Belgium – Work Permits and Working Legally

Do expats need a work permit to work legally in Belgium?

Any foreign worker intending to take up employment in Belgium under an employment contract is legally required to hold a valid work permit. This obligation must be fulfilled before work commences — it cannot be obtained retrospectively after arriving in the country.

This requirement does not extend to nationals of EU Member States, the European Economic Area — which encompasses Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway — or Switzerland. These individuals are free to work in Belgium without needing either a visa or a work permit.

In certain situations, a foreign national may be exempt from the work authorisation requirement depending on their residence status and the length of time they will be employed in Belgium. Exempted categories include students, asylum seekers, individuals with subsidiary protection status, and those present in Belgium on humanitarian grounds or through family reunification. A foreign national falling into one of these categories must obtain a residence document from their local municipality, and that document carries with it an automatic entitlement to work in Belgium.

For short-term assignments, work authorisation is generally not required for very brief periods — typically capped at 90 days. This is relevant for posted workers, certain intracompany transferees, and those on short business engagements.

Unlike some countries where the employee bears the primary responsibility for securing their own authorisation, Belgium places this duty firmly on the employer. In all other cases, it is the employer or their representative who must request authorisation to employ a foreign national before that person begins work.

Foreign students from outside the EEA who wish to work in Belgium generally also require a work permit. Under their student status, they are permitted to work a maximum of 20 hours per week.

What types of work permit are available in Belgium?

Belgium’s permit framework has undergone significant reform in recent years. The principal routes open to non-EEA nationals are the Single Permit, the short-term work authorisation (previously referred to as Work Permit B), and the EU Blue Card. Each is tailored to different durations of stay, skill levels, and employment contexts.

The Single Permit

Any non-EEA national intending to live and work in Belgium for more than 90 days must go through the Single Permit procedure. Rather than applying for work and residence authorisation through separate channels, both are addressed in a single combined procedure, and the resulting residence permit explicitly states that the holder is admitted for the purposes of employment.

Highly skilled professionals and workers filling roles on recognised shortage occupation lists — sometimes referred to as bottleneck professions — are eligible for the Single Permit. The official shortage occupation lists for Flanders, Wallonia, and the Brussels-Capital Region are published by the respective regional authorities. For positions that do not fall within these categories, a labour market test is ordinarily required, meaning the employer must demonstrate that no suitable locally available candidate could fill the role.

The Single Permit ties the employee to the employer who submitted the application and to the specific function for which it was approved. Highly skilled workers may be granted a permit valid for up to three years, while permits for shortage or bottleneck occupations are typically valid for up to one year.

An unlimited work authorisation may be granted following 30 months of residence and employment in the Brussels-Capital Region. To qualify, an employee registered in Brussels must have resided in Belgium continuously for at least 30 months and be able to demonstrate 30 months of employment verified by a Single Permit or work authorisation granted in the Brussels-Capital Region.

Short-term and long-term work authorisations (formerly Work Permit B)

Work Permit B has been redesignated as either a “short-term work authorisation” or a “long-term work authorisation” following regulatory amendments that came into force in Brussels in October 2024. Where the total working period in Belgium does not exceed 90 days within any 180-day period, the employer or their representative must apply for a short-term work authorisation. Workers subject to intracompany transfer under EU Directive 2014/66/EU are also covered by this route; in such cases the work authorisation is limited to 90 days, with short-term mobility exemptions applying. Certain apprentices are similarly covered under this route.

The EU Blue Card

Under Belgian law, the EU Blue Card is available to highly qualified foreign nationals who can demonstrate: a higher education qualification requiring a minimum of three years of study; an employment contract either of indefinite duration or lasting at least one year; and a gross annual salary of at least €55,958 in the Flemish Region, or €65,053 in either the Brussels-Capital Region or the Walloon Region, as of 2024.

The Blue Card facilitates greater intra-European mobility. After five years of lawful residence within the EU — including at least two years immediately preceding the application in Belgium — the holder becomes eligible for long-term resident status in Belgium.

