Belgium attracts thousands of foreign workers each year thanks to its strong economy, multilingual culture, and central position in Europe. For non-EU/EEA nationals, working in Belgium requires the right visa and residence permit. Below is a detailed overview of the main visa types available for foreign workers in Belgium.

Short-Stay Visa (Type C – Schengen Visa)

• Allows stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

• Mainly for business trips, meetings, training, or temporary assignments.

• Not suitable for long-term employment contracts.

Long-Stay Visa (Type D – National Visa)

• Required for any work or residence stay exceeding 90 days.

• Issued to foreign nationals who have secured employment in Belgium.

• This visa is the gateway to obtaining a residence permit and work authorization.

Single Permit (Combined Work and Residence Permit)

• Introduced to simplify the process for non-EU workers.

• Combines the right to work and reside in Belgium in one document.

• Typically issued for employees with contracts longer than 90 days.

• Validity depends on the employment contract and can be renewed.

Work Permit Categories

Belgium distinguishes between different types of work permits for foreign workers:

• Work Permit A

  • Granted after legally working in Belgium for several years with a Work Permit B.

  • Offers unlimited validity and allows work for any employer in Belgium.

• Work Permit B

  • The most common for foreign workers starting employment.

  • Linked to a specific job and employer.

  • Usually valid for one year but renewable if conditions remain the same.

• Work Permit C (rare and mostly replaced by the Single Permit)

  • For foreigners with temporary residence status (e.g., students, asylum seekers).

  • Allows work with any employer but only during the temporary residence period.

EU Blue Card

• A special permit for highly skilled non-EU professionals.

• Requires proof of higher education or professional qualifications.

• Comes with a minimum salary threshold that is higher than standard permits.

• Offers the right to live and work in Belgium and can lead to permanent residence.

Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT Permit)

• For employees of multinational companies transferring to Belgium.

• Applies to managers, specialists, and trainees.

• Allows mobility within the EU if the company operates in multiple member states.

Seasonal Worker Visa

• Issued for foreign nationals employed in seasonal sectors, such as agriculture or tourism.

• Typically valid for up to 90 days, but can sometimes be extended.

Foreign workers in Belgium usually enter with a Type D long-stay visa and apply for a Single Permit or Work Permitdepending on their situation. Highly skilled workers may be eligible for the EU Blue Card, while specific arrangements like the ICT permit or seasonal work visa apply in certain cases.