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Visa renewal
Dear all,
I'm reaching my 5 year anniversary in Belgium and I will need to renew my visa (F card - a 'family reunification visa' due to my cohabitation contract with my partner).
Does anyone know what I need to do to renew the visa (I'm in 1000 Brussels)? How long this takes? Can I renew it before the expiry date (in November)?
I would like to apply for citizenship, so I want to make sure I do this right and don't have any gaps in my legal residence here.
Thanks very much!
Hi,
you need to apply to renew your F card at least 45 days before your current card expires (at least it's written on their web-page). But in reality it takes longer, so you better go there 2 months in advance because the lines in BXL 1000 are huge and it takes a lot of time. So, hopefully you can get your new card before expiration of your current one to avoid gaps in your residence.
Re: citizenship, you need to have permanent residence (F+ card) if I am not mistaken and to be able to order it, you need to officially reside in Belgium 5 years. Please bear in mind if you apply let's say one week before 5 years anniversary, your request may be rejected (it happened to a friend of mine). So, first u need to renew your current F-card, when you have it and you live 5 years and a bit more in BE, you need to apply for F+ card (even if your F card is still valid, it does not matter). And after you received your F+ card you can apply for citizenship.
I know it sounds complicated but this is Belgium. Wish you patience and success!
D.
