Buying a car before official registration in Belgium

AC93 Member

Member since 06 November 2025

AC93Member24 February 2026 09:15:18

Hi everyone,

I’ll be moving to Antwerp in April with a D visa (single permit). I’ll initially stay in an Airbnb for a few weeks and won’t have my official registration or eID yet.

I’m trying to understand what the most practical solution is for mobility during the first 1–2 months.

Is it realistically possible to buy a second-hand car from a dealer before completing municipal registration and receiving a national number? Or would insurance/registration make this difficult?

If buying isn’t practical at that stage, what would you recommend as the most cost-efficient option until I can purchase a car (long-term rental, subscription, car-sharing, etc.)?

Thanks in advance for your insights 🙏

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itsbaber Member

Member since 13 June 2025

itsbaberMember24 February 2026 11:02:47

@AC93 if I were you, I will not rush into buying a car. The public transport is very efficient and even a faster means of commuting during rush hour. I would rather get a bike, used or rented. Then I would take sometime to find a good car and also exchange my driver’s license.

SimCityAT Expert

Member since 08 April 2014

SimCityATExpert24 February 2026 16:55:42

13431

Hi everyone,
I’ll be moving to Antwerp in April with a D visa (single permit). I’ll initially stay in an Airbnb for a few weeks and won’t have my official registration or eID yet.

I’m trying to understand what the most practical solution is for mobility during the first 1–2 months.

Is it realistically possible to buy a second-hand car from a dealer before completing municipal registration and receiving a national number? Or would insurance/registration make this difficult?

If buying isn’t practical at that stage, what would you recommend as the most cost-efficient option until I can purchase a car (long-term rental, subscription, car-sharing, etc.)?

Thanks in advance for your insights 🙏 - @AC93

You can buy a car, but you can not drive it legaly, you will not be able to register it, or get insurance.