Work Permit in Belgium

With its developed economy and high level of life, Belgium is a very attractive country for foreign professionals. Any person who plans to be engaged in work in this country has to be familiar with the procedure related to obtaining a work permit. The article below will outline the main features of the work permit obtaining process in Belgium.

Main types of work permits in Belgium

In Belgium, there are several types of work permits targeted at different categories of foreigners, including the following:

Type A work permit – issued to those aliens who are willing to work in Belgium for an indefinite period. To get this type of permit, it is necessary to prove that the applicant has worked in Belgium on a type B permit for four years in the last ten years.

Type B work permit – is issued for a fixed period, usually one year, and requires that the employee be involved in a certain position with a certain employer. It’s the most common type of permit issued and it requires prior approval of the vacancy in question.

Type C work permit – granted to foreigners who have a restricted right of stay in Belgium, such as students or refugees, also including the option of working for any employer.

Application procedure for a type B work permit

Normally, the procedure for a type B permit is initiated by the employer in Belgium. He/she has to apply to the regional office of employment and prove that he could not find a candidate among EU citizens.

Documents required for a B-type work permit application:

• Questionnaire duly filled out
• Valid passport and copy of all pages of the passport
• Diploma of higher education or copy of professional qualification document
• Employment contract or job offer from a Belgian employer
• Medical opinion confirming absence of medical contraindications to work

Features of the process:

Getting a work permit in Belgium may take from several weeks up to several months depending on the region and workload of local immigration authorities. It’s desirable to start it in advance for the purpose of excluding delays in employment planning.

What is the Belgium work visa?

With the high development of the economy and favorable geographical position, Belgium is actively attracting qualified foreign specialists. In order to be able to work legally in Belgium, foreigners need to obtain a work visa that would give them access to the local labor market. In this article, we will look at the key aspects involved in obtaining a work visa to Belgium.

Types of work visas to Belgium

Belgium has got different classes of work visas. Each meets certain requirements and is subject to certain conditions. The most commonly found types include:

Visas for highly qualified specialists: It is intended for nationals of third-party states with higher education or significant professional experience in a particular specialty.

Seasonal workers visa: It is issued for seasonal work, mainly for agriculture.

Visa for internally transferred employees: Applies to those employees who are internally transferred by a multinational company to its Belgian subsidiary for the performance of certain tasks.

The work visa application process

The work visa application process for Belgium starts with the issuance of a work permit; most foreign worker categories call for one. The main steps involved in the process are as follows:

Work permit application: The employer, in Belgium, has to apply for a work permit with the relevant regional employment office. In this respect, he must prove that there is a need to hire an appropriate candidate from other countries because the performance of a certain job cannot be delegated to a local resident or European Union citizen.

Application for Visa: When the work permit is approved, one can apply for a working visa at the nearest Belgian embassy or consulate. The standard documents one needs to provide for this are a passport and photos, health insurance, accommodation in Belgium, and the obtained work permit.

Documents to be provided:

• A valid passport whose expiry date is beyond the stay period.
• Two actual photos.
• Health insurance covering all days of your stay.
• Documents that prove financial solvency.
• Certificate of no criminal record.

How to apply for the Belgium work visa in 2024?

Belgium stays attractive to foreign professionals because of its well-placed position in Europe and high-quality working environment. Working in Belgium is allowed legally only if an immigrant manages to get a work visa. In this article, we consider the correct application for a work visa to Belgium in 2024 according to recent changes in migration legislation.

How can I get a Belgium work visa and permit?

Among the key economies in Europe, Belgium attracts foreign specialists of a variety of profiles. The beginning of their work in Belgium is preceded by obtaining a work visa and working permit. This article describes the process of obtaining these documents.

What documents do I need for the application of a Belgium work visa?

Coming to the application procedure for the work visa to Belgium, the candidate needs to be well-prepared with a full set of documents. In the following article, the main documents required for a work visa are listed and briefly described.

