Belgium Job Offer (Work Permit)

What is the Belgium Single Permit?

The Belgium Single Permit is a unified procedure that combines both the work authorization (from the regional authority) and the residence permit (from the federal Immigration Office) into one application. This streamlined process simplifies the journey for foreign workers and their employers. It is designed for non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who have secured a job offer from a Belgian employer and intend to stay in the country for more than three months.

The permit is a single document, typically an electronic residence card, that grants the holder the right to both reside and work legally in Belgium.

Eligibility and Requirements

To be eligible for the Belgium Single Permit, applicants must meet a number of conditions. The application is typically initiated by the employer, who must prove to the competent regional authority that no suitable local or EU/EEA candidates could be found for the position (this is known as the labor market test), although this is waived for certain highly skilled or shortage occupations.

Key requirements include:

• A valid employment contract with a Belgian employer. The contract must adhere to Belgian labor laws and salary standards.
• A valid passport with a minimum of 12 months validity.
• A criminal record certificate or an equivalent document for applicants over 18 years of age.
• A medical certificate confirming that the applicant does not have any diseases that could endanger public health.
• Proof of health insurance covering all risks in Belgium. In many cases, this is provided by the employer.
• Proof of sufficient means of subsistence. This can often be demonstrated through the salary specified in the employment contract.

The Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

The application for a Belgium Single Permit is a collaborative effort between the employer and the prospective employee. The general process is as follows:

1. Employer Initiates the Application: The Belgian employer submits the single permit application to the relevant regional authority (Flanders, Wallonia, or Brussels) where the job is located.
2. Review by Authorities: The regional authority and the federal Immigration Office jointly review the application. The processing time can vary, but typically takes around 2-4 months.
3. Approval and Visa Application: Once the application is approved, the employer receives an “Annex 46” document. The applicant then uses this document to apply for a long-stay D-visa at the Belgian embassy or consulate in their home country.
4. Arrival in Belgium: Upon arrival, the employee must register at their local municipality within 8 working days to receive their electronic residence card (the Single Permit).

Important Recent Changes and Updates

Belgium’s immigration laws are continuously evolving. Recent updates, including the new EU Single Permit Directive (Directive 2024/1233), aim to simplify procedures and offer greater protection to foreign workers. Key changes include:

• Automatic Extension during Renewal: The new directive mandates that if a worker submits a renewal application, they will be allowed to continue working and residing legally until a decision is made, even if the permit expires during the renewal process.
• Protection during Unemployment: Temporary unemployment is no longer an automatic ground for permit withdrawal. Permit holders can retain their right to reside for up to three months (or six months if they’ve held the permit for at least two years) to find new employment.
• Changes in Brussels: The Brussels region has moved away from the old Work Permit B system and now offers short-term (up to 90 days) and long-term (over 90 days) authorizations. For some highly skilled workers, an unlimited duration work authorization may be granted after 30 months of uninterrupted work and residence in the region.

Belgium Single Permit Visa: Key Information at a Glance

This table provides a quick reference for the key aspects of the Belgium Single Permit.

Why Choose a Career in Belgium?

With its strategic location in Europe, robust economy, and high quality of life, Belgium is an attractive destination for foreign professionals. The Single Permit streamlines the immigration process, making it easier for talented individuals to contribute to the Belgian economy and enjoy a fulfilling life in the country.

Please note that this information is for general guidance only. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is highly recommended to consult the official websites of the Belgian Immigration Office or the relevant regional authorities.