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Your Comprehensive Guide to the Belgium Job Offer (Work Permit)

Belgium, with its vibrant economy, central European location, and high quality of life, is a sought-after destination for international professionals. If you are a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national with a job offer from a Belgian employer, the Single Permit is your pathway to working and residing in the country for more than 90 days. This guide provides a detailed overview of the process, requirements, and recent updates for securing a Belgium Job Offer (Work Permit). The information below is based on the most recent updates for 2025. The process is regionalized, with specific regulations in Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels. We recommend checking the official websites of the relevant regional authorities for the most up-to-date information.

Canada International Mobility Program (IMP) Quick Facts

Visa Type

Work

Minimum liquid money you must prove when applying—bank balance or investment capital.

No Specific Requirement

Maximum time the visa stays valid before you must renew or upgrade.

2 Yrs.

Lowest accepted language proficiency you need to demonstrate for this visa.

English A2 / French A2

Minimum Education

High School

Minimum Job Experience

1 Yrs.

This visa can convert straight to permanent residency once you meet the stay rules.

Spouse and dependent children may be added under the same application.

Holder may take paid employment in‑country while the visa is active.

An approved employer, school, or other sponsor must submit or back your application.

What is the Belgium Single Permit?

The Single Permit is a unified application procedure that combines a work permit and a residence permit into one document. Instead of applying for them separately, your Belgian employer submits a single application on your behalf to the competent regional authority. If approved, you will receive a single permit card that allows you to both reside and work in Belgium for a period of more than 90 days.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a Single Permit, you must meet several conditions. The primary requirement is a valid job offer from an employer based in Belgium. Other criteria include:

You must be a national of a country outside the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA).
Your employer must initiate the application process.
You must meet the salary and qualification requirements for the position.
A labor market test may be required for certain professions, where the employer must prove that no suitable candidate from Belgium or the EEA could be found. This test is often waived for highly skilled professionals.

The Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

The application process is handled through a centralized online platform called “Working in Belgium.” The employer is responsible for most of the steps, which generally follow this sequence:

Employer Submission: The Belgian employer gathers the necessary documents and submits the Single Permit application to the relevant regional authority (Flanders, Wallonia, or Brussels).
Admissibility Check: The regional authority reviews the application for completeness. If the file is incomplete, the employer is given a period to submit the missing documents.
Authorization to Work: The regional authority assesses the employment aspect of the application, including the labor market test if applicable.
Residence Permit Decision: The application is then forwarded to the Immigration Office, which decides on the residence aspect. The entire process, from admissibility to final decision, should ideally not exceed four months.
Visa D Application: Once the Single Permit is approved, the foreign worker applies for a long-stay Visa D at the Belgian embassy or consulate in their home country.
Arrival and Registration: Upon arrival in Belgium, the worker must register with the local municipality within eight working days to receive their Single Permit (A-card).

Required Documents

The application requires several documents from both the employee and the employer. These may include:

A copy of your valid passport.
A signed employment contract.
Proof of academic qualifications or work experience.
A criminal record certificate.
A medical certificate.
Proof of sufficient financial means or a guarantee from the employer.
Proof of health insurance covering all risks in Belgium.

Key Recent Updates (2024-2025)

The regulations for work permits in Belgium have seen some recent changes, particularly in the Brussels-Capital Region, to align with other regions and simplify procedures. Key updates include:

The introduction of a new regionalized legislation in Brussels to harmonize rules with Flanders and Wallonia.
Simplified procedures for certain categories, such as EU Blue Card holders and highly skilled professionals, with some exemptions from the labor market test.
The possibility for a work permit of unlimited duration after a certain period of continuous residence and work (e.g., 30 months in Brussels). This provides flexibility for the employee to change employers within the region without needing a new permit.
A shift towards a centralized online platform for all applications, making the process more streamlined.

Understanding Different Permit Types and Categories

The table below provides a quick comparison of the different types of work authorizations available for non-EU nationals in Belgium.

Permit Type	Description	Duration	Who Applies?
Single Permit	Combines work and residence permits for employment lasting more than 90 days. Most common type.	Typically one year, renewable. Can be up to three years for specific categories.	Belgian employer
EU Blue Card	For highly skilled non-EU workers with a higher education degree and a salary above a specific threshold.	Typically one to three years, renewable.	Belgian employer
Work Permit B	For short-term assignments or cross-border workers (for stays under 90 days). This is being phased out in some regions.	Up to 90 days.	Belgian employer
Professional Card	Required for self-employed individuals and freelancers.	Varies.	The individual

This guide is intended to provide general information. For personalized advice and to ensure a smooth application process, it is highly recommended to consult a legal professional or the official regional websites.

Disclaimer: This article provides information for general guidance only. Visa regulations and requirements can change. Always verify the latest information with the official Belgian government immigration and regional employment websites.

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