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As far as i know, heard , practically examined , as long as your social contributions are not met 5 years in total your files is not taking into account.

This experience based on last 2 years researches, readings and own experience.

Good luck.

@ng.an1

I my case Evere commune checked my all 5 year's work permit to verify local 5 year contract.

Hi ng.an.1, this is what I've heard from my work colleagues, I do not have personal experience so please take this with a grain of salt.

If you spend any time in Belgium without paying income tax, it will only be counted as half for immigration purposes: so 5 years on a student visa would only be counted as 2.5 yrs working full-time. This also applies to some paid positions: most of my colleagues are in paid positions that do not pay income tax (PhD students/postdocs), so their working years are also counted as half. Maybe job hunt year is the same but I'm not sure. I was being informed that communes usually have an appointment option for inquiring about immigration requirements so maybe you can do that?

Good luck!

@EmmieBE

I knew that the student years were being counted as half for living, but I didn't realise that applied to income tax as well. Will check with the commune as well of course. Thanks for your response!

@ng.an1 Could you please share what your commune says about it once you have an answer?