Upon Arrival
uclouvain |
The first few days at university can be intense, especially when moving to a new country. This page is here to guide you through the main steps to take when you arrive.
The first few days at university can be intense, especially when moving to a new country. This page is here to guide you through the main steps to take when you arrive.
In order to finalize your registration, please:
Send your registration authorization, dated and signed before 30/09 to the address shown on your admission letter;
Enclose a copy of your D visa (authorization to stay in Belgium for more than 90 days) issued by the Belgian embassy or consular post if needed
Some documents may still be missing from your file.
You will find the list of these documents on your enrollment letter. If you have any questions, please contact Enrolment Services (https://www.uclouvain.be/fr/inscriptions/contact).
Each town hall operates differently. Please consult the website of your local town hall to learn more about their specific procedures.
If you are not staying in a hotel, you must register with the municipality within 3 days of your arrival in Belgium. You will receive a declaration of arrival (Annex 3). This document is valid for a maximum of 90 days from the date of entry into Belgium, unless the foreign national holds a visa specifying a shorter duration.
European students
We recommend that you register with the commune in the days following your arrival in Belgium, in order to receive a certificate of attendance (Annex 3).
Non-EU/International students
You must declare your presence and register with the municipal administration of your place of residence no later than 8 days after your arrival.
If you are staying in Belgium for more than 90 days, you must have accommodation that allows official registration (domicilation).
A few days after your visit to the commune, a police officer will visit your home to check that you are living at the address you have given. Make sure your name is visible on your mailbox and/or doorbell. A few days after this visit, you will receive a summons to complete your registration.
If you are staying for more than three months, we recommend that you open a Belgian or European bank account.
Opening a bank account in Belgium requires the following documents:
Passport or identity card;
Proof of residence in Belgium (a lease contract with a Belgian address);
Proof of registration at UCLouvain ;
Annex 15 (commune registration document) ;
Please note that obtaining Annex 15 may take some time.
If you need a European account quickly, you can open an online bank account with banks such as Revolut, Nickel, Wise or N26.
In Belgium, health insurance is mandatory. Membership of a mutual insurance company (mutuelle) covers part of the cost of care, medication and hospitalization. CAAMI is a free public mutual insurance company. Paying mutual insurers, on the other hand, offer more extensive coverage. By registering with a Belgian mutual insurance company, you enjoy the same rights as a Belgian citizen.
You can compare mutual insurance companies here.
For all non-European students, we recommend buying a Belgian SIM card. Costs can be high with your home operator. You can compare phone companies here.