Expanding a team into Belgium opens the door to Europe’s vibrant business environment, but employers must first navigate the country’s work authorization process. Understanding how to secure a work permit for foreign employees is crucial for staying compliant with Belgian immigration laws and building an international workforce.
Understanding requirements and eligibility
Work permits in Belgium
Generally, non-European Economic Area (EEA) and non-Swiss nationals need a work permit to legally work in Belgium, while EEA and Swiss citizens enjoy freedom of movement and don't require a permit. However, any employer hiring non-EEA or non-Swiss nationals must secure proper work authorization before employment begins.
Basic requirements for obtaining a work visa
Foreign employees must meet several basic requirements, including:
- A valid employment offer from a Belgian-based employer
- Proof of necessary qualifications or experience for the role
- Health insurance coverage
- A clean criminal record
Eligibility criteria for employers and employees
Employers must demonstrate that the role cannot easily be filled by a local candidate, especially for Type B work permits. Employees must meet qualifications specific to the job and different regions such as Flanders, Brussels, or Wallonia, may have different requirements.
Types of work visas and permits in Belgium
Belgium offers several work authorization pathways depending on the worker’s nationality, skill level, and intended duration of stay. The primary options include:
- Type B Work Permit
- Type D Visa
- EU Blue Card
- Single Permit
Comparing Work Permit Types
- Type B Work Permit: Issued for a specific employer and role; requires prior labor market testing
- Type D Visa: Allows long-term stays and is often paired with employment authorization
- EU Blue Card: For highly skilled non-EU workers who meet salary and education requirements
The EU Blue Card has gained popularity in recent years, offering faster processing and mobility across EU countries.
Single permit advantages
Introduced in 2019, Belgium’s single permit combines the work permit and residence permit into one streamlined process. It simplifies compliance, reduces paperwork, and shortens processing times compared to previous systems.
Application process for employers
The first step is to offer a formal employment contract to the foreign national. After securing the contract, the employer must then submit a work permit application to the relevant regional authority. Once the application is submitted, the employer must wait for approval from both the regional and federal immigration offices. Following approval, the employee can then apply for a Type D visa at their local Belgian consulate.
Necessary documentation and forms
Key documents typically include:
- Copy of the employment contract
- Employee’s passport copy
- Proof of qualifications
- Labor market test results
- Health insurance documentation
Regional government websites, such as the Flanders immigration portal, offer detailed checklists.
Timeline and processing duration explained
Processing times for the single permit average between eight and sixteen weeks, depending on the complexity of the application and the region’s workload. Employers should factor in these timelines when planning onboarding schedules.
Employer responsibilities and compliance
Legal obligations for employers sponsoring work visas
Employers must:
Ensure job offers comply with Belgian employment laws
- Pay at or above the required minimum wage
- Maintain accurate records of foreign employees’ work status
- Renew permits before expiration
Impact of non-compliance with immigration laws
Failure to comply can result in fines, reputational damage, and even criminal charges, so staying compliant is of the utmost importance.
Tips for maintaining ongoing compliance
- Conduct regular internal audits
- Train HR teams on immigration updates
- Use digital tracking systems for permit renewal dates
Tips and resources for a successful application
A successful application starts with preparation and expert guidance. Employers should:
- Double-check all documentation requirements
- Begin the application process early to account for processing times
- Stay up to date with immigration law changes by consulting regional authorities
Employer of Record Benefits
Employers can also benefit greatly from partnering with an Employer of Record (EOR) provider. An EOR acts as the legal employer on behalf of a company. EORs manage payroll, benefits, immigration compliance, and HR administration, ensuring that global hiring meets local labor laws without the need to establish a legal entity in the country. This makes the complex task of securing work visas and legal employment authorization significantly smoother.
FAQ
How long can employees stay on a work visa?
Work visas typically allow stays from one to four years, depending on the permit type. Extensions are often possible with ongoing employment.
What is the cost of applying for a work visa?
Application fees vary, but generally range from €200 to €400 (US$215 to $430). Employers should also budget for legal consultation costs if needed.
Can employees work remotely for international companies?
Generally, yes—but if an employee resides in Belgium, they must have appropriate authorization, even for remote roles. The rise of remote work regulations in Europe has made compliance even more important.
How Velocity Global can help
Navigating Belgium’s work authorization process can feel overwhelming. Velocity Global offers an end-to-end Employer of Record (EOR) solution that simplifies onboarding, compliance, and workforce management in Belgium and across 185+ countries.
With our expertise, employers can:
- Onboard foreign talent quickly
- Ensure full compliance with local labor and immigration laws
- Eliminate the need to set up a legal entity in Belgium
Employers looking to expand their workforce seamlessly in Belgium can contact us for tailored support.
This information does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal or tax advice and is for general informational purposes only. The intent of this document is solely to provide general and preliminary information for private use. Do not rely on it as an alternative to legal, financial, taxation, or accountancy advice from an appropriately qualified professional. The content in this guide is provided “as is,” and no representations are made that the content is error-free.
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Topic:
Immigration + Relocation
