Belgium (BE)

Belgium is a small but densely populated federal kingdom at the crossroads of Western Europe, split across three linguistic regions — Dutch-speaking Flanders, French-speaking Wallonia, and bilingual Brussels — and famed for its medieval cities, world-class beer and chocolate, and its role as the de facto capital of the European Union.

Capital: Brussels

Region: Europe

Language: Dutch

Currency: EUR (€)

Cost of living: Expensive (index 72)

Emergency: 112

Visa & Immigration

Entry and residence options for Belgium.

Visa-Free Access

EU/EEA/Swiss citizens do not need a visa to live and work in Belgium. Upon arriving and establishing residence, they must register at their commune within 8 working days. Citizens of the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, UK, and most Western countries may visit Belgium (Schengen Area) visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. For stays over 90 days or to take up employment, a long-stay visa (Type D) is required.

All immigration matters are handled by the Immigration Office (Dienst Vreemdelingenzaken / Office des Étrangers, dvz.be / dofi.ibz.be). Non-EU nationals must register at their commune (town hall) within 8 working days of arrival. A commune home-visit confirms your address before an eID-equivalent card (Annex 7, 8, or electronic foreigner's card) is issued. EU citizens receive a registration certificate (bijlage 19 / annexe 19) immediately; their electronic EU resident card is issued within 3 months. Long-term residence is available after 5 continuous years. Belgian citizenship after 5 years (under conditions). Note: Belgium has three communities and three regions — some immigration aspects (labour market access, language integration requirements) vary by region.

Single Permit (Work + Residence)

Gecombineerde vergunning / Autorisation unique

€215 application fee (plus employer contribution varies by region)

Duration: Up to 3 years, renewable. Limited permit for specific employer; single-employer loyalty initially.

Eligibility

Third-country nationals intending to work in Belgium for more than 90 days. Combines work authorisation and residence permit in one procedure.

Processing time

4–8 months (single permit procedure); apply well in advance

Requirements

✓Valid passport (at least 12 months validity)
✓Employment contract or job offer from a Belgian employer
✓Proof of accommodation in Belgium
✓Medical certificate (where required)
✓Criminal record certificate from home country
✓Diploma/degree certificates as required by the job
✓Labour market test (Flemish, Walloon, or Brussels employer must usually demonstrate no suitable EU candidate)

💡 The Single Permit is the standard work authorisation in Belgium since 2019, replacing the separate work permit + residence authorisation. Processed by the regional employment authorities (VDAB/Forem/Actiris) and the Immigration Office. Employer initiates the process in most cases.

EU Blue Card Belgium

Europese Blauwe Kaart / Carte Bleue Européenne

€215 single permit fee

Duration: 3 years or contract duration + 3 months if shorter, renewable.

Eligibility

Non-EU highly skilled workers with a Belgian employment contract for at least 6 months, at a salary of at least 1.5x the average gross salary and a university degree or equivalent experience. The 2026 regional thresholds (raised in January 2026) are approximately €56,976/year in Brussels-Capital, €63,586/year in Flanders, and €68,815/year in Wallonia — confirm the current figure for your region before applying.

Processing time

30–90 days (expedited for Blue Card)

Requirements

✓University degree (3+ years) or equivalent professional experience (5+ years in ICT)
✓Employment contract meeting salary threshold
✓Proof of qualifications
✓Medical certificate
✓Criminal record

💡 Belgian Blue Card holders can bring family (spouse + children) with immediate right to work. After 18 months, intra-EU mobility to other member states is facilitated. The Belgian Blue Card salary threshold is one of the highest in the EU.

Professional Card (Self-employed)

Beroepskaart / Carte professionnelle

€140 application fee

Duration: 5 years, renewable.

Eligibility

Non-EU nationals who wish to work as self-employed, set up a business, or work as a director in Belgium.

Processing time

3–6 months

Requirements

✓Business plan demonstrating economic value for Belgium
✓Proof of financial resources
✓Relevant professional experience or qualifications
✓Criminal record certificate

💡 EU citizens do not require a professional card. Applications processed by FPS Economy. A business plan must demonstrate genuine added value for the Belgian economy.

Student Visa (Type D — Studies)

Studentenvisum / Visa étudiant

€215 visa fee

Duration: 1 academic year, renewable for the duration of study.

Eligibility

Non-EU students enrolled in a full-time recognised programme at a Belgian university, higher education institute, or approved language school (minimum 20h/week).

Processing time

2–8 weeks at Belgian embassy/consulate

Requirements

✓Acceptance letter from a recognised Belgian educational institution
✓Proof of sufficient financial resources (min. approx. €700/month)
✓Proof of accommodation
✓Health insurance (EHIC or private)
✓Clean criminal record

💡 Students may work up to 20 hours/week alongside studies without a separate work permit. A student residence permit (verblijfstitel) is issued at the commune after arrival. Belgian universities include KU Leuven, UGent, UCLouvain, VUB, ULiège, and ULB.

Family Reunification

Gezinshereniging / Regroupement familial

€215 visa fee

Duration: Initially 1 year, renewable; permanent residence after 5 years.

Eligibility

Non-EU spouses, registered partners, and minor children of Belgian citizens or long-term Belgian residents.

Processing time

6–12 months

Requirements

✓Sponsor's proof of legal residence in Belgium
✓Marriage certificate or civil partnership proof (apostilled and translated)
✓Proof of sufficient income by the sponsor (minimum ~€1,500 net/month)
✓Proof of accommodation meeting minimum standards
✓Health insurance coverage
✓Criminal record

💡 The Belgian family reunification process is complex and subject to long delays at the Immigration Office. The spouse receives an immediate right to work once the permit is issued. Children can attend school from the moment of their commune registration.

Long-stay Visa for Independent Professionals / Freelancers

Digital Nomad

Visum voor zelfstandigen / Visa pour indépendants

€140 professional card + visa fees

Duration: Professional card: 5 years; residence permit linked to professional card duration.

Eligibility

Non-EU professionals who wish to reside in Belgium and work remotely for non-Belgian clients or run their own business. Belgium does not yet have an officially labelled "digital nomad visa" but offers routes via the professional card and self-employed visa.

Processing time

3–6 months

Requirements

✓Business plan with projected income
✓Proof of existing clients or contracts outside Belgium
✓Financial resources demonstrating self-sufficiency
✓Health insurance

💡 Belgium is not a primary destination for digital nomads due to high tax rates and complex social security obligations for self-employed persons. However, Brussels' connectivity, English-friendly environment, and central location make it attractive for EU-based professionals.

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