Do you require a single permit in Belgium for your employee?

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Single Permits & More

What is a Single Permit?

It is an official document that grants a non-EU/EEA national the right to stay and work in Belgium for more than 90 days. It's a crucial step in bringing exceptional talent from around the world into your organization. Please note that there is a special procedure for the work permit of up to 90 days.

What other names are in use?

Other terms may include "work permit" and "combined permit." These terms essentially refer to the same process and concept.

Who Needs It?

• Belgian employers willing to hire a non-European citizen in their company.
• Foreign employers placing one of their employees on an assignment in Belgium.
  
• In general, non-EU/EEA citizens require a permit to work in Belgium. However, there are exceptions for certain categories, such as: family members of EU/EEA nationals, students enrolled in higher education institutions in Belgium and holders of permanent residence cards. Chat to the virtual assistant on our website to see if your situation requires it.

How to Apply?

The application process can be challenging, starting from the definition of the applicable category.

Here's a general overview of the required steps:

1. Define the applicable category
2. Collect & prepare the required documents depending on the category defined in step 1
3. Pay the statuary fee of the Immigration Office of Belgium (every year it tend to be changed)
4. Obtain a national number for your employee via the government platform
5. Submit an application via the government platform

What Are the Rules and Regulations?

The Belgian government has established strict rules and regulations governing work permits to ensure fair competition for the Belgian labor market. Here are some key considerations:

• Skills and Qualifications: The skills and qualifications of the foreign national must be relevant to the position and match the demands of the Belgian labor market.

• Salary Requirements: The salary offered must meet the minimum wage standards and be in line with the remuneration for comparable positions in Belgium.

• Length of Stay: The duration depends on the specific circumstances of the employment.

• Priority for EU Nationals: The primary focus is to employ Belgian and EU/EEA nationals, and therefore work permits of general category are granted only if there are no suitable local candidates available.

Who can submit an application?

Only employers and their mandate holders (lawfully residing in Belgium) can initiate and submit an application form for a work permit in Belgium. Foreign workers only provide required documents to an employer.

NB. After a certain period, employees themselves can apply for a work permit of unlimited duration, allowing them to work for any employer on Belgian territory.

What documents are typically required for an application?

The required documents for an application usually include those from both the employee and the employer.

From the employee:

• a travel passport;
• a medical certificate;
• a criminal record.

From the employer:

• an employment contract
• proof of health insurance affiliation
• proof of payment of the application fee

The full list of required documents may vary depending on the work permit category and employment region (Brussels Capital Region, Flanders and Wallonia).

What documents will Belgian authorities issue once  your application is approved?

The decision contains both documents concerning employment and documents concerning residence. The competent region (regional authorities, e.g. Department of Economic Migration) issues a letter of approval with a work permit (authorization to work), the Immigration Office issues Annex 46 or Annex 49 (authorization to stay). These documents are required to obtain VISA D and the residence permit (residence card).

Categories

Navigating the labyrinth of the Belgian work permits can be a daunting task.

Please note that the prerequisites and categories may differ based on the employment region (Brussels, Flanders, and Wallonia).

Here's an overview of the main categories of work permits for:

• Highly skilled employee; 
• Managerial employee;
• Shortage occupations;
• Specialized technician; 
• Professional athlete; 
• An artist; 
• Au Pair;
• Postdoctoral researcher; 
• Compulsory work placement for post-graduate qualification;
• Traineeship at a government or international institution;
• Vocational training as part of a sales contract,
• Minister of a recognized religious denomination; 
• European Blue Card;
• A trainee within a multinational group; 
• Intra-corporate transferee;
• Journalist; 
• Employment under an international agreement;
• Seasonal worker;
• General category.