How do you get a mobile phone plan in Belgium in 2026?

Proximus, Orange Belgium, and Base (under Telenet) dominate retail mobile. Since prepaid anonymity was abolished, every SIM must be registered to an identified person under BIPT (Belgian Institute for Postal Services and Telecommunications) rules. In a shop, staff can register the card with your passport or EU identity card in minutes. Online registration often wants a Belgian eID and card reader you may not have yet: Get an eID.

Bring the passport you used to enter and the exact street address you will use, even if commune registration is still pending: Register address. Keep the packaging and the number. You will reuse that line for bank one-time codes, Immigration or commune callbacks, and rental viewings: How to rent a home.

Postpaid mobile and fibre packs usually want a Belgian IBAN, stronger ID, and proof of address after commune registration. Stay on prepaid top-ups until banking clears: Open a bank account. Home fibre is address-tied; wait for a signed lease before you order install dates: Utilities, internet, and transport.

itsme and many government logins still need Belgian credentials beyond a phone number: Set up itsme. Residence status remains a separate Immigration track: Residence permit. Pet arrivals need FASFC calendars, not SIM timing: Bring pets.