As of January 2011, the embassy issues the new model of identity cards with chip, the electronic identity card (eID). The old model of identity cards previously issued remains valid until the date indicated on the document.

All Belgians over 12 years old whose main domicile is abroad and who are listed in the population register kept by the Embassy must apply for a Belgian identity card. These eID's are valid for 5 years and remain valid if you move to an area falling under the jurisdiction of a different Embassy or Consulate or return to Belgium. Moreover, most eID's of Belgian nationals who have moved abroad since August 2008 and who registered their move with their local authority will also have remained valid. Cards’ validity can be checked on the website https://www.checkdoc.be/.

The eID is equipped with ‘certificates’ which make enable holders to identify themselves and give their consent securely over the Internet in an internationally accepted manner (i.e. a digital signature). For the moment, the activation of these certificates is not possible with the Embassy in Singapore. You can nevertheless activate the certificates on an eID delivered in Singapore in any Belgian municipality or one of the following diplomatic posts: Alicante, Barcelona, Berlin, Bern, Geneva, The Hague, Cologne, London, Luxembourg, Madrid, Marseilles, Paris, Strasbourg and Tenerife. You must go in person for this purpose and be in possession of the PUK-code which you will have received together with your eID.

For more information about eID cards, see:

http://diplomatie.belgium.be/en/services/services_abroad/identity_card_for_belgians/

http://www.eid.belgium.be/