8-day registration rule with the competitive rental market Dilemma

Hi everyone,

I am a non-EU expat moving to Brussels very soon with my wife. I will be coming on a Single Permit (Visa D) and will be staying in a temporary Airbnb/hotel for about a week before officially starting my new job.

I am currently facing a major dilemma regarding housing and administration, and I would love to hear from people who have experienced this:

1. The Rental Market: I’ve heard that finding a long-term rental in Brussels is quite challenging right now. From what I understand, viewings are often grouped with many other candidates at the same time, and it is ultimately up to the landlord to choose the "best" profile. Since I will just be arriving and won't have Belgian pay slips yet, I expect this process to take several weeks.

2. The 8-Day Registration Rule: As a non-EU citizen on a Visa D, I am legally required to register at the municipality (commune) within 8 days of my arrival.

Here is my problem: Since finding an apartment, signing a lease, and getting the keys within my first 7 days seems practically impossible, how am I supposed to fulfill this 8-day registration rule?

What alternatives or workarounds do I have?

Can I get a temporary registration (like an Annex 3) using my hotel/Airbnb address to stop the 8-day clock while I continue my apartment hunt?

Has anyone here navigated this recently?

Any advice, tips, or shared experiences would be incredibly helpful. Thank you in advance!