Brussels' Expat Welcome Desk launches new services for UK citizens

A series of 10 free webinars to help UK citizens navigate the post-Brexit landscape kick off on 24 January. Organised by the Expat Welcome Desk (EWD) of commissioner.brussels, the information sessions will be held throughout 2023.

They are designed for Britons already living and working in the Belgian capital, or who are planning a move to the city. The webinars are part of a project funded by the EU’s Brexit Adjustment Reserve, which also includes a newsletter for UK citizens in Belgium and a specific Brexit element on the EWD website.

You've got your M-card. What Next? - 24 January, 12.00-13.30

UK citizens already resident in Belgium before the end of the Brexit transition period were able to apply for an Article 50 Residence Permit (know as an M-Card) to maintain their right to live and work in Belgium. Hundreds of UK citizens now hold an M-Card, but what does this mean in practice?

The webinar delves into the rights that the M-card provides, clarifying the exact status of UK citizens and highlighting some important limitations compared to the pre-Brexit situation. A Q+A follows a brief presentation.

Registration by email to inscription@commissioner.brussels. A link to access the webinar will be sent in advance. By registering, you consent to be added to the UK Citizens in Brussels newsletter from commissioner.brussels.

Moving to Belgium after Brexit - 16 February, 12.00-13.30

UK citizens who moved to Belgium after the Brexit transition period, and those still planning their move, are subject to the rules generally applicable to non-EU nationals.

This webinar will give an overview of the immigration options for UK citizens after Brexit. It will present possible routes to residence and work rights for various categories of UK citizens, such as business travellers, employees, self-employed persons, frontier workers, trainees, etc. It then explores the rights these residents hold after acquiring the right to live in Belgium, so the session will also interest UK citizens already living here who arrived after Brexit.

Issues addressed

• The right to live and work in Belgium for UK citizens after Brexit
• Extended absence and return
• Family reunification
• Social security coverage
• Travel inside and outside the EU (Schengen Area)
• Conducting business and work trips to other EU countries

Note that this webinar will offer an overview on various topics relevant to UK citizens who have recently arrived in Belgium or who are planning to move here. Some of these issues will be explored in more detail through later webinars or our newsletter for UK citizens.

Speakers

• Chair: Amélie Bovy, Legal Adviser Welcome Desk, commissioner.brussels
• Jo Antoons, Managing Partner, Fragomen Brussels
• Wout Van Doren, Senior Associate (Attorney), Fragomen Brussels
• Andreia Ghimis, Immigration Manager, Fragomen Brussels

Registration by email to inscription@commissioner.brussels. A link to access the webinar will be sent in advance. By registering, you consent to be added to the UK Citizens in Brussels newsletter from commissioner.brussels.