Certain newly arrived migrants in the Brussels-Capital Region are required to undertake an integration programme. Organised by both French‑speaking and Dutch‑speaking operators, this programme includes a reception module, citizenship training, and, where necessary, language courses. Who is required to undertake the programme? Are there exemptions? Which bodies are responsible? The Expat Welcome Desk outlines the main rules and procedures you need to know. What is the integration programme? There are two integration programmes in Brussels: The French‑speaking programme, organised by the Commission Communautaire Française (COCOF)
[French Community Commission] The Dutch‑speaking programme, organised by the Flemish Community Although managed by different bodies, both programmes pursue the same aim: to support newcomers as they settle in Belgium. The programme generally includes: A welcoming module This first module makes it possible to: Obtain information on the rights and obligations of residents in Belgium. Complete an individual assessment to identify your needs in areas such as housing, health, training, integration into society and the workforce, or any other relevant matter. Citizenship training This training
helps you better understand: How Belgian institutions function Democratic values Available public services Daily life in Belgium Language courses Depending your situation and level, you may be eligible for: French as a foreign language courses Or Dutch as a foreign language courses The courses are adapted to your level and currently cover levels up to A2. Additional activities Depending on the chosen operator, other optional activities may be offered: Thematic workshops and activities Specific training courses Various meetings and events Who is required to undergo
the integration programme? The programme is primarily geared to first‑time arrivals who meet all the following conditions: You are a foreign national (not Belgian); You are registered for the first time in the register of foreign nationals of a Brussels municipality with a residence permit of more than three months; You are between 18 and 65 years old at the time of registration; You have been legally resident in Belgium for less than three years. Holders of a C/K, D/L, E+ or F+ card are
not considered priority and are not required to undergo the programme, as they have already been residing legally in Belgium for more than three years. They may, however, enrol voluntarily. Who is exempt? Certain categories of people are exempt from having to undergo the integration programme. The main exemptions include: EU citizens and equivalent categories This includes: Citizens of the European Union Nationals of the European Economic Area Swiss citizens Certain British nationals covered by the Withdrawal Agreement (M card) Family members of an EU
citizen The exemption may also apply to: Partners recognised as equivalent to marriage Dependent children or children under 21 Dependent relatives in the ascending line Temporary stays You are also exempt if your right of residence is limited to a temporary activity such as: A single permit An internship An exchange programme Diplomatic activity A working-holiday visa An au pair placement Other exemption situations The exemption also applies if: You are a long‑term resident in another EU Member State and have already met integration requirements
You benefit from temporary protection granted to Ukrainian refugees You hold a diploma or certificate obtained in Belgian education You suffer from a serious illness or disability that permanently prevents participation An application for exemption may be submitted at any time until your file is closed. A programme that remains available even on a voluntary basis Even if you are not required to undergo the programme, you may choose to do so voluntarily. This may be particularly useful in order to: Improve your language skills;
Understand Belgian society better; Develop your social and professional network; Prepare for future administrative procedures. Note, however, that French‑speaking operators currently have waiting lists for non‑priority participants, whereas the Dutch‑speaking operator BON currently has no waiting list. Benefits of the integration programme The programme offers several tangible benefits: Obtain an integration certificate At the end of the programme, and the language courses have been completed successfully, you will receive an integration certificate. This document may be useful particularly in order to demonstrate social integration in
a future application for Belgian nationality. Receive personalised support You can access the following services free of charge: Assistance with the recognition of your qualifications Legal assistance Information on your residence rights Support with certain administrative procedures Develop your language skills You may enrol free of charge in French or Dutch language courses up to A2 level. Which body should you contact? French-speaking programme (BAPA) Three “Bureaux d’Accueil pour Primo-Arrivants” (BAPA) (Reception Offices for First-Time Arrivals) operate in Brussels: BAPA BXL (1000 Brussels) Convivial (1190
Brussels) VIA (1030 Brussels and 1080 Brussels) Dutch-speaking programme The operator BON provides the Dutch‑language integration programme for the entire Brussels Region. For more information Brussels Reception Programme The Expat Welcome Desk is a free service that advises internationals on the practicalities of daily life in the Belgian capital, from accommodation and residence permits to employment rights and taxation, among a number of topics.
Brussels integration programme, COCOF, BON, BAPA, primo-arrivants, citizenship training, language courses A2, integration certificate, exemptions EU citizens, Ukrainian temporary protection