling bank transactions), which occur smoothly with an E-card. As soon as the student has received these PIN/PUK codes, he can fetch the E-card. This can only be done at the place of application of this E-card, either at the Migration Counter (Administrative Centre Zuid) or at the competent service centre. 12 At the Migration Counter, a student can fetch the E-card at the speed counter (without prior appointment on Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. 4 p.m., Tuesday between 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. 7 p.m., Saturday only with appointment (closed on Thursday)). What items to bring along? In case of application for E-card The student should come along personally with the following original documents: passport or ID card enrolment 13 certificate issued by an educational institution in Belgium 14 proof of health insurance (for instance a European health insurance card) proof (for instance study grant) or declaration of sufficient means of subsistence (students can fill in and sign a standard form at the counter) possibly a driving licence 10 The PUK code ('Personal Unblocking Key') and PIN code ('Personal Identification Number') are digit codes which the municipalities need to input in order to make the residence card usable. 11 By means of an (super) emergency procedure (90 or 140 euro), the delay of issue can be reduced to respectively 2 or 3 working days. In that case, the PIN/PUK codes will not be forwarded by post to the applicant. The company that manufactures the residence card, delivers both codes along with the residence card to the Migration Counter in the Administrative Centre Zuid. The Migration Counter will inform the applicant to come and fetch the residence card and the codes. 12 Student files are only being treated in the 4 major service centres (Sint-Amandsberg, Wondelgem, Nieuw-Gent en Gentbrugge). 13 An admission certificate or an invitation letter delivered by the educational institution isn t sufficient. The enrolment certificate needs to obtain following data: identity data student, contract model (diploma contract (or credit contract for exchange student)), number of credits, the field of study and start and end date of the study. 14 An EU-national who studies in a neighbouring country, but stays in Belgium (e.g. because of a educational apprenticeship), can only obtain an E-card as an owner of sufficient financial means. The undermentioned documents need to be presented: Enrolment certificate in an educational institution in a neighbouring country (e.g. German university) Possible apprenticeship agreement in a Belgian educational institution, company, Proof of health insurance valid for a long stay in Belgium Proof of means of subsistence (not a declaration!) 7

8 4 recent and identical passport photos that comply with the following criteria: Dimensions: 35 mm x 45 mm Photograph recently taken (less than 6 months old) Photo must clearly resemble the person who applies for the residence document Only one person visible on the photo Neutral facial expression, with closed mouth (no frown eyebrows, no visible teeth, no smile) Eyes open and clearly visible (no tainted glasses or spectacles/hair in front of the eyes) Original, clean photo (no folds or stains) Head entirely visible, without accessories, unless for religious or medical reasons, but the nose, eyes, chin and head contours must be clearly visible Evenly lit and even background, without shadows Face should cover % of the photo surface No underexposure or overexposure No reflection on the spectacles glasses, no light effects No red eyes Next to the population office in the Administrative Centre Zuid there is a photo booth. The charge is 5 euro for 6 passport photos. When fetching E-card The student has to come along personally with the following original documents: Proof of payment of the E-card Paper version of the registration document (annex 8) Required PIN/PUK codes What will the students obtain? The student receives an electronic registration document (E-card). This document is valid for 5 years, on condition that the person involved continues to comply with the residence conditions as a student. A student must always immediately report any change of address to the Migration Counter or a service centre (even if his residence card is still valid). If he fails to do so, the municipal administration must remove his name from the foreigners register. This removal makes his residence card invalid and he can even lose his residence right. In that case, the student needs to reintroduce a new application but the analysis of this request may be rather lengthy. Consequently, he cannot immediately obtain a new residence card. The student can always opt to receive only a paper version (annex 8) of his registration document (E-card). 8

9 This annex 8 does not have a passport photo. This may constitute problems in view of other specific administrative procedures (such as handling bank transactions). A student who is staying here legally for an uninterrupted period of 5 years, can apply for a permanent residence right 15 as well as an electronic document to prove his permanent stay (E+ card). The student can always opt only to request a paper version (annex 8bis) of that document. Price? 23 euro for the E-card. A paper version (annex 8) of this electronic registration document is free of charge. For this residence application no payment of an additional contribution covering administrative costs (retribution) is required. At the Migration Counter in the Administrative Centre Zuid and in the service centres, it is possible to pay cash or with Bancontact. 15 This permanent residence right implies an unconditional permanent residence right: the residence right does not longer depend on the continuation of the studies or the possession of sufficient means of subsistence. 9

