Car in Belgium

If you bring your own car to Belgium, please keep in mind that Antwerp has a low-emission zone in the city, so check in advance whether your car is allowed to enter the city (only valid if you need to go to the Stadscampus; all other campuses are located outside of this zone). More information can be found on the website ‘Smart Ways to Antwerp’.

In addition you will need to register your car at the customs office upon arrival (from non-EU countries) or within three months (for EU countries). You will receive a registration form (‘vignette 705’) which you will need to present to the insurance company in order to take out car insurance. More information about how to register your car can be found on the website of FOD Mobility.

Please make sure that your driver’s licence is valid in Belgium. 

• You might need to exchange your international driver’s licence for a Belgian one if you have a non-EU driver’s licence. In Antwerp, this can be requested via the website of the city of Antwerp. 
• EU driver’s licences need to be registered when you register with the local government office. In Antwerp, this can be requested via the website of the city of Antwerp. 
  

As a resident of Antwerp you are allowed to park for free in the area where you live with an resident’s permit (max. 2 per address). Keep in mind that, despite being a resident, you may still have to pay for parking in some commercial streets during business hours.

You can apply for a permit through the local government offices or through the city’s parking company (websites available in Dutch only). This can be done in the office, but also by post or email.

Just moved? In this case you can apply to the parking company for a temporary inhabitants permit. You will need to provide them with a ‘request for change of address' (model 2). You can get one from the local government office when you submit your change of address.

Once you're officially registered at your new address, you can apply for a two-year resident’s permit.

Vehicle registered abroad and living in Belgium? Register your vehicle in Belgium as well, even if the vehicle is already registered abroad.

If you did not bring your own car, you can either rent a car through a rental car company or participate in ‘car sharing’.

Car sharing providers:

• Tapazz
• Cambio: you pay a monthly fee and get a chip card. With this card you can book cars for short or long periods. You pay per km and for the time you rent the car. The car can be picked up from designated parking spots in and around Antwerp
• Cozycar: ideal for those who only occasionally need a car
• Bolides: rents out cars that you have to pay for per km and time period
• Drivy: rent a car from a private person for the period you require
• Poppy

Do you need transport to campus, or do you get bored driving alone? UAntwerp has a carpool application for commuters that can be used by staff and students. You might find a colleague or student who lives nearby to commute with on a daily or weekly basis. The application is easy to use, even for those who only use carpooling during bus or train strikes. More information can be found on the website of the University of Antwerp.