How to get a residence permit in Belgium

Obtaining a residence permit in Belgium on the basis of a work visa involves several steps and requires fulfilling certain requirements. Below is a step-by-step guide for foreigners seeking to work in Belgium:

Obtaining a residence permit in Belgium on the basis of a work visa

Getting a job offer:

Find a job in Belgium and receive an offer from a local employer. This offer must be official and reserved for you personally.

Obtaining a residence permit in Belgium on the basis of a work visa requires careful compliance with all formalities and preparation of the necessary documents. It is recommended to seek legal advice to avoid mistakes and increase the chances of a positive decision.

Obtaining a work permit:

Your employer must apply for a category B work permit on behalf of the employee. This permit is limited to a specific employer and is usually issued for 12 months with the possibility of extension.

Applying for a national D visa:

Apply to the Belgian embassy or consulate in your country with the required documents, including:

• A valid passport.
• A job offer.
• A health insurance.
• Proof of civil status.
• Proof of financial solvency.
• A certificate of no criminal record.

Entering Belgium and registering:

Once you have received your D visa, enter Belgium and register with your local municipality within 8 days. To register, you will need:

• A passport with a D visa.
• Proof of residence.
• Employment contract.
• EU-standard photographs.

Obtaining a residence permit:

Once you have registered, you will be issued a temporary residence permit, which is usually valid for the duration of your employment contract or work permit.

• Requirements for obtaining a residence permit in Belgium
• Law-abiding: A certificate of good conduct from your home country or country of last residence.
• Financial solvency: Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself in Belgium.
• Health insurance: Private health insurance for the entire stay.
• Registered place of residence: Lease agreement or proof of residence in Belgium.

Additional information

• Online application: It is not possible to apply for a residence permit in Belgium entirely online, but some preliminary steps are available online.
• Language requirements: Certain activities may require knowledge of one of the official languages ​​of Belgium (French, Dutch or German).

Residence permit in Belgium

There are several grounds for obtaining a residence permit in Belgium. Each of them has its own requirements and conditions:

• Employment: A job offer from a Belgian employer and a work permit of category B are required.
• Education: You must be enrolled in a Belgian educational institution.
• Family reunification: The opportunity to reunite with family members already living in Belgium.
• Investment in the economy: The opportunity to obtain a residence permit through investments in a Belgian business.
• Refugee or person in need of international protection status: For those seeking asylum in Belgium.
• Humanitarian grounds: Temporary residence for people who have suffered from various circumstances.

Each ground has its own characteristics and requirements, so it is important to choose the right one and collect the necessary documents to successfully complete the procedure for obtaining a residence permit.