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Annex 8 - Papier or le carte?
Hi all,
I've now had an email from the Brussels commune asking whether I want my annex 8 in paper (unlimited validity) or in card (5 year validity).
I'm a UK citizen and planning to stay in Belgium long term, however I do worry about the unknowns of Brexit. Due to this, is it better to get the paper rather than the card, seeing as the paper apparently has 'unlimited validity'?
Ultimately I'd like to apply for citizenship, which I believe requires you to, after 5 years, trade your e card in for an e+ card in order to apply. Will having the paper for 5 years also allow this, or is it important to have the e card and then switch it for the e+ card before applying? Or, am I completely understanding the process and it just matters that you've been in the population register for 5 years, and the card is somewhat irrelevant?
Also, can you get the paper Annex 8 AND the e-card, or is it one or the other?
It is explained to some extent in this link https://www.brussels.be/artdet.cfm/7399
I would recommend that you apply for an e-card as soon as you are able (which could well be as long as 6 months after the date of the police controle) as you will find that you are constantly asked for it.
You should also apply for a Belgian driving licence as soon as you are able as, strictly speaking, your UK one ceased to be valid the day you moved to Belgium. (UK driving licences require you to notify your current residential address to the DVLA - who will refuse to register an address outside the UK.)
Get the card.
I'm not sure why you're being made to choose - I was given the paper and then had to start a separate process to obtain the card. Also, I thought the paper version was valid for five years too - it's not a back door to permanent residency status!
My understanding is that the paper forms are used temporarily whilst the process for the card completes.
When I first arrived I was given a 'Bijlage 8' (I'm in Antwerpen) which covers you until the 'E' card is approved and produced.
Similarly, when I recently applied for an E+ card, I was given a 'Bijlage 8bis' paper during the process.
I believe this is so you always have some form of residence document.
I too am uncertain about Brexit :-(
If you are British and you've been here for 5 years and have been working, all you need is a translated copy of your birth certificate, proof you've been working or paying social security, and €150 (+ commune fee). It's a really simple process, and the only real disadvantage of becoming Belgian is that you have to vote.
The E card and E+ card are both optional. You can live here on the Annex 8 but that piece of paper is not great for carrying around so most EU nationals do indeed opt for the plastic cards.
The E card and E+ card are both optional. You can live here on the Annex 8 but that piece of paper is not great for carrying around so most EU nationals do indeed opt for the plastic cards.
