Buying a car before official registration in Belgium

AC93 Member

Member since 06 November 2025

AC93Member24 February 2026 09:15:18

Hi everyone,

I鈥檒l be moving to Antwerp in April with a D visa (single permit). I鈥檒l initially stay in an Airbnb for a few weeks and won鈥檛 have my official registration or eID yet.

I鈥檓 trying to understand what the most practical solution is for mobility during the first 1鈥�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鈥檛 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 馃檹

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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鈥檚 license.

SimCityAT Expert

Member since 08 April 2014

SimCityATExpert24 February 2026 16:55:42

13520

Hi everyone,
I鈥檒l be moving to Antwerp in April with a D visa (single permit). I鈥檒l initially stay in an Airbnb for a few weeks and won鈥檛 have my official registration or eID yet.

I鈥檓 trying to understand what the most practical solution is for mobility during the first 1鈥�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鈥檛 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 馃檹 - @AC93

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