Stay in Antwerp after graduation
March 4, 2026.
Everything you need to live, work, start a business or keep studying.
Six clear steps towards March 4 and we're building it with you in mind.
We're currently assembling the International Track and the full website. Subscribe to stay in the loop and get your invitation.
Mapping
We're bundling the essentials for staying in Antwerp after graduation: residence, work, entrepreneurship, study, housing and insurance.
Fact Check
Together with trusted partners, we translate the rules into clear English and link to the right official procedures.
Building
Expect checklists, timelines and "what to do first" flows so you can act fast and avoid common mistakes.
Connection
We're lining up experts and organisations you can talk to directly for residence questions, job search and starting a business.
March 4
At Moving Forward, the International Track will help you explore working, studying and entrepreneurship in Antwerp and meet the right people.
Launch
On March 4, we'll publish the complete website with expanded content, FAQs and step-by-step routes and keep it updated throughout the year.
Stay in Antwerp.
Make it yours.
Graduating in Antwerp and thinking about staying? If you're finishing your degree at the University of Antwerp, AP University of Applied Sciences and Arts Antwerp, the Antwerp Maritime Academy, or KdG University of Applied Sciences and Arts this event is for you.
The Antwerp University Association (AUHA) is a structural partnership between these four institutions. Together, they also include the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp, the Royal Conservatoire Antwerp, and Sint Lucas Antwerp.
Staying in Antwerp after graduation can be a great next step but the paperwork and "what do I do first?" questions can feel overwhelming. That's exactly why we're building this platform: a clear, English-first guide for international graduates who want to live, work, start a business, or continue studying in Antwerp.
We're bringing everything together in one place, with a simple logic: EU citizens and non-EU (third-country) nationals often follow different routes, and your next move (job, entrepreneurship, or further study) changes the steps. Instead of sending you down ten different websites, we'll help you understand your options, your timeline, and the documents you'll typically need with direct links to official procedures and trusted local support.
This isn't just information. It's also about connection. Antwerp has employers, entrepreneurship hubs, universities, and support organisations that already work with international profiles but it's not always obvious where to start or who to contact. Our goal is to make your next step more reachable: clear guidance, practical checklists, and the right people in the right moment.
Right now, we're still assembling the full content together with our partners in immigration and legal experts, career services, VDAB, entrepreneurship organisations, housing and health insurance partners. That means you'll already find key basics here, and on 4 March 2026 (Moving Forward) we'll launch the complete website with expanded routes, FAQs, and step-by-step flows.
Tip: Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated and be the first to receive your invitation to the 4 March event.
FAQ
Answers to common questions about staying in Antwerp after graduation.
Disclaimer: This FAQ offers general information. Rules and procedures can change and individual situations differ. Always check official sources and seek expert advice when needed.
Key official links (save these)
A small reality check (and yes, we noticed too)
Some official pages meant for international graduates are… only available in Dutch. Not exactly ideal when you're trying to stay legally and build your next chapter. That's one of the reasons we're bringing partners around the same table: to translate the essentials into clear English, keep them up to date, and make the next steps easier to follow.
City of Antwerp, Registration & residence (non-Belgian)
How to register your stay in Antwerp, which documents you may need, and where to start.
City of Antwerp, Migration Desk (Loket Migratie)
Appointment-based support for registration, residence extensions, and migration-related city procedures.
Belgian Immigration Office (DVZ), "Search year" after graduation
Official rules for the 12-month residence option to look for work or prepare a business after your studies (non-EU).
Working in Belgium (Official), Single permit
The combined residence + work permit for non-EU employment in Belgium (employee route).
Flanders.be (Official), Professional card (self-employed, non-EU)
Check if you need a professional card to start a self-employed activity in Flanders, and what it involves.
VDAB, Information in English (jobs & guidance)
Job search, career support, and practical info for working in Flanders.
VLAIO (Official), Setting up a business in Flanders
Practical steps and guidance on how to set up a business, with links to the right procedures.
VLAIO (Official), Starting a business as an international student
What international students need to know about entrepreneurship in Belgium, including the professional card.
Flanders.be (Official), Health insurance in Belgium
How health insurance works and how to join an accredited health insurance fund (mutuality) or the free public fund.
NARIC-Vlaanderen, Diploma recognition (if needed)
If your diploma needs formal recognition for work or further study in Flanders, start here.
About Moving Forward
Every academic year, around 12,000 students graduate in Antwerp, yet the transition from higher education to work, further study, entrepreneurship or an international experience is, for many, complex, fragmented and not visible enough. At the same time, our higher education institutions, companies, public authorities and social organisations each hold a piece of the puzzle often strong on their own, but too rarely connected.
Out of that need, Moving Forward grew into a joint initiative of the Antwerp University Association (AUHA) and its partner institutions. The project brings together the University of Antwerp, AP University of Applied Sciences and Arts Antwerp, the Antwerp Maritime Academy (HZS) and KdG University of Applied Sciences and Arts, along with a broad network of organisations, companies and policymakers.
Stay updated.
Subscribe now.
Want to stay informed about Moving Forward and everything you need to know about staying in Antwerp after graduation?
Subscribe to our newsletter and get practical info about work permits, housing, networking and more. Plus, you'll receive your personal invitation for 4 March in February.
Thanks for subscribing!
We'll keep you updated with practical info for staying in Antwerp and in February you'll receive your invitation for 4 March.
Our partners
We're currently in active talks with our partners to map out exactly who can support international students after graduation. On 4 March, you'll be able to follow your own route and get a clear overview of all relevant organisations for internationals who want to stay in Antwerp: to work, start a business or continue studying.
