I just moved here — how do I get the national ID / tax / social-security number?
Everything — a job, a bank account, a doctor, a rental — needs the national identification number, so it is the first appointment after arriving. In Belgium you get it from Dienst Bevolking van de gemeente / Mijn Burgerprofiel (belgium.be) when you register your address or, for non-residents, from FOD Financiën — bezwaar / MyMinfin (02 572 57 57). Bring your passport or ID card, proof of address (a rental contract or a host's declaration) and, for non-EU citizens, the residence permit or visa from Dienst Vreemdelingenzaken / gemeente — dienst vreemdelingen (02 488 80 00). Appointments fill up: book before you arrive if the portal allows.
🗣️ What to say
"I moved to Belgium on [date] and live at [address]. I would like to register and obtain my [national number / tax number / social-security number]. I have [passport/ID, rental contract / host declaration, permit]. Which documents do you need and can I book an appointment?"
🪜 Step by step
- Book the registrationAt Dienst Bevolking van de gemeente / Mijn Burgerprofiel: address registration and the number usually come together. Online booking where it exists; otherwise early morning in person.
- DocumentsPassport or ID, proof of address, birth certificate (sometimes with apostille), marriage certificate if relevant, permit or visa for non-EU citizens.
- Non-resident number: FOD Financiën — bezwaar / MyMinfinFor work or tax before you have an address — the tax office issues a provisional or non-resident number.
- Non-EU: Dienst Vreemdelingenzaken / gemeente — dienst vreemdelingen firstThe residence permit or the registration certificate may be a precondition; check the order for your case.
- Then everything elseBank, health insurance, employer, GP — all take the number. Keep the letter with it safe.
📇 All contacts
❓ Frequently asked
I have a job offer but no address yet
Ask the employer for a hosting letter or use the non-resident route at FOD Financiën — bezwaar / MyMinfin; the number can be converted when you register an address.
How long does it take?
Same day in some countries, weeks in others. The appointment is the bottleneck, not the processing.
EU citizen — do I need to register at all?
Yes, after three months in most countries (sooner in some), and for the number you need it anyway.
📎 Sources
- Dienst Bevolking van de gemeente / Mijn Burgerprofiel →
- FOD Financiën — bezwaar / MyMinfin →
- Dienst Vreemdelingenzaken / gemeente — dienst vreemdelingen →
- Gemeentebestuur / stadsbestuur →
🔎 Common searches
Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.
- “national id number new arrival Belgium”
- “register address get number Belgium”
- “tax number foreigner Belgium”
- “social security number apply”
- “moving to Belgium first steps”
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