Main documents required

Foreign passport: It should be valid for at least 12 months after the expected date of expiry of the visa. Copies of all relevant pages of the passport, including photo and personal data should be provided.

Visa application: The application form should be clearly filled in and without erasures. The application form should be signed by the applicant personally.

Photographs: Two passport-size colour photos meeting the requirements for visa documents.

Proof of work permit: Original and copy of the work permit issued by the Belgian authorities.

Employment contract with a Belgian employer: The contract should contain information on the position, working conditions, salary, and duration of the contract.

Proof of accommodation in Belgium: A rental contract or a letter from the employer that confirms the provision of accommodation for the period of work.

Health Insurance: A policy that covers all your medical expenses in Belgium during the validity period of your stay.

Criminal record certificate: This is a document that is given by the competent authorities of the country where you permanently reside, confirming the fact of no criminal record.

Proof of financial solvency: Bank statements or other documents, proving you have enough money to live in Belgium for the duration of your visa.

Additional documents

Depending on the specifics of the visa requested and the requirements of the consulate, additional documents such as letters of recommendation from previous employers, certificates of professional qualifications and others may be required.

Where and when can you apply for a Belgian work visa?

As a country with great economic potential and quality of life, Belgium is an attractive career destination for many foreign professionals. Receiving a work visa is the first step those tend to start their activity within this country. This article is about where and when one can apply for the work visa to Belgium and discusses some specific issues of the application process.

Where to apply for a work visa in Belgium

Consular offices

The application for a work visa to Belgium is usually made at a Belgian consulate or embassy in the country where the applicant lives. These may be:

• Belgian Embassy: The main diplomatic mission, which also processes visa applications.
• Consulates and visa application centres: Depending on the country, consulates and specialised visa application centres may also accept visa applications.

Online platforms

Sometimes, the initial application process can be carried out through the Belgian government portals where a candidate can fill in all the required forms and also check the documents required.

When to apply for a work visa to Belgium

1. Processing time

It is desirable that an application for a work visa be done in advance, considering it takes some weeks to several months. The best time would, therefore, be at least three months in advance.

2. Accounting for seasonal fluctuations

The workload of consular services may vary depending on the season; consequently, it may take more time to process during summer holidays and public holidays.

Application process

Submit your application for a work visa as well-prepared as possible. It includes the following steps:

Document preparation: employment contract, invitation from employer, proof of qualification, health insurance, etc.

Filling out the application form: The application form for a visa is downloadable from the official website of the consulate or may be personally obtained from the visa application center.

Application: The documents are to be submitted personally or through an accredited agent, to the consular section of the Belgian Embassy.

Waiting for a decision: After submission, there is a waiting period during which submitted data is checked and a decision is made.

For how long is the Belgium work visa valid?

A work visa to Belgium ranks among the most critical documents that foreigners need once they contemplate working in Belgium. Understanding the term for which the work visa shall be issued can help you plan your activities and respect Belgium’s migration law. This article, therefore, intends to discuss how long a work visa is issued and on what grounds this could be affected.

Types of work visas and their deadlines

Work visas in Belgium come in different types and classes. Below are some of them:

1. Single Permit: The most common visa to work and stay in Belgium is called the Single Permit. This visa can be issued for a period of up to one year and may be extended depending on the duration of the employment contract with the employer.
2. European Blue Card: The European Blue Card is for highly qualified workers and has a validity period of a maximum of two years. This card is also renewable, on condition that the labor contract is ongoing with the same conditions of qualification met.
3. Detailed contract duration: The work permit is issued according to the contract duration, and therefore, cannot exceed the contract duration between employee and employer.
4. Immigration judgement: All visa or residence permit requests are under consideration by the Belgian Immigration Service. This may impose timescales, following current regulations and depending on applicant circumstances.
5. Legislative changes: Immigration laws are modified from time to time and this may affect the issuance and renewal times for work visas.

