🇧🇪 Belgium · Work Visa
Work permit categories, eligibility, sponsorship, application steps, and processing times.
Quick answer
Non-EU nationals need a single permit (combined work and residence), usually employer-sponsored; EU citizens work freely. Belgium's regions (Flanders, Wallonia, Brussels) handle the work-authorisation part.
Non-EU nationals generally need a single permit (combined work and residence), applied for through the competent region; the federal Immigration Office handles entry and residence.
- The single permit combines work authorization and residence in one application.
- Work authorization is a regional competence (Flanders, Wallonia, Brussels).
- EU/EEA and Swiss nationals do not need a work permit.
Step-by-step
- 1
Secure a job and check the route
Secure a job with a Belgian employer; for stays over 90 days most workers need a single permit (combined work and residence), or the EU Blue Card for highly qualified roles.
- 2
Employer applies for the single permit
The employer applies to the competent region (Flanders, Wallonia or Brussels), which assesses the labour-market side; the file then goes to the immigration office.
- 3
Get the decision
On a positive decision you receive an authorisation allowing you to apply for a visa.
- 4
Apply for the visa (type D)
Apply for the long-stay (type D) visa at the Belgian embassy or consulate.
- 5
Enter and register with the commune
Enter Belgium and register at your local commune; you receive your residence/electronic card.
- 6
Renew and consider long-term residence
Renew the single permit before expiry; continuous residence can lead to long-term residence.
Checklist
- Job with a Belgian employer + route (single permit / EU Blue Card)
- Employer application to the competent region
- Labour-market assessment
- Authorisation / positive decision
- Long-stay (type D) visa
- Commune registration + residence card
- Health insurance
- Long-term residence pathway considered
Official authorities
- Business.belgium.be — Work permits
Official guidance on permits and hiring.
- Immigration Office
Entry and residence administration.
Frequently asked questions
What is the single permit?
A combined work-and-residence permit for non-EU workers, applied for by the employer through the relevant region.
Do the regions differ?
Yes — Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels set their own labour-market rules and salary thresholds for work authorisation.
Do EU citizens need a permit?
No — EU/EEA and Swiss citizens work freely, registering with the local commune.
Official-information aggregation, not legal advice. Always verify on the authority's own site.