Belgium is an enticing destination for professionals seeking new opportunities. The country boasts not only a rich history but also a thriving economy that welcomes skilled workers from all corners of the world.
If you are a skilled professional looking for a European country to migrate to for work, you should consider Belgium especially if you understand of Dutch, French, and German language – the country’s three official languages.
How to Get a Work Permit in Belgium
In addition to Belgium’s diversity, the work culture in the country emphasizes a healthy work-life balance, as a professional here, you are allowed to enjoy your personal life while pursuing your career. You are also allowed shorter working hours and generous vacations with allowances.
Working in Belgium is great, however, before you can move to Belgium for work, you need to secure a work permit and that’s exactly what we are about to show you how to do.
Types of work permits you can obtain in Belgium
In Belgium, there are different types of work permits that you can obtain.
- Type A work permit: This work permit is issued to highly skilled workers, managers, and executives, and it’s not job-specific meaning you are allowed to work for any employer if you hold this type of permit.
- Type B work permit: Unlike type A, your type B work permit is for a specific, temporary employment with a specific employer and your employer in Belgium must apply for it on your behalf. It is also issued for a limited duration.
- Type C work permit: This type is for foreigners who are working in Belgium for a maximum of 90 days within 180 days. This type of permit is issued for short-term assignments, conferences, or training sessions.
- Type D work permit: A type D work permit is issued to an employee who will be residing in Belgium for more than 90 days. This permit is usually granted for long-term employment, family reunification, or study purposes.
- European Blue Card: The European Blue Card is a residence and work permit that is issued to highly skilled non-EU workers. This permit allows you to work and live in Belgium and other European Union member states.
Out of these work permits, you need to choose the one that suits your situation, each has its conditions as well as requirements, pick the one you are qualified for and meet all the requirements, and that’s the one you will apply for.
If your choice requires you to obtain a job offer from an employer in Belgium, then you need to search and get a job offer.
Search for job
Since your chosen work permit requires that you get a job from Belgium, you can search for jobs on different job boards, you can also use search engines, before applying for a particular job, to make sure that your qualifications match the job requirements.
If you are offered a job, ensure that you obtain a detailed employment contract specifying your role, responsibilities, and salary.
Employer’s responsibilities
Your prospective employer plays a pivotal role in the application process. Your employer needs to apply for your work permit on your behalf at the local Belgian employment office.
They will have to provide detailed information about the job, your qualifications, and the need for hiring a non-European Union (EU) worker.
Gather required documents
To support your work permit application, you also need to provide documents about you and your educational qualifications. Your documents must prove that you are qualified for the job.
You need to provide:
- Your passport: Make sure that your passport is valid longer than your intended stay in Belgium, it should be valid for at least six months more than your intended stay.
- Employment contract: You also need to provide the contract for the job, it should outline your job, salary, and other benefits.
- Passport-sized photographs: You need at least two recent passport photographs that meet the specific size and format criteria requested by the immigration authorities.
- Proof of qualifications: You need copies of your educational certificates, diplomas, and relevant professional qualifications.
- Proof of health insurance: You also need comprehensive health insurance coverage that is valid in Belgium.
- Proof of payment: You need to pay the application fee, after payment, attach the receipt with your application, it is your evidence of payment.
Submit your application
Once everything is ready, you can submit your application with the help of your employer, after submitting your application, you have to wait for the immigration authorities to decide on your application. The waiting period can take between four to 10 weeks.
Approval and residence permit
Upon approval, you will receive your work permit and a residence permit. Once received, ensure you read the terms and conditions of your work permit such as the duration of your stay, your right to work, and any restrictions on employment sectors. when you get to Belgium, you must obey these terms and conditions
Conclusion
If working in Belgium is your dream, you need to secure at least one of the country’s types of work permit, which allows you to work legally in the country.
Before choosing a specific type of work permit, ensure that you have thoroughly gone through the eligibility criteria and that you are qualified for the work permit. There is no need to apply for a type of work permit you do not meet its eligibility criteria, your application will not be approved, Choose the right work permit and apply.
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