Visa extension procedure

Application for renewing a work visa in Belgium has to be done some months in advance of the expiry date of the current visa. The renewal process would require proof of continued employment, income proof, and updated health insurance.

Do foreign nationals have the right to work in Belgium?

Belgium is a country with a highly developed economy and a favorable investment climate. It thus actively attracts foreign talent, particularly for some professions that are in short supply in the local labor market. Let’s take a closer look at the legislation and conditions one foreign national seeking employment in Belgium has to comply with.

Legislative framework

The employment of foreigners in Belgium is regulated by national legislation and European regulations. The most important target is the protection of the Belgian and European Union labour market. There are, however, exceptions for some categories of foreign professionals.

Categories of foreign workers

EU/EEA and Swiss nationals: Can work in Belgium without a special work permit. Only registration in the local municipality and proof of residence are required.

Third-country nationals: Depending on nationality, it is required that for working in Belgium, one needs either a work permit (self-employed) or a professional card (self-employed). For long-term stay and work, as a general rule, one needs a D visa.

Work permit

Foreign workers from outside the EU must obtain one of the following authorisations:

Type B work permit: Normally issued for a period of time not exceeding one year, an endorsement is needed of a job offer by a Belgian employer in order for the employee to obtain this permit.

European Blue Card: Highly qualified professionals get more lucrative salary opportunities and chances for intra-EU mobility.

Application procedure

The application procedure should be submitted by the employer, via a submission to the regional employment services of Belgium. It needs to be accompanied by documents proving the qualifications of the employee, along with the conditions of employment and proof that such a specialist is not present in the local market.

Exemptions and special cases

Some categories of employees, for example researchers, trainee students, journalists, benefit from procedures of work permit simplified or exemption.

Types of work visas in Belgium

Belgium offers various kinds of work visas, each of which is tailored to specific categories of foreign workers. You need to select the appropriate kind of visa that will suit your status and employment goals. A detailed description of the key types of work visa in Belgium can be found below.

Application procedure

This normally includes preparation of the documentary preparation, a work contract, proof of qualifications and professional experience, health insurance, and any other supportive documents for every kind of work visa to Belgium. Application is made through the Belgian embassy or consulate in the applicant’s country of residence.

Belgium work permit requirements

Belgium has much to offer foreign professionals who would like to work in a country boasting an advanced economy and a high living standard. For foreign nationals who want to legally work in the country, an application must be sent for a work permit. In this article, we will look at the major requirements for obtaining it.

Main types of work permits

1. Type B work permit: for foreign workers coming to work with one specific employer. It usually gets issued up to one year but is renewable upon request.
2. European Blue Card: for those highly qualified professionals who require higher education and obtain a compensation way above the average level of the country.

Application requirements in order to obtain a type B work permit

1. Job offer from a Belgian employer: The employer must confirm that he/she has not been able to find a suitable candidate among Belgian or other EU citizens.
2. Documents confirming qualifications and experience: Diplomas, certificates and letters of recommendation confirming professional skills and work experience should be provided.
3. Health insurance: Coverage must be sufficient for the entire period of stay in Belgium.
4. Criminal record certificate: The document must be provided from the country of permanent residence and any other countries where the applicant has resided for more than one year in the last five years.
5. Proof of financial stability: You must prove that you have sufficient funds to support yourself in Belgium.

Submission procedure

An application for a work permit should be filed by the Belgian employer with the regional employment office. The duration of this process to be completed can range from several weeks up to several months, since the authorities need time, which depends on the complexity of the case or, quite often, simply the workload of the authorities.

Features for European Blue Card holders

Higher education proof and a job contract with several times over the minimum Belgian wage is what the candidate has to show to be awarded a European Blue Card. The card is valid for up to two years and can be renewed if employment is continued.

In most cases, applying for a work permit in Belgium requires preparation and collaboration between the foreign employee and his employer. Understanding and adherence to all the requirements ensure that the due completion of all documents allows one legally to work in Belgium.