Salary thresholds by region (as of 2025)

Because work permit rules in Belgium are administered at the regional level, salary thresholds differ across Flanders, Wallonia, and the Brussels-Capital Region. For highly skilled workers, the 2025 annual gross salary threshold is €48,912 in Flanders and €51,613 in Wallonia. These figures are revised annually, so applicants should always confirm current thresholds with the relevant regional authority before proceeding.

Reduced threshold for younger highly skilled employees — Flemish Region

In the Flemish Region, the gross annual salary requirement is reduced to 80% of the standard threshold — equating to €37,305.60 per year in 2024 — for employees bound by an employment contract who are under the age of 30. Since these amounts are indexed each year, always verify the most recent figures directly with Working in Belgium or the relevant regional authority.

How do you apply for a work permit in Belgium, and how long does it take?

The Single Permit application process in Belgium is initiated exclusively by the prospective employer, who must submit a formal request through the official Working in Belgium platform — a centralised digital portal that coordinates interactions between regional and federal authorities. A single submission covers both work authorisation and residency, removing the need to manage multiple separate procedures.

In contrast to systems where the employee shoulders primary responsibility for permit paperwork, Belgium places the administrative obligation firmly on the employer. Before submitting an application, the employer must generally demonstrate that no eligible Belgian job-seeker was available to fill the position — unless the role qualifies for an exemption from the labour market test, such as highly skilled or shortage occupation categories.

The step-by-step process for the Single Permit is as follows:

1. Secure a job offer and employment contract. After securing a job, the employer must provide the worker with a work contract in Belgium before the work permit application can begin.
2. Gather required documents. As a first step, the employer collects all documents necessary for the application. Documents must be no more than six months old at the time of submission; copies are acceptable.
3. Submit the application online. The employer completes and submits a Single Permit application through the digital counter “Working in Belgium”. The application must be lodged by a Belgium-based employer or their Belgian representative — this may be the employer directly or a natural person with their principal residence in Belgium acting on the employer’s behalf.
4. Regional and federal review. The Immigration Office and the relevant region jointly process the request and reach a combined decision. Once the application is submitted via the one-stop counter, the file is automatically forwarded to the competent regional authority.
5. Approval and notification. Upon a positive decision, the authorities notify the employer, the employee, and the Belgian Embassy in the country where the prospective employee resides.
6. Apply for a long-stay visa (Type D). The employee visits the Belgian Embassy in their country of residence to apply for a long-stay visa. Once the visa and permit have been received, the employee may travel to Belgium.
7. Register on arrival in Belgium. Upon arriving in Belgium, the employee registers with the appropriate local authorities, records their residential address, submits an application for an identity card, and provides their fingerprints.

Processing times

As of 2024, obtaining a Single Permit typically takes approximately three to four months from the point of submission. An additional month should be factored in to allow the foreign national time to compile all documents required for both the work and residence elements, which must be submitted simultaneously.

To draw highly qualified professionals to the region, a “fast lane” has been introduced in Flanders for all highly qualified Single Permit applicants, with a maximum processing time of 15 days. This fast lane has been operational since 1 May 2025.

For applications handled in the Brussels-Capital Region, the procedure allows a maximum of 90 days between the date the application is deemed complete and the issuance of the Single Permit or the communication of a refusal.

Delays most frequently arise when documents are missing, incomplete, or out of date. If additional information is required because documents have been submitted incorrectly or are absent, applicants have 15 days to provide the missing material. It is strongly advisable to begin the application well ahead of the intended employment start date.

What documents do expats need to apply for a work permit in Belgium?

The exact list of required documents varies according to permit type, region, and individual circumstances. The following sets out the typical requirements for a Single Permit application. Always confirm the current checklist with the relevant regional authority or the Working in Belgium platform before proceeding, as requirements are subject to periodic revision.

