Belgium’s central location in Europe, hosting the European Union and NATO headquarters, makes it a strategic hub for trade, diplomacy, and international politics. The country boasts a high quality of life with strong healthcare, education, and social security systems, along with a diversified economy driven by innovation and global industries. Its cultural diversity, rich history, and culinary excellence further enhance Belgium’s appeal as a progressive and influential nation in Europe.
Belgium Work Permit
Belgium is situated in Western Europe and has job opportunities in service and high-tech industries. If you are thinking of working in Belgium, you must apply for a Belgium work permit. Let us look at the different work permits applicable to Belgium.
Belgium Work Permits
If you are from a non-EU country, then you must apply for a Belgium work permit visa. You must submit your application for a Belgium work visa well in advance. Here are the different types of work permits available:
Work permit A: With this work permit, you can work in any job for any employer for an unlimited period. However, it is not easy to get this permit. It is available only for a certain category of foreign workers, who have already worked in Belgium for several years with a Work Permit B.
Work permit B: This is a standard work permit given to most foreigners. However, with this permit you can only work for a single employer. The validity of this visa is 12 months which can be renewed. An employee cannot enter the country without this visa. You can get this permit only if your Belgian employer gets the employment permit in advance.
Work permit C: Only certain categories of foreign workers are eligible for this permit. It allows them to stay in the country for reasons other than employment, for instance study, asylum etc. The validity of this permit is 12 months which can be renewed if required.
European Blue Card: This work cum residence permits employees who are highly skilled to work here for a period of three months.
Professional card: If you wish to stay in Belgium as a self-employed professional, then you must get a professional card. This allows a person from outside Belgium to be involved in specific activity as a self-employed person in the country for a duration of 1 to 5 years.
Benefits of working in Belgium
- Earn an average salary of €48,400
- Work for 38 hours per week
- High quality of life
- Access to best healthcare and education system
- Medical insurance
- Retirement benefits
- Paid leaves
- Maternity and paternity benefits
Requirements to Obtain Belgium Work Visas
Belgium is a member of the European Union (EU), which means that nationals of other EU member states are free to work there without obtaining a work permit. Citizens from the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland are also exempt. Anyone else will need a permit.
It is up to the employer to obtain a Type B work permit on behalf of foreign workers.
To obtain a visa, employees will need to provide the following documents:
- A valid passport, along with a copy of each page
- A police background check
- Employment offer from Belgium
- Medical certificate proving that you do not have health issues
- Proof of accommodation for stay in Belgium.
- Proof of funds to prove that you are financially able to live in Belgium.
How to apply for a Belgium work permit
Step 1: Have a valid job offer from an employer in Belgium
Step 2: Provide the proof of your job offer while submitting visa application
Step 3: Get an appoint at a consulate or embassy
Step 4: Prepare with all the required documents
Step 5: Submit the application
Step 6: Attend interview and get your visa
Belgium Work Permit Processing Time
The Belgium work permit for Indians may take 8 to 10 weeks. The processing time depends on the company you will be working for and how soon your employer makes the application.
Belgium work permit cost
The cost for all the long stay work permit visas in Belgium is €180.
The cost for EU Blue Card in Belgium is €358.
The cost for a professional card in Belgium is €140.
How Y-Axis Can Help You?
Y-Axis can assist you with:
Immigration documents checklist
Guidance in application processing
Forms, documentation & application filing
Updates & follow up
Talk to us today to understand whether you are eligible for the Belgium work visa.