The British ambassador to Belgium, Alison Rose, says there will be no "immediate change" for Britons living in Belgium following the UK's decision to leave the EU.
The status of the estimated 30,000 British citizens who live in Belgium has been cast into doubt since last Thursday's Brexit referendum.
But, in a move designed to reassure Britons in Belgium, Rose said, "The UK Prime Minister reassured British citizens living in the EU, including Belgium, that there would be no immediate changes in their circumstances nor in the way they can travel, in the way goods can move or the way services can be sold."
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She added that the "guiding principle" throughout the upcoming exit negotiations would be "ensuring the best possible outcome for the British people".
Rose said in a statement: "The UK must now consider and negotiate new arrangements with the EU. Once article 50 is invoked, we will remain bound by EU law until the withdrawal agreement comes into force. The period between invocation of article 50 and our eventual exit from the EU is two years unless the other member states agree to extend it."
"It is not possible to say now exactly what these new arrangements will cover. But the safety, welfare and livelihoods of UK citizens overseas will continue to be a top priority for the government."
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has updated its travel advice for Belgium to remind citizens that "until it leaves, the UK remains a full member of the EU".
Meanwhile, Belgium's Prime Minister Charles Michel has invited any British companies that may feel threatened by their country leaving the EU to set up shop in Belgium.
He said, "'Many UK businesses are concerned that Brexit will hinder their access to the European market. Well, my message is clear: Welcome to Belgium, a country with a business-friendly government in the heart of the EU."