Today, 10 April 2019, the Act on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union (the so-called Brexit-Law) was published.
In summary, this law provides that in case of a hard Brexit:
- British citizens living in Belgium would be able to continue living in Belgium until 31 December 2020. Until then no application for a residence permit would be required.
- Belgium will continue to apply the European rules regarding the coordination of social security systems in relation to British citizens living and working in Belgium until 31 December 2020.
The above is however based on reciprocity and the Belgian government could revoke this transitional measure prior to 31 December 2020 if considered appropriate (for example when the UK would restrict the rights of EU-citizens living in the UK).
Even though the Brexit-Law is published today, it has no effect yet. The Law will enter into force when the government issues a Royal Decree to this effect.
We will keep you updated on any further developments. To be continued…