Work Permits in Belgium: Key Information

Foreign workers are required to obtain a work permit unless they fall into one of the following categories:

• Nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland
• Non-European scientific researchers
• Holders of permanent residence permits
• Family members of Belgian residents or EU citizens

Belgium offers several types of work permits, including:

• Work Permit Type A: A long-term permit for expatriates who have worked in Belgium for at least four years within 10 years.
• Work Permit Type B: A standard work permit for most expatriates, valid for one year and renewable. Typically, the employer applies for this permit on behalf of the employee.
• Work Permit Type C: A permit for temporary visitors, such as students, valid for up to one year. This permit allows the holder to work for any employer in any paid occupation.
• EU Blue Card: A residence permit for highly skilled employees, valid for 1 to 3 years. The application fee is €358, and the processing time is approximately 90 days.
• Professional Card: A permit for self-employed professionals, valid for 1 to 5 years.
• Single Permit: A residence permit for non-European citizens that allows them to work in Belgium for more than 90 days. The employer initiates the application process.

Additionally, non-EU citizens must obtain a "Type D" visa to legally reside and work in Belgium. This visa requires proof of sufficient financial resources, health insurance, and accommodation.

Common work permit scams in Belgium include:

• Fake Websites and Emails: Scammers mimic official government or immigration sites to steal money or personal data.
• Unsolicited Job Offers: Fraudulent job offers from foreign companies may be sent without request.
• Requests for Personal and Financial Info: Scammers may ask for sensitive information, which legitimate employers only request after official documentation is submitted.
• Payment Requests: Scammers may ask for payments related to visa processing or travel. Never pay to secure a job or visa.

Our verification service safeguards you from scams by using official channels to validate your work permit. Here is how it works:

• Document Submission: Simply upload your work permit and any supporting documents.
• Authenticity Check: We verify your permit through official databases and collaborations with government agencies.
• Results: Within 3 to 5 business days, you’ll receive a comprehensive report confirming the permit authenticity or identifying any issues.

• Our service is fast and reliable, with results delivered in 3-5 days.
• We collaborate with trusted government bodies to ensure accuracy.
• Our process is secure, keeping your personal information confidential.
• It’s a simple way to confirm the legitimacy of your work permit and avoid potential scams.

The application fee for a long-stay work permit in Belgium is €180, approximately ₹16,000. This fee covers the cost of processing the application and issuing the visa. The employer is responsible for paying this fee when applying to the Belgian Immigration Office.

Here are some additional visa fees for Belgium:

• European Blue Card: €358
• Work and residence permit application: €192
• Residence permit application for more than 90 days: €206
• Residence permit application for non-EU family members: €237

To obtain a work permit for Belgium, you must follow these steps:

• Find Employment: Your employer must apply for a work permit on your behalf at the local employment office.
• Apply for a Work Visa: You can apply for a work visa at the Belgian Embassy in your home country.
• Provide Required Documents:

You will need to submit the following:

• A valid passport with a copy of each page
• Proof of accommodation in Belgium
• Evidence of sufficient financial resources
• A police background check
• A medical certificate of health
• Two completed, signed, and dated application forms
• Two copies of each document
• A recent passport-sized photo that meets the required specifications

Register in Belgium: Upon arrival in Belgium, you must:

• Register your residence with the local commune
• Collect your foreign identity card from the local commune
• Apply for an ID card, provide fingerprints, and receive your ID card

If you plan to work in Belgium for more than 90 days, you may also apply for a single permit. This permit is valid for the duration of your employment contract and can be renewed.

A Belgian work visa usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to process, though the timeline can vary depending on the specific case. It is advisable to apply at least 3 weeks before your planned departure to avoid any potential delays.