What is W-document and how to get it?

Document for asylum seekers, aliens who cannot travel for health reasons, and aliens who have been granted postponement of expulsion. The last two categories only receive a W-document if they are not in the possession of a passport. In the case they do have a passport, a sticker is put in the passport.

With the W-document, the person concerned can prove his/her identity. The reason why the holder is allowed to stay in the country is stated on the card. Specific employment is permitted, a work permit is required. Other employment is not permitted. Moreover, you can also get your w2 online for free.

 

What is W-Document?

A Foreigners Identity Document (VI) is a document, which used to be called a W-document. There are 2 types of IDs; to find out which document applies to you, click on type below:

1.       Type W

2.       Type W2

 

Identity document Type W

·       You will receive a VI type 'W' when you apply for 'Asylum' for the first time.

·       Identity document Type W2

If you are not an 'asylum seeker' but you are applying for a residence permit for another reason, but you do not have a valid ‘Proof of identity (e.g. passport), you can get a VI type 'W2' in a few cases.

 

What do you need for the Application

·       Identity document of you, your partner and your child(ren)

·       DigiD data

·       Bank card and login details (possibly including device for logging in to your bank)

 

Online W-document

The electronic alien card replaces the paper residence permit of both EU citizens and non-EU citizens. This also gives non-Belgians access to e-government applications and they can also sign documents electronically.

 

Procedure

The procedure for obtaining an authorization to stay and therefore for obtaining a residence card differs depending on the nationality and the purpose of residence.

You can request your electronic aliens card from your municipal council.

Three weeks after the application, you will receive the PIN and PUK code, after which you can pick up the electronic alien card. Take the codes with you to activate your card.

Also check, get your w2 online for free

 

What to bring

Your current residence card or the certificate of loss or theft of this card. A recent color passport photo (maximum 6 months old) that meets the requirements for passport photos (PDF file opens in new window). When activating the card: the letter with your PIN code and PUK code

 

Legislation

The issuance of cards to foreigners is regulated by:

·       European Council Regulation (EC) No 1030/2002 of 13 June 2002 establishing a uniform format for residence permits of third-country nationals

·       the Aliens Act of 15 December 1980 on the entry to the territory, residence, settlement and removal of aliens

·       the law of 19 July 1991 on population registers and identity cards;

·       the Act of 8 August 1983 regulating a National Register of Natural Persons and by the implementing decrees of these Acts.

 

The regulations regarding the electronic aliens cards and residence documents belong to the competences of the Immigration Office, pursuant to the legislation and regulations regarding access to the territory, residence, settlement and removal of aliens.