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I'm a Belgian citizen. My American girlfriend comes to visit me for three months at a time but the plan is for her to eventually stay here permanently. When the time comes that she meets the requirements for a cohabitation visa, can she request the necessary documents/procedures and submit the visa application here during her visit?

I ask simply because it seems like an unnecessary annoyance for her to have to travel to a different state to visit a Belgian consulate in the US in person when she's legally staying here for extended periods of time anyway.

Lawyerson
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    Germany and the Netherlands, at least allow citizens of certain countries, including the US, to do this. Belgium might, too, but I don't know. – phoog Apr 02 '16 at 00:46
  • @phoog That is hopeful at least. I silly for having to ask this question as a Belgian citizen myself but the government websites are a mess and government hard to reach. – Lawyerson Apr 05 '16 at 10:12

1 Answers1

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According to Expatica:

If you’re already in Belgium – perhaps because you don't need an entry visa for less than three months, or you have a residence card for another purpose – you should apply at the local Belgian municipal administration offices/town hall (maison communale/gemeentehuis).

You’ll need to complete an application form for a long-stay visa in Belgium, and also supply originals and copies of other documents, which may include:

  • a valid passport/travel ID document;
  • a work permit, proof of registration at an educational institution, marriage/civil partnership or birth certificates (if applicable);
  • proof that you can support yourself during your stay; proof of accommodation;
  • a medical certificate to prove that you don’t have any disease which could endanger public health;
  • a certificate to show you don’t have a criminal record.

The visa takes the form of a sticker in your passport/travel ID.

The information, in English, references Agentschap Integratie & Inburgering.

Giorgio
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