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L card / Unlimited Single Permit (Flemish)

KTantwerp05

Dear All,


I am reaching out to seek your guidance regarding my current situation as my Single Work Permit is set to expire in May 2026.


I have been living and working in Antwerp, Belgium for the last 6+ years as an expat. There is No gap in residence and employement. I have also been paying social security for the last ~2 years.


I recently received my annex 16 against my L card application, and expect to have the result in July 2025.


However, I am not very optimistic about the outcome of L card since I haven’t paid social security for the full 5 years. Not sure if Salary plays a part in decision making for PR, I earn more than 100,000 euro gross per year.


In the event of L card rejection, could you please advise me on what options I might have?


Would applying for an unlimited single permit be a viable solution?

See also

Traveling to BelgiumSingle permit processing 2025Belgium Nationality 2024residency expires + single permit processing = interruption of stay ?L card application waiting time.
maharaji1984

May i ask please


From where :

with wich documents asked :

when applied :

when get annex 16 ? :



Good luck

KTantwerp05

From where : Antwerp

with wich documents asked : Its online. Last 3 months salary slip, Police Verification Certificate, Health Insurance, Passport copy. However, I provided additional documents like last 6 years Individual account, Tax returns, house rent contract.

when applied :29 Nov

when get annex 16 ? : 10 Feb

maharaji1984

You did not mentioned clearly your stataments in BE if you legaly worked and reside in last 5 years.

Immigiration office interested in with that.


Living in BE 6 years and working 2 years not same with living in 6 years and working 6 years.


Please be more specific to have more accurate info.

KTantwerp05

@maharaji1984 you have not read it properly. What I mentioned above is “I have been living and working” in the BE for 6+ years without any gap. I am an expat with a gross salary exceeding 100,000 euros per year (if it makes any difference in decision making in PR). I have paid social security for 2 years.


If I am living and working legally for 6+ years? Answer is YES.

maharaji1984

@KTantwerp05

I supposed social contributions have been paid during the 6 years period thats why i have asked to be sure.

To getting L card they are checking if you worked(i mean worked as a local) 5 years and social contributions paid.

KTantwerp05

@maharaji1984 yes, that is the problem. Being expat, no social security contribitions were made for the first 5 years.

maharaji1984

@KTantwerp05

Maybe you can try to go with card B? I am also working as an expat but headquarter obliges us always linked to local office and as a result local social security as well.

Mai Rose

@KTantwerp05

Hi,

You received the Annexe 16, means you met requirements for application to get L card at your commune. Ibz should approved since "uninterrupted 5 years of stay, do not need to do social contribution 5 years. *3 months* is enough :-)

Good look

maharaji1984

@Mai Rose

Hi,

Annexe 16 is an application form where given from municipality while applying for long term residence permit.

If OP recieved an Annexe16bis then that means is application considered. However if its an Annexe 16 ter means not considered.


@KTantwerp05 i hope you have  recieved the Annexe 16 bis and fingers crossed for positive decision.

Mai Rose

@maharaji1984

Hi, good to know there are 2: annxe 16 bis and annexe 16 ter. I just checked, I have  both


I am waiting for the  next 2 weeks to get a L card if it is approved


Do you know in case of refusal, they should have sent me a notification before the deadline of 5 months + 1 day


Thank you!


Mai Rose

maharaji1984

@Mai Rose

Hi, to having both is strange. Are you sure one of them is not annexe 16 ter?

I case of reject an annexe 17 (long term residence request rejection) will be sent.

I hope not in your case 🍀


Since when you are waiting for?

KTantwerp05

I have annex 16 and annex 16bis. The date I received from Commune is 9th July for the result from Brussels office.


Fingers crossed!

Mai Rose

I have annex 16 and annex 16bis :-)

maharaji1984

@Mai Rose

thats what i gezzz :=)