How do I get permanent residence or stay long term in Belgium?

Once you've lived in Belgium legally and continuously for five years, you can apply for EU long-term resident status — the closest thing to settling permanently. You'll generally need to show stable, regular resources and health insurance, and meet integration conditions, which can include a language requirement and which differ between the regions. Long-term residence brings near-equal treatment with Belgian nationals and easier movement to other EU countries under certain conditions. Family members who have built up five years of continuous legal residence can usually apply on the same basis.