Belgian Working Visas: Job Regulations and Requirements
Are you ready to elevate your career in Belgium? Belgium, with its multicultural society, strong economy, and geographic location at the heart of Europe, offers a unique professional opportunity for those looking to expand their career horizons. Whether you are a citizen, an EU, or a non-EU citizen, understanding the working visa regulations and job requirements is essential to navigate the Belgian employment landscape successfully.
Irrespective of your citizenship status, this guide equips both European Union citizens and non-EU citizens with valuable insights to navigate the Belgian job market and achieve their career ambitions with confidence.
EU citizens
Being a citizen, you have unrestricted access to the Belgian job market. The primary legal requirement is the mandatory social security contributions, which provide coverage for unemployment benefits, pensions, and sickness and invalidity benefits. Employers will automatically deduct these from your salary.
EU Citizens
EU citizens, as well as citizens from the EEA (European Economic Area – EU plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) and Switzerland, have the right to live and work in Belgium without the need for a work permit or visa.
Upon arriving in Belgium, you must register with your local municipality (commune/gemeente) within 8 working days if you plan to stay longer than three months. Post registration, you will receive a residency card, also known as an E card.
Knowledge of one or more of Belgium’s official languages (Dutch, French, and German) is often a prerequisite, although English is widely spoken in the business environment.
Non-EU citizens
The situation becomes slightly more complex for non-EU citizens. To work in Belgium, they must obtain a work permit, with a few exceptions. The type of work permit required depends on the nature and duration of the work. As of September 2021, three types of work permits exist:
Work Permit A: This permit allows you to work for any employer for an unlimited period. It’s challenging to obtain, as you must have worked for four years in a specific period while holding a Work Permit B.
Work Permit B: Employers usually apply for this permit on behalf of the employee for a particular job. It’s valid for one year and can be renewed.
Work Permit C: This permit allows you to work for any employer and is typically issued to certain categories of foreign nationals, such as asylum seekers.
Moreover, non-EU citizens require a “Type D” visa, essentially a long-stay visa, to legally live and work in the country, which requires proof of sufficient financial means, health insurance, and accommodation. Your prospective employer will generally initiate the process by applying for your work permit. After obtaining the permit, you can apply for a visa at the Belgian embassy or consulate in your home country.
Additionally, the Single Permit, introduced following the European Directive 2011/98/EU, combines the work permit and the residence permit into one single document for non-EU workers planning to stay longer than 90 days. The employer typically initiates this application.
Navigating the Belgian working landscape may appear overwhelming, given the various regulations and requirements. However, a clear understanding of these aspects, coupled with the right resources, can greatly simplify this journey. Whether you are a local, an EU citizen, or hail from outside the EU, opportunities in the Belgian job market are plentiful and varied, provided you know how to access them.
Piktalent Services for Belgium
We can provide a range of services to make your internship experience unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, EU citizens enjoy the right to free movement within the EU and can work in Belgium without a work permit.
Yes, non-EU citizens generally require a work permit to work in Belgium. The permit type depends on the nature and duration of work.
The Single Permit, introduced following the European Directive 2011/98/EU, is a combined work and residence permit for non-EU workers planning to stay in Belgium for longer than 90 days.
The prospective employer typically initiates the work permit application process on behalf of the non-EU citizen.
Yes, there are some exceptions based on specific conditions, like the length and type of work or the nationality of the worker.
The main legal requirement for Belgian citizens is the mandatory social security contributions, which provide coverage for several benefits.
The processing time varies depending on the specific circumstances and the type of work permit. Generally, it takes anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
Yes, non-EU students who graduated from a Belgian institution can apply for a work permit after finding a job that meets certain conditions, such as a minimum salary threshold.
If an EU citizen loses their job while living in Belgium, they usually retain their right to stay in the country. They can apply for unemployment benefits under certain conditions.
Yes, a non-EU citizen can start a business in Belgium. They would need a Professional Card, which serves as a permit for self-employment.
The validity of the Single Permit typically aligns with the duration of the work contract, up to a maximum of 3 years. It can be renewed after this period.
Belgium has three official languages: Dutch, French, and German. Language requirements depend on the job and the region in which you’re employed.
Yes, as a non-EU citizen with a valid work permit, you may apply for family reunification to bring your spouse and dependent children to Belgium.
Non-EU citizens working in Belgium with a valid work permit are generally subject to the Belgian social security system.
Overstaying can lead to serious consequences, including fines, deportation, and an entry ban into the Schengen area. Always ensure to renew your permits and visas on time.
