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Information about the national and local administrative centres of Belgium - where to go for residency papers, vehicle registration papers, driving licences and more...
Belgium is a federal state consisting of communities and regions.
The central Federal State controls foreign affairs, defence, justice, finances, social security and national issues relating to public health and domestic affairs.
- The Belgian Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs Office
At: Rue des Petits Carmes 15, 1000 Brussels
Tel: 02 501 81 11
Open: Monday to Friday 09:00-17:00 - For directions and opening hours: Click here
Communities of Belgium
There are three communities (French, Flemish and German speaking), which each have regional authority for language, culture, education, preventative medicine, protection of young people, scientific research, sports and public services.
Regions of Belgium
There are also three geographical regions (Flanders, Brussels-Capital and Wallonia), which run their own economy, foreign trade, agriculture, environment, energy, employment, regional development and town planning, housing, water policy, public works, and transport.
Provinces of Belgium
The country is further divided into ten provinces. Five of these are Flemish:
- Antwerp
- Limburg
- West Flanders
- East Flanders
- Flemish Brabant
and five Wallonian:
- Hainaut
- Namur
- Liège
- Luxembourg
- Walloon Brabant
Each province has an elected council, whose responsibilities include law and order, roads, regional development, and epidemic control. The council also has a supervisory role over administration of the municipality.
Communes/Municipalities of Belgium
There are 589 communes or municipalities, whose responsibilities are local law and order, local elections, civil marriages, building permits, road repair and social assistance.
The Town Hall (maison communale/stadhuis) of the commune is the first reference point for all local and civil issues.
- For a full list of communes: Click here
Further Information
- Belgian Government
- French Community in Belgium
- German-speaking Community in Belgium
- Flanders Website