Belgium, located in Western Europe, houses the headquarters of both the European Union and NATO. Today, I'm presenting insights into the Belgium Work Visa Process, aiming to provide valuable guidance.
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| Work Visa Process in Belgium 2024 (Types of Work Permits) |
Previously, I penned an article detailing the Belgium Student Visa Process, coinciding with the opening of applications for the Master Mind Scholarships 2024. For non-EU nationals aiming to work in Belgium, securing a work permit, a long-stay visa, and a residence permit are essential requirements.
As per Eurostat's records, Belgium granted 143,657 work permits in 2022, positioning itself as the 7th highest issuer of work permits among EU countries for the same year. The primary objective of this visa is to facilitate employment in Belgium, contingent upon holding a valid work permit.
Initiating the process of obtaining a Belgium work visa starts with securing a job offer, as the subsequent application for a work permit is based on the employment contract. Additionally, certain citizens of specific countries can work in Belgium without the need for a work permit or visa—further details are outlined below.
Who Requires a Belgium Work Permit, Visa, and Residence Permit?
For non-EU or EEA nationals, securing a work permit is a primary step—either through personal application or facilitated by your employer. Subsequently, applying for a long-stay visa becomes essential for entry into Belgium, followed by the necessary application for a residence permit upon arrival.
Also Check: UAE Virtual Work Visa 2024 (Digital Nomad Visa for Dubai)
Who Can Work in Belgium Without a Work Visa?
Citizens of the EU, EEA (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway), and Switzerland possess the privilege of working in Belgium without needing a visa or work permit.
Additionally, citizens from specific countries can acquire a residence and work permit after arriving in Belgium without prior visa application. These countries include:
- United States
- Japan
- Canada
- New Zealand
- Australia
- Israel
Varieties of Belgium Work Permits
There exist three types of work permits for foreign nationals in Belgium:
Belgium Type A Work Permit: Tailored for highly skilled workers enabling them to work for any employer within Belgium.
Conditions of Type A Permit:
- Prior possession of a type B permit for four years within a ten-year stay in Belgium.
- Validity: Unlimited
Belgium Type B Work Permit: Intended for individuals with a valid job offer from a Belgian employer. Employers can also apply on behalf of the employee.
- Validity: 1 year, renewable with the same employer.
Belgium Type C Work Permit: Aimed at temporary workers, asylum seekers, or individuals with limited residency permits seeking short-term employment.
- Validity: Up to 1 yea
Seasonal Employment in Belgium
Individuals employed for specific periods in Belgium, particularly in sectors like agriculture, horticulture, or hospitality, qualify as seasonal workers. Belgium offers two distinct seasonal worker permits, contingent upon the duration of your stay:
- Short-stay permit (up to 90 days)
- Long-stay permit (up to 150 days)
Prerequisites for a Belgium Work Visa
Essential documents for acquiring a Belgium Work Visa include:
- Passport
- Completed application form
- Recent photo (not older than 6 months)
- Non-European citizens require a work permit (single or work permit)
Note: Document requirements may vary by country. For accurate information, it's advisable to consult the Belgium embassy in your country. Find a list of embassies here.
Applying for the Belgium Work Visa
The process for obtaining a Belgium Work Visa involves several steps:
- Secure a job offer from a Belgian employer. Explore opportunities on platforms like EURES, and the European Job Mobility Portal.
- Your employer can initiate the work permit application process.
- Apply for a work visa at the Belgium embassy or VFS Global, ensuring you have all the necessary documents. The application typically falls under the Long Stay Type D Visa category.
- Upon arrival in Belgium, visit the local town hall to acquire your work and residence permit.
Visa Costs and Duration
The cost of a Belgium Work Visa stands at 180 Euros. Processing times vary depending on the applicant's country of application, averaging between 8 to 10 weeks for work visa applications.
Long Stay visas are generally valid for one year, with the option for renewal through the Immigration Office at your local city hall.
Attaining Permanent Residency in Belgium
After residing and working in Belgium for five years, individuals become eligible to apply for permanent residence or a work permit type A, granting unlimited validity.
Pro Tip: Obtain a Belgium study visa, then seek employment in Belgium, eventually converting it into a work permit.
Belgium Immigration Office: The official platform offering comprehensive information on work permits, application forms, and processes for third-country nationals.
I hope this guide provides a valuable overview of Belgium's worker permits and visa procedures. Feel free to share this information with others.