The reception programme offers free information on living in Belgium, through social support and training.
The "Living in Belgium" and "Citizenship" courses will enable you to learn about your rights and duties and to understand better how Belgium works, so that you can live more independently and participate fully in Belgian social, cultural and economic life. You have also the possibility to attend French or Dutch lessons. The whole programme is free of charge.
Everyone who comes to the VIA reception desk will meet a social worker. This social worker will explain you the reception programme, check whether you meet the admission or obligation requirements and answer any questions you may have and the services we offer you. You will be received in a language you understand well.
To enroll in the reception programme, you must meet certain entry requirements.
The reception programme is open to:
Any non-Belgian person aged over 18 years
Who has a residence permit valid for more than 3 months
Registered in the non-Belgian nationals register of one of the 19 municipalities of the Brussels Region
Please note !
Since 1st June 2022, the reception programme has become compulsory in the Brussels Region for some newcomers (depending on their residence permit). All relevant information on this subject is available, in 12 languages, at: https://bewelcome.brussels
Our offices are located in Schaerbeek: rue Kessels 14, 1030 Schaerbeek, and in Molenbeek: Boulevard Léopold II, 170, 1080 Molenbeek
We are open from Monday to Friday from 9 am to 12 pm for new registrations or for information and on Thursday from 5 pm to 8 pm reserved for people who work or need to look after their children during the day.
The reception programme has two main parts: part 1 and part 2. Part 1 includes a social assessment, a language assessment and 10 hours of information.
This is a meeting with your social worker to review your situation in various aspects of daily life such as housing, health, family life or your professional and financial situation.
Together, we will discuss your needs in these different areas and advise or guide you in the best possible way to help you move forward.
This 10-hour information course, usually provided over 3 half-days, is given in a language you understand well.
It will enable you to understand better your rights and duties in Belgium and to gain useful information for your integration into everyday life in Belgium.
We cover topics such as the Belgian Constitution, social and legal norms, housing, healthcare, employment, the school system and mobility.
This is a French test to assess your knowledge of the French language. This test will enable us to direct you towards a French course suitable for your level.
When this first part is completed, you will receive a first certificate. This is official proof that you have completed part 1 of the VIA’s reception journey.
The agreement is the moment when you decide with your social worker how to continue your journey at VIA. At this point, depending on your needs and wishes, you will set up your own programme: individual support and guidance, citizenship training and French language courses.
Signing this agreement marks the beginning of the second stage of your journey (part 2), and implies your agreement to participate in the training courses for which you are registered.
Throughout the reception process, you will receive social support.
This support is individual and tailored to your specific needs. It consists of help with various administrative procedures, advice, guidance in different aspects of social life such as childcare, housing issues, socio-professional orientation, or any other specific need you may have.
Citizenship training is an extension of the “Rights and Duties – Living in Belgium” training.
We cover history, geography, economy, politics and institutions in Belgium. Various tours and meetings with key Brussels organisations will be on the agenda. This training course provides an opportunity for dialogue, meetings and sharing experiences. It is available in different languages and usually organised in half day sessions.
We offer free French courses in partnership with various schools across Brussels. The courses will be suitable for your profile and level of French. They take place in the evening (7 hours/week) or during the day (10, 12, 16 or 20 hours/week).
At the end of your journey, you will receive an official certificate proving your participation in the reception programme, in line with the agreement you signed at VIA.
IncluCities est financé par le Fonds européen pour l'asile, la migration et l'intégration (FAMI) et géré par le Conseil des communes et régions d'Europe.