Work Visa to Belgium: A Clear Guide for Employers and Employees
UNDERSTANDING BELGIUM’S WORK VISA AUTHORIZATION LANDSCAPE
Belgium offers several pathways for foreign nationals to live and work legally within the country. Whether you’re a skilled worker, a temporary visitor, or a hiring company, understanding the appropriate visa and permit type is crucial to remaining compliant with Belgian immigration laws.
This guide simplifies the process for both employers and applicants, detailing available permits, eligibility requirements, application steps, and legal considerations.
Key Work Permit Types in Belgium
- Type A Work Permit
Who it’s for: Individuals who’ve worked under a Type B permit for 4 cumulative years over a 10-year legal stay.
Duration: Unlimited; allows full employment mobility in Belgium. - Type B Work Permit
Who it’s for: Non-EU nationals with a specific job offer in Belgium.
Duration: Typically valid for one year, renewable.
Employer Role: Must prove the unavailability of a suitable local candidate before applying. - Type C Work Permit
Who it’s for: Temporary residents (e.g., students, asylum seekers).
Duration: Valid for up to one year, renewable.
Additional Work and Residency Options
- Single Permit (Work + Residence)
Introduced to streamline procedures, this permit allows foreign nationals to work and reside in Belgium with a single application.
Applicable to: Employees staying longer than 90 days. Issued jointly by regional and federal authorities. - EU Blue Card
For: Highly skilled non-EU professionals.
Requirements: Higher education degree and a minimum salary threshold.
Benefits: Fast-tracked access, intra-EU mobility, and a path to long-term residence. - Type D Visa (Long-Stay)
Used for: Entry into Belgium before registering for residency and collecting a work permit.
Often paired with: A Single Permit or EU Blue Card. - Professional Card
For: Self-employed non-EU nationals.
Valid for: 1 to 5 years.
Required before starting any freelance or business activity in Belgium.
The most commonly sought-after permit is the Type B permit. Additionally, employees must obtain a residence visa to stay in Belgium.
BELGIUM WORK VISA REQUIREMENTS
While requirements may vary by region (Flanders, Wallonia, Brussels), core documents include:
From the Employee:
Valid passport (minimum 12-month validity)
Employment contract signed by both parties
Medical and police clearance (within 6 months)
Proof of qualifications and experience
Proof of accommodation and financial means
Health insurance (minimum €40,000 coverage)
From the Employer:
- Labor market test results (for Type B)
- Company registration and VAT number
- Proof of payment for the application
- Employment offer details
BELGIUM WORK PERMIT APPLICATION PROCESS
The steps include:
- Job Offer Issued: Employer provides a signed contract.
- Permit Application: The Employer submits a request to the regional authority.
- Single Permit Issued: Upon approval, passed to the federal authority.
- Visa Application: The Employee applies for a Type D Visa at the local Belgian consulate.
- Travel & Registration: Upon arrival, the employee registers their address with the local commune and applies for an ID card.
- Start of Work: Legal employment begins after ID card issuance.
- Typical timeline: 8–16 weeks, depending on application type and region.
INSURANCE & LEGAL COMPLIANCE
- Travel & Health Insurance is mandatory during the visa process.
- Employers are legally liable for immigration compliance, wages, and renewals.
- Non-compliance can result in fines, deportation, and legal prosecution.