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  3. Key Rules for Ukrainians Using / Exchanging a Driving Licence in Belgium.

Transport Key Rules for Ukrainians Using / Exchanging a Driving Licence in Belgium.

1.🛡️ Temporary Protection Status

If you have temporary protection status in Belgium, your Ukrainian driving licence is valid for driving during this status. You do not have to exchange it during that time.
More info

⚠️ Exceptions:

  • If your licence expired
  • If it was lost or stolen

More information: mobilit.belgium.be

2. 📅 After 185 Days of Registration.

If you are registered in Belgium (i.e. your residency is official) and 185 days have passed, then you need to exchange your Ukrainian (foreign non-EU) licence for a Belgian licence, unless the temporary protection is no longer in effect.

3. ✅ Recognition of the Licence.

  • Your licence must be valid, legible and in good condition.
  • It needs to be a model recognised by Belgian authorities. Some foreign licences are in the “recognised non-European licences” list.
  • The licence should have been issued before you were registered as living in Belgium (i.e. you obtained it while living outside Belgium) in some cases.

More info: commissioner.brussels

4. 📄 Documents You’ll Need.

When you apply to exchange the licence, you generally need:

  • Your Ukrainian driving licence (original)
  • Belgian residence permit / proof of registration (commune registration)
  • Translation of the licence if it's not in one of Belgium’s official languages (Flemish / French) or English
  • Passport photos, etc.

More info: brussels.be

5. 🏢 Where to Apply.

  • At your local municipality (commune / gemeente) where you are registered,
  • Sometimes there are specific offices / “loket” for driving licences or foreign document exchanges.

6. 💰 Cost & Duration.

  • The cost is typically between â‚Ź25–€30 (can vary depending on municipality)
  • The process can take a few weeks to several weeks (often 4–6 weeks)

7. ❌ If Licence Isn’t Recognised or Doesn’t Meet Conditions.

If the Ukrainian licence is not recognised, or fails some condition (invalid, expired, was issued while you were already registered in Belgium), you may have to:

  • 📝 Pass a theoretical exam
  • 🚘 Pass a practical exam
  • 🏫 Possibly take driving school lessons