Documents typically provided by the employee (or by the employer on their behalf):

• A valid passport or other accepted travel document
• A signed employment contract or formal written job offer
• Educational qualifications or university diploma — where the Single Permit is sought for a highly skilled professional, the worker must hold a higher education or university degree
• Evidence of relevant professional experience where this is required
• A medical certificate (requirements and associated costs differ by country of origin)
• A police clearance certificate or certificate of good conduct issued by the applicant’s country of origin or current country of residence
• Passport-sized photographs

Documents typically provided by the employer:

• Proof of company registration in Belgium (registration with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises)
• The completed, dated, and signed application form — in some cases the foreign worker must also sign the form
• A labour market test result, unless the role qualifies for an exemption — the employer must demonstrate that no eligible Belgian job-seeker was available for the position
• For certain categories, supplementary documents such as a job description and a company organisation chart may be required to facilitate a thorough assessment of the application
• Where the employer is based outside Belgium, a signed mandate authorising a Belgian representative to act on their behalf — where a Belgian representative is involved, a mandate from the employer is required, which can be created via the online service MAHIS
• A Dimona declaration for employees covered by Belgian social security, and a Limosa declaration for posted workers — employers must submit a Dimona declaration for employees subject to the Belgian social security system and a Limosa declaration for posted workers

Requirements can differ considerably depending on permit type and may be revised by the competent authority at any time. Both applicants and employers should always confirm the current checklist directly with Belgium’s Immigration Office (IBZ) or the relevant regional employment authority for the region in which the work will be performed.

What does a work permit cost in Belgium?

The costs associated with obtaining a work permit in Belgium are shared between employer and employee, though the employer carries the greater share of the administrative burden. Fees are subject to change, and it is always advisable to verify current figures with the relevant regional authority.

Administrative fee

The administrative fee for a work permit in Belgium stands at €148, effective from 1 January 2025. This fee is ordinarily paid by the employer as part of the application process. Always confirm the current rate with the competent regional authority before submitting an application, as fees are subject to periodic review.

Additional costs for the employee

Further costs for the employee include the Type D long-stay visa fee, which varies depending on the applicant’s country of origin, along with fees for a medical certificate and a criminal record certificate — both of which also differ by country of origin. Where documents require translation or notarisation, additional costs will arise; these vary according to the language involved, the type of document, and the service provider used.

Employer-side considerations

Employers must create an account on the Working in Belgium platform, upload the necessary documents, and pay the applicable fees to initiate the process. By managing compliance with Belgian labour and immigration law, employers shield applicants from having to navigate administrative procedures directly. Where the employer is based outside Belgium and needs to engage a local representative or immigration adviser, additional professional service fees will apply.

Can costs be passed on to the employee?

In Belgium, the work permit application is a legal obligation on the employer, and the administrative fee is payable by the employer. Whether ancillary costs or professional service fees may be passed on contractually to the employee is a question that should be discussed with a qualified Belgian employment lawyer, as doing so may carry implications under Belgian labour law. Applicants should never pay fees to unofficial intermediaries claiming to be able to secure permits on their behalf — always use official platforms and authorised representatives.

For the most current fee schedule, consult the Brussels Economy and Employment website, the Flemish Region’s employment portal, or the Emploi Wallonie website, according to the region in which employment will take place.

Can expats change jobs or employers while on a work permit in Belgium?

The Single Permit authorises the employee to work exclusively for the employer who submitted the application and solely in the function for which the permit was granted. By default, therefore, the permit is linked to a particular employer and role — a significant distinction from residence-based work rights that impose no such restrictions.

Unlike some permit frameworks that permit free movement between employers from the outset, Belgium’s Single Permit begins as employer-specific. Portability rights do develop over time, however. After two years of employment under the permit, the holder is free to work for any employer without needing to apply for a new Single Permit.

