Does a truck driver in Belgium need to exchange their Polish driving licence?

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Do you have to exchange your Polish driving license for a Belgian one as a truck driver?

No. If you are not changing your permanent place of residence, you do not have to exchange your Polish driving licence for a Belgian one immediately. You can continue to work as a professional driver without any problems for a period of 3 months.

Why? In Belgium, you can stay on a tourist via for 90 days. However, you must report your stay to the local authorities within the first 10 days. For more information, see the article: What is life like in Belgium?

So, for the first few weeks of your stay, all you need is a valid identity card or passport – these documents allow you to legally stay and travel in Belgium.

Is a driving licence issued in Poland valid in Belgium?

Yes – if your driving licence was issued in Poland, you can use it in Belgium without any problems. According to the applicable law of the European Union member states, driving licences issued in EU countries are valid throughout the EU, including Belgium. This applies to all types of driving licences (vehicle categories), provided that the document meets EU requirements.

When should you exchange your driving licence for a Belgian one?

You should exchange your driving licence when you register for permanent residence in Belgium. This means that if you decide to move to Belgium for a longer period and register as a resident, you are subject to Belgian law. In this case, you must exchange your driving licence.

Can I voluntarily exchange my Polish driving licence in Belgium?

You can exchange your Polish driving licence for a Belgian one, but only if you already have permanent residence in Belgium. The desire to voluntarily exchange your licence is not enough – Belgian regulations require that the person applying for a driving licence be officially registered in Belgium.

Is an EU driving licence recognised by employers in Belgium?

Yes, definitely. Employers in Belgium accept Polish driving licences without any problems – it is important that the document is valid and complies with EU regulations. This also applies to professional drivers, unless they are permanently resident in Belgium.

Replacing your driving licence in Belgium — what is the procedure for replacing a Polish driving licence with a Belgian one?

To replace your driving licence with a Belgian one, you must go to the office responsible for your place of residence. You will need to bring your Polish driving licence, ID card or passport, a photo and, if you have lost your document, a certificate from the Polish transport authority, translated by a sworn translator. The waiting time for a new driving licence is usually a few weeks. The cost of issuing a Belgian driving licence is approximately € 25 – € 35.

What should you do if your Polish driving licence is lost or stolen in Belgium?

In such a situation, you should:

Go to the Belgian authorities
Provide a certificate from the Polish transport authority confirming your driving licence
Have the certificate translated into Dutch or French by a sworn translator
Apply for a Belgian driving licence

On this basis, you will receive a new document in Belgium.

Summary: Is it necessary to exchange your driving licence in Belgium?

No, if you do not plan to stay in Belgium permanently.

Yes, if you plan to live there permanently.

Are you looking for a job as a professional driver in Belgium?

See our job offers: https://www.247drive.com/vacancies/country/belgium

Apply for the position of your choice or arrange an individual interview with a recruitment consultant, and we will help you find a job that suits your requirements.