10 a.2 Specific procedure for student with main residence in a neighbouring country (France, Luxemburg, Germany or the Netherlands) Annex 33 For whom? Students with a main residence address in an adjacent neighbouring country 16 who maintain their primary residence ( domicile ) in that country (and return there at least once a week) and therefore do not want to register in a Belgian municipality. How to apply? Please bear in mind This residence procedure does not ensue in a registration in a Belgian municipality. The students therefore will not receive a main residence (= domicile ) in Ghent. This may constitute a difficulty in view of initiating other administrative procedures (see General information: registration as international student in a city). Within 8 working days after their arrival in Belgium, the students report via (internationalstudent@gent.be). This mail should contain following information: subject: annex 33 first name and last name of the student nationality of the student date of arrival in Belgium Correct and fully completed residence address in Ghent length of the studies in Ghent scan the required documents: o (valid) ID card or passport o enrolment certificate 17 issued by an educational institution in Belgium (not abroad) For these students it is impossible to report online via the arrival form. The students will receive a confirmation mail. Later students receive an with an appointment in order to present all the necessary documents to the Migration Counter in the Administrative Centre Zuid or in a service centre. If all the necessary documents are ok, a residence document (annex 33) is issued. The residential address of the student determines whether the application is processed by the Migration Counter in the Administrative Centre Zuid or by a service centre. 18 Service Centre: The students who reside outside the city centre (e.g. Nieuw-Gent district) report without an appointment at the competent service centre within 8 working days after their arrival in Belgium. 19 You can find the contact information of the service centres (dienstencentrum) at this webpage: 16 This residence procedure does not apply to students with a main residential address in Great Britain. 17 An admission certificate or an invitation letter delivered by the educational institution isn t sufficient. The enrolment certificate needs to obtain following data: identity data student, contract model (diploma contract (or credit contract for exchange student)), number of credits, the field of study and start and end date of the study. 18 Student files are only being treated in the 4 major service centres (Sint-Amandsberg, Wondelgem, Nieuw-Gent en Gentbrugge). 19 Student files are only being treated in the 4 major service centres (Sint-Amandsberg, Wondelgem, Nieuw-Gent en Gentbrugge). 10

11 Which items to bring along? (valid) identity card or passport enrolment certificate 20 issued by an educational institution in Belgium (not abroad) correct and fully completed residence address in Ghent 3 recent and identical passport photos that comply with the following criteria: Photo can t be older than 6 months Photo must clearly resemble the person who applies for the residence document Neutral facial expression, with closed mouth (no frown eyebrows, no visible teeth, no smile) Eyes open and clearly visible (no tainted glasses or spectacles/hair in front of the eyes) Original, clean photo (no folds or stains) Head entirely visible, without accessories, unless for religious or medical reasons, but the nose, eyes, chin and head contours must be clearly visible Evenly lit and even background, without shadows Face should cover % of the photo surface No underexposure or overexposure No reflection on the spectacles glasses, no light effects No red eyes Next to the population office in the Administrative Centre Zuid there is a photo booth. The charge is 5 euro for 6 passport photos. What will the students obtain? A residence document for a student from a neighbouring country (annex 33) at most valid for one school or academic year (up to and including October 31 st ). The students will receive this document immediately at the counter. 20 An admission certificate or an invitation letter delivered by the educational institution isn t sufficient. The enrolment certificate needs to obtain following data: identity data student, contract model (diploma contract (or credit contract for exchange student)), number of credits, the field of study and start and end date of the study. 11

12 Annex 33 must be renewed each academic year. Every time the same documents have to be presented as during the first application. Also the annex 33 from the former academic year has to be presented. The annex 33 must be handed in when leaving Belgium definitely. Price? 13 euro (cost price residence document). For this residence application no payment of an additional contribution covering administrative costs (retribution) is required. Cash payments and Bancontact financial transfers are possible at the Migration Counter in the Administrative Centre at the Zuid and the service centres. 12

13 b. Short stay (maximum 3 months) b.1 General procedure - Notification of Arrival for 3 months (annex 3ter) For whom? EU-nationals, nationals of a country belonging to the European Economic Area and Swiss nationals who come to study in Belgium for a maximum of 3 months (starting from the date of arrival in Belgium) (e.g. Erasmus students) This residence procedure does not ensue in a registration in a Belgian municipality. This means that the students don t get a main residence (=domicile) in Ghent. This can lead to difficulties during certain administrative procedures. (See General information: Registration as international student in a city) How to apply? Within 10 working days after their arrival in Belgium, the students report via (internationalstudent@gent.be). This mail should contain following information: subject: annex 3ter first name and last name of the student nationality of the student correct and fully completed residence address in Ghent length of the studies in Ghent date of arrival in Belgium scan the required documents o (valid) ID card or passport For these students it is impossible to report online via the arrival form. The student will receive a confirmation mail. Later students receive an with an appointment in order to present all the necessary documents to the Migration Counter in the Administrative Centre Zuid or in a service centre. If all the necessary documents are ok, a residence document (annex 3ter) is issued. The residential address of the student determines whether the application is processed by the Migration Counter in the Administrative Centre Zuid or by a service centre. 21 Service centre Or the students who reside outside the city centre (e.g. Nieuw-Gent district) report without an appointment at the competent service centre within 10 working days after their arrival in Belgium. 22 You can find the contact information of the service centres (dienstencentrum) at this webpage: Which items to bring along? identity card or passport correct and fully completed residence address in Ghent Passport pictures are not required. What will the students obtain? 21 Student files are only being treated in the 4 major service centres (Sint-Amandsberg, Wondelgem, Nieuw-Gent en Gentbrugge). 22 Student files are only being treated in the 4 major service centres (Sint-Amandsberg, Wondelgem, Nieuw-Gent en Gentbrugge). 13