If an expat wishes to move to a new employer before the two-year threshold has been reached, a fresh work permit application will generally be necessary. This means the incoming employer must initiate the process through the Working in Belgium platform, and the employee cannot legally begin working for the new employer until the new authorisation has been granted. Advance planning is essential, given that processing can take several months.

Moving to a substantially different occupation or working in a different region may also necessitate a new application, since the permit is issued for a specified function and region. Belgium comprises the distinct regions of Flanders, Brussels, and Wallonia, each of which administers its own work permit rules.

An online service exists for applying for a Single Permit of unlimited duration. Those who have been residing and working in Belgium for an extended period may qualify for this permit, subject to each region’s own terms and conditions. In the Brussels-Capital Region, eligibility requires at least 30 months of uninterrupted residence in Belgium together with evidence of 30 months’ employment verified by a Single Permit or work authorisation issued in that region. Once an unlimited permit is held, employer portability is no longer a concern.

What are the penalties for working illegally in Belgium?

Working in Belgium without the required authorisation — or in violation of permit conditions — carries serious consequences for both the worker and the employer. Belgian authorities actively enforce immigration and labour law, and enforcement measures have been reinforced in recent years.

Penalties for employers

Employing a non-EEA national who does not hold a valid right to work or reside in Belgium can result in a financial penalty of between €2,400 and €48,000 per infraction. Beyond fines, a custodial sentence of between six months and three years may in principle also be imposed.

Failure to comply with minimum salary requirements may lead the authorities to classify the employment as illegal, potentially resulting in administrative and/or criminal sanctions against the employer. This applies not only to businesses that knowingly engage undocumented workers, but also to companies where an employee’s remuneration falls below the legally prescribed minimum for their permit category.

From 1 January 2025, new and more stringent rules took effect in Flanders, further tightening the existing chain liability framework for the illegal employment of third-country nationals and expanding the responsibilities of contractors and clients. Clients and contractors now have a heightened duty of care, requiring them to request specific documents from subcontractors who employ third-country nationals and to include in their contracts a clause stating that no undocumented workers will be engaged.

Consequences for employees

For the individual worker, performing work without a valid permit or outside the scope of permit conditions — for instance, working for an employer not named on the permit or in a role different from that authorised — may result in enforcement action by the Regional Employment Inspectorate. The Inspection régionale de l’Emploi is responsible for monitoring compliance with the laws and regulations governing the employment of foreign nationals.

Beyond immediate sanctions, immigration violations can have lasting effects on future applications, including those for residency renewal, long-term residency status, or Belgian citizenship. A record of non-compliance is likely to weigh heavily against the applicant when the Immigration Office assesses future requests. Anyone concerned about the validity of their permit status should seek advice from a qualified Belgian immigration lawyer without delay.

Where can expats find reliable and up-to-date information on work permits in Belgium?

Given that Belgium’s work permit framework is governed at both federal and regional levels, and that thresholds, fees, and procedures change on a regular basis, it is vital to consult official sources rather than relying on third-party summaries or online forums. The key official resources are listed below:

• Belgium’s Immigration Office (IBZ / Office des Étrangers): The federal authority with responsibility for residence permits and the Single Permit procedure. The IBZ website provides authoritative guidance, relevant legislation, and contact details.
• Working in Belgium: The centralised online platform through which Single Permit applications are processed. Through this streamlined system, applications for both work and residence authorisation are submitted simultaneously, and the employer can monitor the progress of the application and receive notifications of decisions via the platform.
• Brussels Economy and Employment: The regional authority for work permit matters in the Brussels-Capital Region, offering guidance in English, French, and Dutch.
• Flemish Region: The Flemish employment portal (available in Dutch) covers rules specific to Flanders, including salary thresholds, shortage occupation lists, and the fast-lane procedure for highly skilled workers.
• Walloon Region: Emploi Wallonie (available in French) covers work permit procedures and applicable thresholds in Wallonia.
• Belgium.be: The official Belgian federal portal provides an accessible overview of work permit requirements and links through to the relevant regional agencies.

