Belgium ranks at least third out of the 28 MIPEX countries on three dimensions of long-term residence policies, but falls to 18th on eligibility. Migrants must live in Belgium for five years and only leave the country for short periods. Since the 15th of September 2006 law which transposed the EC Directive on long-term residence, applicants can count half their time studying in Belgium and all their time (under certain conditions) awaiting a positive asylum decision towards the residence requirement. Belgium would attain best practice on its favourable conditions if the state capped the procedure at six months and removed fees. Long-term residents are partially secure in their status (see box). They have favourable rights, including equal access as Belgian nationals to most employment, social security, healthcare, housing, and free movement and residence within the EU. Belgium would attain best practice on rights if the law explicitly allowed them to hold a long-term residence permit in another Member State.
