Scholarships
Types of Belgium Work Visas Available in 2025: Eligibility, and Process
Forget the Eiffel Tower and the Colosseum – in 2025, the real European adventure is in Belgium! Land of delectable chocolate, world-class beer, and art that will make you question reality, Belgium is calling your name. But it’s not just about indulging in frites and mastering the art of beer tasting – Belgium is also a fantastic place to build a career and a life.
Think of it as a career upgrade with a side of waffles. Whether you’re a hotshot IT professional, a skilled healthcare worker, or a budding entrepreneur with a revolutionary business idea, Belgium has a work visa with your name on it.
This guide is your golden ticket to navigating the Belgian work visa landscape. We’ll break down the different types of work permits, reveal the top 5 in-demand occupations, and even explore your options for bringing your family along and potentially becoming a Belgian citizen.
So, buckle up, grab a speculoos cookie (trust us on this one), and let’s dive into the exciting world of working in Belgium!
1# Work Permit Type A: The Holy Grail of Independence
Think of the Work Permit Type A as the “passport” to working freedom in Belgium. It’s the endgame for many, offering the ultimate reward: the ability to work for any employer without restrictions!
Eligibility:
- Have you already worked in Belgium for at least four years with a Type B permit in the past decade?
- Have you avoided any major legal troubles (we’re looking at you, parking violators)?
If so, congratulations! You may qualify for this golden ticket. Just remember: Belgium loves to reward loyalty, so consider Type A your “thanks for sticking with us” badge.
Process:
- Gather your documents: proof of previous employment, residence, and, of course, a passport photo where you don’t look like you’ve seen a ghost.
- Submit your application to the regional employment authority (no, not with chocolates—though it might help).
- Wait for approval, and voilà! You’re free to work with any company, any time, anywhere in Belgium.
2# Work Permit Type B: The Tried and True Starter Pack
The Work Permit Type B is Belgium’s most popular work permit. It’s your ticket to getting your foot in the door, especially if you’re new to the Belgian work scene. The only catch? This permit is tied to a specific employer.
Eligibility:
- You need a job offer from a Belgian employer who is willing to prove they couldn’t find an EU citizen to fill the position (cue your moment to shine).
- Your job should be listed as an eligible occupation for non-EU nationals. Luckily, Belgium has a long list of shortage jobs—IT experts, healthcare workers, engineers, you name it.
Process:
- Your employer kicks things off by submitting an application on your behalf.
- Once the permit is approved (yes, it can take a few weeks, but patience is a virtue), you’ll get the permit in the mail, and you can start packing for your new life in Brussels, Antwerp, or Ghent.
Pro tip: Practice your Dutch, French, or German phrases now; Belgium is trilingual, and you’ll earn some major brownie points for even trying!
3# Single Permit: The Ultimate Combo Deal
Love a good two-for-one offer? The Single Permit combines a residence permit and a work permit in one neat package. It’s ideal for those planning to settle down and work long-term in Belgium.
Eligibility:
- You must secure a job that offers a contract for over 90 days. This permit works for various positions, from tech startups to booming construction roles.
- Salary requirements vary by region, but aiming for a competitive salary (think north of €55,000 annually) will keep you safe.
Process:
- Your employer applies for the permit, but you must provide some documents, like proof of qualifications and a certified copy of your degree (dust off that diploma).
- The authorities process your application, and once approved, you’ll have the all-in-one permit you need to live and work in Belgium without juggling multiple pieces of paper.
4# European Blue Card: For the Highly Skilled Dreamers
Are you the type who loves a fast track? The European Blue Card might be your perfect match! It’s the VIP lane for non-EU nationals with skills that Belgium craves—especially in IT, engineering, and healthcare.
Eligibility:
- Hold a higher education degree (bachelor’s or higher).
- Secure a job offer with a salary above the annual threshold (approximately €55,000 in 2025).
Not only does the Blue Card allow you to work in Belgium, but it also opens doors across the EU, should you fancy a move to another European country down the line.
Process:
- Find a job, gather your credentials, and watch your employer work their magic (no, really—they must prove you’re irreplaceable).
- Application approved? Great! Grab your beret or bow tie (it’s Belgium—fashion is key), and get ready to build your career.
5# Self-Employed Visa: For the Entrepreneurs and Freelancers
Prefer to be your own boss? Belgium welcomes self-employed individuals through its Professional Card, which functions like a work permit for entrepreneurs, freelancers, or business owners.
Eligibility:
- You need a well-thought-out business plan (pro tip: mentioning how your business will benefit Belgium’s economy is a great move).
- Show you have the funds to support your business venture.
Process:
- Submit an application with a detailed plan and financial projections to the Belgian embassy.
- Wait for approval (yes, it’s nerve-wracking, but worth it). Once you have the card, you’re free to start your business journey in Belgium, and no—beer tasting as a profession doesn’t count (yet).
6# Intra-Company Transfer Permit: For Corporate Climbers
If you’re already part of a multinational company, an Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) permit is the express elevator to Belgium’s corporate world.
Eligibility:
- You need to have worked for the company for at least three months before the transfer.
- You must hold a managerial, specialist, or trainee role.
Process:
- Your employer handles the paperwork, and you pack your bags.
- The ICT permit allows you to stay in Belgium for one to three years, and yes—corporate bonuses in Belgium are as sweet as its pralines.
Apply Here
