Belgium Blue Card

Written by Mike Arnold Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Mike Arnold

Mike is a freelance writer with eight years of experience and a love for travel, all things business, tabletop games and green tea.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 12, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

Those who are highly skilled professionals from outside the EU and have a job offer in Belgium can apply for a Blue Card.

A Blue Card is a special work and residence permit that lets you live and work in Belgium. If you have the right qualifications and a good job offer, the Blue Card could be your way to start a successful career in Belgium and eventually seek residency.

 

Eligibility criteria

You will need to meet the specific criteria paid out for highly qualified professionals, mainly aimed at bringing valuable skills and expertise to the Belgian workforce. These criteria are:

• You must already earn an annual gross salary equal to or higher than the threshold set by Belgium. As of September 2024, this is €55,181 in Flanders and €60,998 in other regions. There are no exceptions to this.
• You must have a valid work contract or binding job offer for at least one year in Belgium.
• For both regulated and unregulated professionals, you must be able to present documentation that proves you have the relevant higher professional qualifications. You can find out more here.
• You must have valid travel documentation, such as a visa or an application for a visa, a valid residence permit, or proof of a long-term national visa.
• You must have proof of valid health insurance or evidence of your ongoing application.

Note: You must also be able to prove you are not viewed as a threat to Belgium. This may require showing current proof of address.

The Blue Card is NOT applicable to specific categories of workers, including:

• Seconded workers
• Long-term residents
• Researchers
• Persons under temporary protection
• Asylum seekers
• Seasonal workers

You can find the full list with details here.

If you do not meet all the eligibility criteria for the Blue Card, you may still be able to apply for a work permit under the "qualified worker" category.

Application process

There are two ways to apply for an EU Blue Card for Belgium: either you submit the application yourself, or your employer can apply on your behalf. You can choose. Therefore, the application method depends on which route you opt for.

You apply yourself:

1. Go to the Belgian embassy or consulate in your home country.
2. Fill out the application form and gather all the necessary documents.
3. Submit your application and documents to the embassy or consulate.
4. Once approved, travel to Belgium to get your permit from your local commune.

You can apply for an EU Blue Card in Belgium by following the relevant link below:

• EU Card Application for Flanders
• EU Card Application for Wallonia
• EU Card Application for Brussels Capital Region
• EU Card Application for the Belgian Germany-Speaking Community

Your employer applies for you:

1. Your employer requests work authorisation for you through the OSS (One-Stop-Shop).
2. The Belgian authorities will review your application.
3. Your employer will be notified if your application is approved or rejected.

Documentation-wise, when applying for a Blue Card, you must submit these documents:

• The Blue Card application form
• A valid passport issued within the last 10 years
• Proof of health insurance or that you have applied for it
• A police clearance certificate showing you have no criminal background
• A statement from your employer confirming they will put you and your family on a recognised mutual insurance fund
• Proof you paid the application fee
• Proof of your qualifications, such as diplomas or work certificates

The Belgian authorities might ask for additional documents, which is decided on a case-by-case basis.

National Law states that the maximum processing time is 90 days.

Application fees for an EU Blue Card

The initial fee for an EU Blue Card is €126, payable upon application submission. There is no fee for renewing or replacing your card once issued.

Duration

The Belgium Blue Card is typically granted for the duration of your employment contract, with a maximum validity of three years. This allows you to stay and work in Belgium legally for the entire period of your employment, providing stability and security.

If conditions are not met

If you do not meet all the eligibility conditions for the Blue Card, don't despair. There may be alternative options available to you.

Explore the "qualified worker" category or other visa pathways that are more suitable for your situation. Consult the official Belgian immigration website or seek professional visa consultant advice to identify the best option for your circumstances.

If your application is rejected, you can appeal it as long as you make the appeal within 30 days of being notified of the application rejection.

FAQs

Can I bring my family members with me on a Blue Card?

Yes, under certain conditions, your family members (spouse, registered partner, or children) may be eligible to join you in Belgium. They will need to apply for their own residence permits and meet specific requirements.

Can I change employers while on a Blue Card?

Yes, you can change employers while holding a Blue Card, but you must inform the authorities and ensure that your new position still meets all the eligibility criteria, including the minimum salary threshold and the labour market test.

What is the pathway to permanent residency with a Blue Card?

The EU Blue Card offers a gateway to living and working in a specific EU country for 1 to 4 years, with the possibility of renewal if you continue to meet the requirements.

You can continue to do this for as long as you want, again, as long as all the conditions are met.

Also, it grants you the freedom to enter, re-enter, and reside in the issuing country, as well as travel and stay in other EU countries for up to 3 months without needing additional visas.

After five years of continuous legal residence in Belgium, including time spent on a Blue Card, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency, provided you meet other requirements such as language proficiency and integration into Belgian society.

Remember: Immigration regulations and visa requirements can change. Always consult the official Belgian Immigration Office website for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Talk to a visa consultant

The Belgium Blue Card is a great opportunity for highly skilled professionals, but the application process can be complicated.

Fortunately, an immigration or visa consultant can help make things easier, guiding you through the process, thus increasing your chances of success and saving you time and stress.

Need visa assistance/immigration advice?

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