Brussels puts non-EU registration and residence renewals online via IRISbox

Since 1 September 2026, the City of Brussels has moved a number of non-EU registration and residence-permit procedures onto IRISbox. Eligible international residents can now start certain applications online, upload supporting documents and follow their file through their personal account. The important limitation is geographic: this is a City of Brussels service, not a single procedure for all 19 municipalities in the Brussels-Capital Region.

The City says IRISbox can now be used, depending on immigration status, for first registration and for some residence-permit renewals. Workers with a single permit, workers with other qualifying D visas and students are among the groups with published online routes.

Official information: City of Brussels: non-EU registration and residence permit via IRISbox.

What changed on 1 September 2026?

Previously, many Foreigners’ Office procedures began through appointments, email or in-person contact. The City of Brussels now directs eligible non-EU residents to IRISbox for selected applications. The online step does not remove every in-person requirement. For many routes, the City still has to review the file, invite the applicant to an appointment, complete a police residence check and then arrange the residence-card application.

If a procedure does not appear in IRISbox, the City advises contacting its Foreigners’ Office rather than assuming the online route applies.

Which non-EU residents can use IRISbox?

Workers with a single permit

Non-EU workers who will stay and work in Belgium for more than 90 days and hold a valid D B34 visa can submit their first City of Brussels registration through IRISbox. After review, the City schedules an appointment for Annex 49, followed by a police residence check. If the check is positive, a second appointment is arranged for the A residence card.

The City lists a valid passport, valid D B34 visa and a recent ICAO-compliant passport photograph among the core documents. The administrative fee is €35, and the City says processing can take up to three months.

Workers without a single permit

Workers arriving with another qualifying D visa can also start registration through IRISbox. After the online submission, an appointment is required to receive Annex 15 or Annex 49, followed by the residence check and the later A-card step.

The published fees are €25 for the registration application and €10 for Annex 15 or 49. Processing can take up to three months, depending on the file.

Related: English-speaking jobs in Brussels: what international applicants need to know.

Non-EU students arriving with a D visa

Students with their main residence in the City of Brussels and a valid Belgian D visa can submit their first registration through IRISbox. The City asks for a passport, D visa, proof of enrolment and a recent compliant photograph. The registration fee is €25 and Annex 15 costs €10. The process may take up to three months.

Students renewing an A card

Non-EU students who already hold an A card can submit a renewal application through IRISbox. The City says the renewal should be filed no later than 15 days before the card expires.

The published document list includes a valid passport, the expiring A card, proof of sufficient means, the standard higher-education enrolment certificate, the study-progress form, proof of health insurance covering all risks in Belgium and a recent passport photograph.

Once the file is approved, the new card costs €30 under the standard procedure or €150 under the urgent procedure. The card itself normally takes one to two weeks after ordering; the urgent service is listed as the next working day when ordered before 3pm.

What still has to happen in person?

IRISbox is the start of the process, not a fully digital residence system. Depending on the route, applicants may still need to:

• attend an appointment after the City reviews the online file;
• receive an Annex 15 or Annex 49;
• complete a police residence check at the declared address;
• attend a later appointment to order an A residence card; and
• collect the card after the PIN code arrives at the home address.

This matters for new arrivals planning work, travel or accommodation around their registration timeline. An online submission does not by itself mean the residence card has been issued.

Check that you actually live in the City of Brussels

Brussels is divided into 19 municipalities, each with its own local administration. The City of Brussels specifically warns newcomers to check which municipality their address belongs to before starting a registration procedure.

The City lists 1000, 1020, 1120 and 1130 as its postal codes, while some addresses in 1050 and 1040 also fall within City of Brussels territory. If your address is in another municipality, use that municipality’s immigration or population service instead.

Related practical guide: Belgium train ticket rules for newcomers and visitors.

Where is the Foreigners’ Office?

The City of Brussels Foreigners’ Office is based at the Brucity Administrative Centre, Rue des Halles 4, 1000 Brussels. The City publishes the main telephone number as 02 279 22 11. Counter opening hours vary by day, and some services are appointment-only, so applicants should check the relevant procedure page before travelling.

Frequently asked questions

Can every non-EU resident in Brussels use IRISbox?

No. The new routes apply to selected procedures run by the City of Brussels. Other municipalities and other immigration statuses can have different application channels.

Does an IRISbox submission replace the police address check?

No. For the worker and student first-registration routes published by the City, a police residence check remains part of the process.

Can I get my A card entirely online?

No. IRISbox can handle the submission stage for eligible procedures, but card ordering and other steps can still require appointments.

What if my procedure is not listed in IRISbox?

The City advises contacting the Foreigners’ Office at etrangers@brucity.be rather than using an unrelated form.

Official sources

• City of Brussels: IRISbox for non-EU registration and residence permits
• Worker registration with a single permit
• Worker registration without a single permit
• Student registration with a D visa
• Renewal of a non-EU student’s A card

Last verified: 20 September 2026. Municipal procedures, fees and document requirements can change, so check the relevant City of Brussels page before submitting an application.