14 A document Notification of Arrival (annex 3ter), valid for a maximum of 3 months. The students will receive this document immediately at the counter. The Notification of Arrival can not be prolonged. At least 1 day after the end of the Notification of Arrival, the student can ask for a new Notification of Arrival (valid for 3 months). Price? Free of charge. 14

15 b.2 Specific procedure for student with main place of residence in a neighbouring country (France, Luxemburg, Germany or the Netherlands) - Annex 33 For whom? Students with a primary residence in a adjacent neighbouring country 23 who maintain their primary residence ( domicile ) in that country (and return there at least once a week) and who therefore do not want to be registered in a Belgian city. How to apply? This residence procedure does not lead to a registration in a Belgian city. The students will not be given a main place of residence (= domicile) in Ghent. This can be a problem to start certain other administrative procedures (see general information: registration as international student in the city). Within 8 working days after their arrival in Belgium, the students report via (internationalstudent@gent.be). This mail should contain following information: subject: annex 33 first name and last name of the student nationality of the student correct and complete residence address in Ghent length of the studies in Belgium date of arrival in Belgium scan the required documents o (valid) ID card or passport o enrolment certificate 24 issued by an educational institution in Belgium (not abroad) For these students it is impossible to report online via the arrival form. The student will receive a confirmation mail. Later students receive an with an appointment in order to present all the necessary documents to the Migration Counter in the Administrative Centre Zuid or in a service centre. If all the necessary documents are ok, a residence document (annex 33) is issued. The residential address of the student determines whether the application is processed by the Migration Counter in the Administrative Centre Zuid or by a service centre. 25 Service centre: Or the students who reside outside the city centre (e.g. Nieuw-Gent district) report without an appointment at the competent service centre within 8 working days after their arrival in Belgium. 26 You can find the contact information of the service centres (dienstencentrum) at this webpage: Which items to bring along? (valid) identity card or passport enrolment certificate 27 issued by an educational institution in Belgium (not abroad) correct and fully completed residence address in Ghent 23 This residence procedure does not apply to students with a main residential address in Great Britain. 24 An admission certificate or an invitation letter delivered by the educational institution isn t sufficient. The enrolment certificate needs to obtain following data: identity data student, contract model (diploma contract (or credit contract for exchange student)), number of credits, the field of study and start and end date of the study. 25 Student files are only being treated in the 4 major service centres (Sint-Amandsberg, Wondelgem, Nieuw-Gent en Gentbrugge). 26 Student files are only being treated in the 4 major service centres (Sint-Amandsberg, Wondelgem, Nieuw-Gent en Gentbrugge). 27 An admission certificate or an invitation letter delivered by the educational institution isn t sufficient. The enrolment certificate needs to obtain following data: identity data student, contract model (diploma contract (or credit contract for exchange student)), number of credits, the field of study and start and end date of the study. 15

16 3 recent and identical passport photos with the following criteria: Photo can t be older than 6 months Photo must clearly resemble the person who applies for the residence document Neutral facial expression, with closed mouth (no frown eyebrows, no visible teeth, no smile) Eyes open and clearly visible (no tainted glasses or spectacles/hair in front of the eyes) Original, clean photo (no folds or stains) Head entirely visible, without accessories, unless for religious or medical reasons, but the nose, eyes, chin and head contours must be clearly visible Evenly lit and even background, without shadows Face should cover % of the photo surface No underexposure or overexposure No reflection on the spectacles glasses, no light effects No red eyes Next to the population office in the Administrative Centre Zuid there is a photo booth. The charge is 5 euro for 6 passport photos. What will the students obtain? A residence document for a student from a neighbouring country (annex 33) at most valid for one school or academic year (up to and including October 31st). The students will receive this document immediately at the counter. Annex 33 must be renewed each academic year. Every time the same documents have to be presented as during the first application. Also the annex 33 from the former academic year has to be presented. The annex 33 must be handed in when leaving Belgium definitely. 16

17 Students who are EU-nationals, nationals of a country belonging to the European Economic Area or Swiss nationals, and who have their main place of residence in a neighbouring country can always choose to apply for a Notification of Arrival (annex 3ter) instead of an annex Price? 13 euro (cost price residence document). For this residence application no payment of an additional contribution covering administrative costs (retribution) is required. Cash payments and Bancontact financial transfers are possible at the Migration Counter in the Administrative Centre at the Zuid and the service centres. 28 A student can pass a driving test when he uses the annex 33. That is not possible when he only obtained an annex 3ter (see General information: registration as international student in a city). 17