Applying from outside Belgium

For workers applying from abroad, the Belgian Embassy or Consulate in the worker’s country of residence plays a central role. Once a permit has been approved, the relevant authorities notify the Belgian Embassy in the prospective employee’s country of residence; the employee then attends the Belgian Embassy in person to apply for a long-stay residence visa (Type D). The embassy will specify the documentation required for the visa application, which may vary by country.

A note on third-party websites

Numerous commercial websites, relocation companies, and immigration consultancies publish overviews of Belgian work permit rules. While some of these are carefully researched, the information may be outdated, region-specific, or overly simplified. Fees, salary thresholds, processing times, and document requirements are all subject to regular change. Always verify critical details — particularly fee amounts and eligibility criteria — directly with the relevant official authority before submitting any application or taking employment-related decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my EU passport holder spouse need a work permit to work in Belgium?

No. Citizens of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland are free to work in Belgium without a visa or work permit. If you yourself hold EU, EEA, or Swiss nationality, you may work in Belgium without any permit. If you are a non-EEA national who has been granted residency in Belgium through family reunification with an EEA national, you may also be exempt — check the specific details of your residence document with your local municipality.

Can I apply for a work permit myself, or must my employer do it?

In the vast majority of cases, the employer must request authorisation before employing the worker in Belgium, and it is the employer or their representative who lodges the application. Only in two specific circumstances is it the foreign worker alone who must apply for authorisation to work in Belgium. If you are uncertain which situation applies to you, consult the official Working in Belgium platform or the relevant regional authority.

What is the labour market test and does it always apply?

Work authorisations can be issued without satisfying the labour market criteria for certain categories of non-EEA nationals or activities — specifically those involving occupations where a recognised labour shortage exists — which considerably simplifies the process. The labour market criterion also does not apply if the foreign national qualifies as a highly skilled employee or an executive whose gross annual salary meets the relevant regional threshold. For all other roles, a labour market investigation must be carried out before a permit can be issued.

How long does a Single Permit last, and can it be renewed?

The Single Permit authorises the holder to work for the employer who applied for it and in the specific function for which it was granted. It may be issued for up to three years for highly skilled workers and for up to one year for shortage or bottleneck occupations. Permits can be renewed, but the employer must submit the renewal application well before the existing permit expires. Employers should plan ahead to avoid any disruption to employment.

Can I work for multiple employers on a Single Permit?

Generally, no — the Single Permit is tied to the employer who submitted the application and to the particular function that was approved. If you wish to take on work with an additional employer, you or your employer should seek guidance from the relevant regional authority or a qualified immigration adviser before doing so, as working beyond the scope of the permit may constitute a breach of conditions.

What happens when I change regions — for example, from Brussels to Flanders?

Belgium is divided into the regions of Flanders, Brussels, and Wallonia, each of which administers its own work permit regulations. If your principal place of work moves to a different region, a new application may be required since each region applies its own rules and salary thresholds. Contact the employment authority of the new region before making such a move to establish whether a fresh permit application will be needed.

Does working illegally affect future visa or residency applications in Belgium?

Yes. Working without a valid permit or in breach of permit conditions can have a significantly adverse effect on future immigration applications in Belgium, including renewals of residency, applications for long-term residency status, and requests for Belgian citizenship. The Immigration Office takes an applicant’s history of compliance into account when evaluating future applications. If you believe you may have breached your permit conditions, it is strongly advisable to seek specialist legal advice promptly.

Where do I find the latest salary thresholds for work permit eligibility?

Salary thresholds are updated on 1 January each year based on figures published the preceding September, and the revised amounts for the coming year are made available in advance. For the most current figures, consult the relevant regional authority website: Brussels Economy and Employment for the Brussels-Capital Region, the Flemish employment portal for Flanders, and Emploi Wallonie for Wallonia. Figures cited in articles — including this one — may be out of date, so always verify directly with the official source.