Quick guide to work permits in Belgium
Belgium is a member of the European Union (EU), which means that nationals of other EU member states are free to work there without obtaining a work permit. Citizens from the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland are also exempt.
Other foreign employees will need a work permit as well as a visa to live and work in Belgium. It’s the employer’s responsibility to apply for the work permit, and the employer must be registered and incorporated in Belgium.
There are four different types of work permits in Belgium, all of which require an application to be filed with the competent regional authorities. In this article, we look at the options available and provide an overview of the application process.
Single Permits (Limited and Unlimited)
A “Single Permit” gives the holder the right to stay and work in Belgium for a period of more than 90 days. Single Permits are available with either limited or unlimited duration.
- A Single Permit for an unlimited duration will allow you to work in Belgium without a duration limit and is valid for all salaried professions and all employers.
- A Single Permit for a limited duration is valid for a renewable period of more than 90 days for specific employment with a specific employer, and must be applied for by the employer.
Single permits are generally issued within 12 weeks from the submission of the application. However, during the pandemic it could take a little longer. If approved, the Single Permit (limited duration) is issued for a period of up to three years and can be renewed. The employer must file a renewal application at least two months prior to expiry of work authorisation.
Type B Work Permit
A Type B work permit is valid for a renewable period of fewer than 90 days for specific employment with a specific employer, and must be applied for by the employer.
This category of work permit is generally issued within 2 to 6 weeks from the submission of the application. However, during the pandemic this could take a little longer. If approved, the Type B work permit is issued for a maximum period of 90 days, and cannot be renewed thereafter. However, a single permit can be applied for.
Overview of the work permit process
The first step of hiring an individual in Belgium is to prove that there are no job-seeking Belgian nationals who are eligible to fill the position. This part of the process is called a ‘Resident Labour Market Test’. Upon completing a successful Resident Labour Market Test, the employer can then file the foreign national’s application.
The process involves the following steps:
- The employer submits a work permit application to the immigration authorities in Belgium.
- Upon approval, the authorities forward the work permit to the Belgian Embassy in the prospective employee’s country of residence.
- The employee visits the Belgian Embassy in their country to apply for a residence visa.
- After receiving the visa and permit, the employee may travel to Belgium.
- In Belgium, the employee registers their arrival with the appropriate authorities and records their residential address.
- The employee submits an application for a foreigner identity card.
- The employee collects the foreigner ID card and provides their fingerprints.
Other routes
Besides the above, the fourth category of work permit valid in Belgium is the EU Blue Card. A Blue Card gives highly qualified workers from outside the EU the permission to live and work in a EU country, provided they have higher professional qualifications such as a university degree, and an employment contract or a binding job offer with a high salary compared to the average in the EU country where the job is located.
The EU Blue Card is valid for an initial term of 13 months, initially renewable for 13 months and subsequently for three years. It is valid for specific employment with a specific employer during the first two years, and must be applied for jointly by the parties. Download our free factsheet to learn more about the EU Blue Card.
European immigration advice
If you have any queries relating to Belgian immigration, please contact the SSW Global Immigration team. We are able to provide full immigration support, and with the help of our global network, we are able to navigate international law to ensure that local immigration rules are met thereafter.
