Belgium Single Permit Visa

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

For third-country nationals (those from a country outside the EU) who have secured work in Belgium but do not yet have a work permit – you can apply for a Single Permit visa.

The Single Permit Visa combines both a work permit and a residence permit, allowing you to live and work in the country.

Once your Single Permit is approved, you can begin your exciting new career in Belgium. This is suitable for experienced professionals, recent graduates, or those looking to immerse themselves in the Belgian way of life.

As a rule of thumb, if you're a non-EU national looking to work in Belgium for more than 90 days, you must apply for this permit visa.

Note: You MUST already have a job offer and/or employment before applying for this visa for it to be successful.

 

Eligibility criteria

The Belgium Single Permit Visa is designed to streamline the process for individuals who have employment opportunities in Belgium to start working.

To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:

• Employment: You must have a concrete job offer from an employer based in Belgium. This offer should clearly outline the terms and conditions of your employment, including your job title, salary, and contract duration.
• Duration of Stay: Your intended stay in Belgium for work must exceed 90 days. If you plan to work for a shorter duration, you may need a different type of visa or work permit.

There are exceptions to this. For example, specific work categories, such as au pairs or those working in the country for less than 90 days, won't be eligible for this permit. Instead, you must apply for the previous permit, work permit B.

Application process

To acquire a Single Permit Visa, you won't need to apply yourself; rather, your employer in Belgium will complete it on your behalf.

This is done via the One-Stop-Shop (OSS) platform. The application will then be automatically transferred to the region of Belgium where you'll be working. The Immigration Office there will then process your application and make a decision.

Each region has its own procedures and guidelines, so familiarise yourself with the relevant information to ensure a smooth application.

You can find out more about these individual requirements using the links below:

• Brussels-Capital Region
• Flemish Region
• Walloon Region (not the German Community)
• The German Community

Documentation

When you apply for a work permit, you'll also need to provide documents that show you have a place to live and a job.

Documents about your stay:

• Proof you paid the fee
• A copy of your valid passport or travel document
• Proof you have enough money to support yourself while you're in Belgium. As of September 2024, this is €45 per day if you’re staying with friends and family, or €95 if staying in a hotel. You can use a guarantor. You'll also need to show how long your job will last and, if you have it, your employer's VAT number.
• If you're over 18, you'll need a criminal record check from your country of origin or last country of residence, showcasing you haven’t been involved in crimes.
• A medical certificate proving you do not have a disease that may endanger public health, as outlined in the annex to the Law of 15 December 1980. A copy of the medical certificate can be found here.
• Proof you have health insurance that covers all risks in Belgium for you and your family.

Other things to know:

• The Immigration Office might ask for more information or documents while they're reviewing your application.
• You can find information about documents related to your job on the Regions' website.

Duration

The validity of your Belgium Single Permit is directly tied to the duration of your employment contract. This ensures that your residency in Belgium remains aligned with your work authorisation.

Renewal

If your employment contract is extended or you secure a new job offer in Belgium, you can apply for a renewal of your Single Permit. The renewal process is similar to the initial application, with your employer submitting the necessary documents and information through the OSS.

It's important to initiate the renewal process well in advance of your current permit's expiration to avoid any gaps in your legal residency or work authorisation.

By successfully renewing your Single Permit, you can continue your professional journey in Belgium and potentially pave the way for long-term residency or even citizenship in the future.

Application costs

The cost of applying for the Belgium Single Permit Visa varies depending on the region where you'll be working and the specific type of work you'll be doing. It's essential to consult the relevant regional website for the most up-to-date and accurate information on the applicable fees.

However, the fee is currently €144.

You can find the complete list of fees here.

You won't need to pay if you're under 18 years old or a recognised stateless person who has lost their nationality against their will, but that will need to be dealt with as a particular case.

All fees are payable in Euros and upon submission of your application.

The submission process

Once your application is submitted, you'll receive a receipt from the region that the process is underway and the submission is complete. If the application file is incomplete, there is a 15-day period in which to make corrections.

If this deadline is missed, the application will be rejected as being "inadmissible".

Once accepted, there are two deadlines set up.

The first is a 15-day period in which your region must send a copy of your application to the Immigration Office.

The second is a 4-month period in which a decision on your application will be made. Only under exceptional circumstances will this deadline be extended. Therefore, you should hear back within 120 days.

If successful, you'll receive an Annex 47, which notifies the employer, the municipal administration, and the Belgium Consular that your application has been accepted, and you'll receive your Single Permit Visa.

Other important things to know

Beyond the core application process, there are additional factors to consider when pursuing the Belgium Single Permit Visa:

• Single application: The Single Permit Visa streamlines the process by combining the work permit and residence permit applications into one. This eliminates the need for separate applications and reduces administrative burden.
• Additional information and documents: The Immigration Office may request additional information or documents during the examination of your application. Be prepared to provide any further details or supporting evidence they require.
• Validity of the single permit: The validity of your Single Permit lasts up to three years, and can be renewed in durations up to three years at a time.
• End of employment: If your employment contract ends prematurely, your Single Permit may also be terminated. It's crucial to understand the implications of any changes in your employment situation and consult with the relevant authorities if necessary.
• Regional variations: While the general framework for the Single Permit Visa is consistent across Belgium, specific procedures, document requirements, and fees may vary between regions. Always consult the official websites of the relevant region for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Talk to a visa consultant

The Belgium Single Permit Visa makes it easier for skilled professionals to work in Belgium. But the application process can be tricky.

However, an immigration consultant can guide you, making sure your application is correct and helping you overcome any challenges, and is a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to streamline the process.

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