In recent years, there has been a growing number of foreign workers seeking a work visa for Belgium.
Despite being much smaller than neighboring France, Belgium is an attractive destination for job seekers worldwide.
With its flourishing and stable economy, the country provides ample employment opportunities.
However, non-EU nationals who want to work in Belgium must hold a valid work visa.
This article provides a detailed overview of the requirements you must meet to comply with Belgian labor laws.
How to Apply for a Work Visa for Belgium
Before applying for a work visa, you must first find a job in Belgium and sign a work contract.
Next, your employer should apply for a work permit on your behalf.
There are two main types of work permits in Belgium:
- Fixed-term single permit. Your employer will request this permit if you are to work in Belgium for more than 90 days. With this permit, you must apply for a long-stay National visa (type D) as described in this article.
- Short-term single permit. Your employer will apply for this permit if you are to work in Belgium for up to 90 days. With this permit, you must apply for a type C Schengen visa. For more info on the Schengen visa application, click here.
Upon approval of the work permit, you can proceed to apply for a work visa.
You must submit your visa application to the Belgian diplomatic mission located in your home country.
Please note that in many countries, Belgium has submitted the visa application process to third-party service providers.
In most cases, these third-party companies are VFS Global and TLScontact.
Make sure you carefully check where to submit your work visa application.
To initiate the application process, you must fill out an online form available at https://visaonweb.diplomatie.be.
You can fill out the form by creating a user account using your full name and email address.
Once you’ve created your VisaOnWeb account, you will get instructions on how to complete your visa application.
After submitting your visa form online, you will receive a link by email. The link will enable you to book a visa appointment.
We highly advise you to schedule a visa appointment well in advance. This is because appointment slots are often filled rapidly.
Now, let’s examine the documents necessary for a Belgium work visa.
Required Documents
When applying for a Belgium work visa, you must submit the following documents:
- Passport with at least two blank pages not older than 10 years. The passport must be valid for at least one year beyond the visa issuance date
- Passport copy, including copies of 2 first and 2 last pages as well as copies of all pages containing visas
- At least two recently taken photographs (35mm X 45 mm)
- Completed and signed VisaOnWeb application form
- Original Belgian work permit obtained by the employer
- Round-trip flight reservation
- Medical certificate not older than 6 months
- Adequate health insurance
- Employment contract
- Criminal record not older than 6 months covering your last 5 years
- Proof of accommodation
- Cover letter from employer
- Proof of paid visa fee (€180)
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of required documents for a work visa for Belgium.
Embassies and Consulates reserve the right to request additional documents on a case-by-case basis.
The visa processing time could take several weeks or even months, depending on the complexity of the application.
After entering Belgium with a work visa, you must register with the local municipality of residence within 8 days of arrival.