Whatever the outcome of the UK-EU negotiations, UK Nationals in Belgium need to take action to continue living in Belgium, and to maintain their access to the rights and services they currently enjoy.
We hope that BBCA members, their family, friends and colleagues who are UK nationals will have already made the necessary arrangements, but if you haven’t or you know someone who hasn’t there are four key action that need to be addressed before 31 December 2020.
With the COVID situation many people have become isolated, so please help spread the word to everyone in the community.
The four main actions UK nationals need to take are:
Residency:
Register with your Commune/Gemeente as an EU resident before 31 December 2020. Visit gov.uk/livinginbelgium for more information.
Healthcare
Once you have registered as a resident, register for healthcare with a mutuelle or ziekenfonds. Visit gov.uk/livinginbelgium for more information.
Driving Licence
Exchange your UK driving licence for a Belgian one by 31 December 2020 to benefit from a simple exchange procedure. Visit gov.uk/livinginbelgium for more information.
Passports
Check your UK passport validity online. There will be new rules on travel to Europe from 1 January 2021.
Information sources
The latest information on living in Belgium for UK nationals can always be found on the gov.uk website: gov.uk/livinginbelgium.
In addition the Belgian Office for Foreigners website, and its FAQ section is a valuable source of information and this is where you will find information on the new residency system for UK nationals in scope of the Withdrawal Agreement. The FAQ sections also addresses the point of starting the residency registration process (if you are not already registered) before 31 December 2020 rather than having completed the process with a decision from the Commune by that date.
The Belgian Transport Ministry website contains the official guidance from the Belgian government that UK nationals resident in Belgium should exchange their UK driving licence for a Belgian one before 31 December 2020 to benefit from a simple exchange procedure. There is also an email address provided here should people have questions or concerns.
The UK based Money and Pensions Service gives guidance on banking, financial services and insurance changes after 31 December 2020.
And, of course, the BBCA and its associated charities are here to support the UK community in Belgium. Do not hesitate to get in touch if you have questions, ideas or issues on your rights and obligations as we move into this new regime. If we cannot help directly, we will know someone who can.
