Immigration in Belgium

Belgium has a complex immigration system with both positive and negative aspects, attracting labor migration and offering opportunities for permanent residency and citizenship, but also facing challenges in integrating immigrants and tightening some policies.
you’ll typically need a long-stay visa (D-visa) and then a residence permit, which can be obtained after registering with the municipality within 8 days of arrival. You’ll need to apply for the visa at the Belgian embassy or consulate in your country of residence.

EU/EFTA nationals

Citizens of the European Union (EU) and the European Free Trade Association (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland) can travel freely to Belgium without a visa. EU and EEA citizens don’t need a work permit to work. Citizens of the 25 other Schengen Area countries within the EU/EFTA can travel freely to Belgium without a passport.

Those from EU countries that are not part of the Schengen Area (Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania, and the UK) need to show a passport but don’t need a visa. The UK is currently an EU member but is due to leave very soon after the Brexit referendum vote in 2016. As a result, the future surrounding Belgian visa or entry requirements for UK citizens after Brexit is still uncertain; for the time being, the UK continues to enjoy full benefits of EU membership.

Non-EU/EFTA nationals

Third-country nationals (non-EU/EFTA citizens) will normally need a Belgian visa for any long-term stay (over 90 days) in Belgium. For shorter stays under 90 days, residents of many countries must apply for a short-stay visa. Some non-EU/EFTA countries have agreements with Schengen Area states to allow their citizens visa-free stays of up to 90 days for tourism or business.

Types of Belgian visa

Belgian visas are one of three broad types:

• Short-term Belgian visas – these are visas that permit stays of up to 90 days for tourism or business;
• Non-Immigrant visas – these are longer-term temporary visas for studying or working on fixed-term contracts, where the holder doesn’t intend to stay in the country beyond a fixed period;
• Immigrant visas – long-term visas for those who want to stay in Belgium either long-term or permanently, for purposes such as work or retirement

Full details of these visas along with qualifying conditions, costs, and application processes are available below.

Short-term visas for Belgium

A short-stay Schengen or C visa allows you to stay in the Schengen area – but not work – for up to a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period. If you have a Schengen visa from another Schengen state, you can also stay in Belgium if you haven’t exceeded the 90-day allowance.

Business visa

This visa is necessary for short-term business-related trips to Belgium lasting less than 90 days. This is a requirement for non-EU/EFTA nationals but the same exemptions apply as for the tourist visa. The processes and costs for the business Belgian visa are the same as for the tourist visa. Requirements are also the same but you will also need to provide a letter from your employer explaining the purpose of your trip, or an invitation letter from the organization in Belgium requesting your attendance.

Citizenship and permanent residence in Belgium

1. Requirement: Legally reside in Belgium for five years.
2. Process: After five years, you can apply for a permanent residence permit.
3. Benefits: Permanent residency allows for long-term stay in Belgium and freedom of travel within the Schengen zone.

Benefits of investing in Belgium

Belgium is one of the most developed and largest trading nations in Europe. It is very attractive for investors and businessmen with its highly developed infrastructure, open economy and pro-business government. They are offered a wide range of benefits in exchange for their contribution in the Belgian economy.

• Modern, open and highly developed economy
• Developed transport infrastructure
• Tax incentives for businesses
• Highly skilled, multilingual and productive workforce
• High living standards
• High level of education and healthcare
• Low crime rates
• Easy transport connections to the whole world
• No minimum stay requirement
• Residence permits for the whole family
• Dual citizenship

Eligibility and requirements

Main applicant must be at least 18 years old. Other requirements include:

• Clean criminal record and no breaches of immigration law.
• Good character.
• Relevant business experience.
• Availability of funds for investment.
• Personal visit is required.

In 3 years of a continuous and legal residence in Belgium after obtaining a temporary residence permit an individual may apply for Belgian permanent residence.

Work in Belgium

Working in Belgium can be a good experience, offering competitive salaries, a good work-life balance, and access to high-quality healthcare and social benefits.
Belgium generally offers high wages and a good quality of life.

Jobs in Belgium

Belgium has a strong job market, particularly in sectors like finance, technology, and engineering, with competitive salaries and good work-life balance, making it attractive for professionals.
Finding jobs in Belgium can be relatively easy, especially for skilled workers, with high demand in sectors like finance, technology, and engineering, and opportunities for English-speaking professionals in international companies.

1. IT & Technology
2. Engineering
3. Finance & Business
4. Data Science
5. Consulting
6. Cybersecurity
7. Teaching
8. Delivery and Logistics Managers
9. Human Resources Managers
10. Accounting

Skills shortages

1. IT
2. Accounting
3. Human Resources
4. Cybersecurity
5. Healthcare
6. Construction
7. Engineering
8. Teaching
9. Project Management
10. Flanders

Job salaries in Belgium

1. Average Gross Monthly Salary: €4,076
2. Median Gross Monthly Salary: €3,728
3. Annual Average Salary: Around €54,082
4. Hourly Rate: Approximately €26

Labor laws and labor rights in Belgium

All workers in Belgium, whether full-time or part-time, will receive an employment contract. Those working on contracts lasting at least 12 months are entitled to a minimum of 20 days a year paid holiday.

Contracts will lay out the terms and conditions of employment and state the notice period that needs to be given by either party. This varies according to job sector, but the minimum is usually two weeks’ notice for the employee and four weeks for the employer.

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 of1 to 5 years.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

• Valid Passport
• 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.
• Proof that you are free of any criminal conviction.