Plan Your Future Abroad — Explore Now! SCHOLARSHIPS WORK-VISA STUDY-VISA
Plan Your Future Abroad — Explore Now! SCHOLARSHIPS WORK-VISA STUDY-VISA
Foreign workers who wish to work in Belgium as employees (i.e. working under an employment contract) must hold a work permit.
| Topic | Key Information |
|---|---|
| Who Needs a Work Permit | Most non-EU / non-EEA / non-Swiss citizens need a work permit to work in Belgium. |
| Work Permit Types | – Type B: short-term, tied to a specific employer and job; must be renewed each year.- Type A: long-term, for unlimited employers once certain conditions are met.- European Blue Card: for highly skilled workers, linked to salary and qualifications.- Intra-corporate Transferee Permit: for employees transferred within a company. |
| Application & Employer Role | The employer typically applies on behalf of the worker to the regional employment service.The employer must demonstrate that the job could not be filled by a local or EU/EEA worker (labour market test). |
| Required Documents | Documents generally include the worker’s passport or ID, diploma or proof of qualifications, employment contract, and possibly proof of income. |
| Validity / Duration | – Type B permit: valid for up to 1 year, can be renewed.- Type A permit: no time limit on renewal once eligible.- Intra-corporate permit: depends on the transfer agreement.- Blue Card: follows conditions tied to employment and salary. |
| Special Conditions | – For a Blue Card: minimum salary thresholds apply.- For intra-corporate transfers: must meet company and employment level conditions.- There are quotas and sector-specific rules in some regions. |
| Rights with Permit | Permit holders can legally work in Belgium for their permitted employer.Some permit types allow switching employers, subject to approval.Family reunification may be possible, depending on the permit type. |
| Renewal / Change | Permit B can be renewed yearly. Permit A may be renewed indefinitely once conditions are satisfied. For permit types tied to specific jobs, a new permit may be required when changing employers. |
| Long-Term / Permanent Rights | After holding Type B permit for several years under certain conditions, one may qualify for a Type A permit with greater freedom of employment.Blue Card holders may also apply for long-term residence under EU rules. |
Ready to take the next step?
Subscribe to our blog to get the latest updates delivered straight to your inbox. Enter your email below to stay connected!
More Scholarships Programme You may Intrested
