How to Get a Belgium Work Permit and Work Visa?

Atomic Answer: How To Get A Belgium Work Permit And Work Visa? is a critical component of the Canadian immigration framework. As of 2026, applicants navigating this pathway must adhere to the latest IRCC guidelines, ensure all documentation is properly prepared, and meet the specific eligibility requirements. Processing times and exact costs will vary based on individual circumstances.

How to Get a Belgium Work Permit and Work Visa? (2024)

A Belgian work permit is a type of permit that non-EU citizens must apply for in order to work in Belgium. In order to apply for a Belgian work permit, a legal job offer from a company in Belgium is required. A Belgian work permit grants holders the right to live and work in Belgium.

People who will come to Belgium to work must apply for a work permit together with their residence permit. People who will start working while holding a Belgian Residence Permit can apply for a work permit within 3 months after receiving the residence permit.

What are the Types of Belgium Work Permits?

Types of Belgian work permits are listed below.

• Belgium Type A Work Permit : Belgium Type A work permit is a type of work permit that allows indefinite work in Belgium. Belgium Type A work permit holders can work for any employer, at any time and for any wage. In order to apply for a Belgium Type A work permit; It is necessary to have worked in Belgium with a Type B work permit for at least 4 years in the last 10 years and not to have lived outside Belgium for more than one year in the last 10 years.
  For Turkish citizens, it is sufficient to have worked with a Type B work permit for 3 years. Highly skilled workers, temporary workers, expert technicians, students, interns, researchers and guest professors cannot apply for a Belgium Type A work permit.
• Belgium B type work permit : Belgium B type work permit is a type of work permit that allows working in Belgium for 1 year. The Belgium B type work permit application is made by the employer.
  Belgium B type work permit is only valid for the workplace and position specified in the application. In order to come to Belgium from Turkey with a work permit, the employer must explain that the probability of finding someone with the candidate's qualifications in the Belgian job market is low. Belgium B type work permit can be extended as long as the contract is renewed.
• Belgium C type work permit : The Belgium C type work permit is a type of work permit that allows working in Belgium for a maximum of 1 year. The application for the Belgium C type work permit is made by the person himself.
  In order to apply for the Belgium C type work permit, it is necessary to be a student, family member or person whose asylum process has not been completed with a temporary residence permit in Belgium. The Belgium C type work permit cannot be renewed except in exceptional cases.

How to Get a Work Permit in Belgium?

The steps to follow to obtain a Belgian work permit are listed below.

1. A job offer must be received from Belgium. (Not required for type A work permit.)
2. The appropriate type of work permit must be determined. The employer applies for a type B work permit, and the employee applies for type A and C work permits.
3. An appointment must be made at the Belgian Immigration Office or VFS Global.
4. The necessary documents must be prepared until the appointment day arrives.
5. On the appointment day, the necessary documents must be submitted to the Belgian Immigration Office or VFS Global.
6. In cases where a Belgian work permit is rejected, the person is notified by email and has a one-month right to appeal. If the work permit is approved, the person will be notified to collect the work permit.

What are the Requirements for a Residence and Work Permit in Belgium?

The requirements for obtaining a residence and work permit in Belgium are listed below.

• To apply for a Belgian residence and work permit, the passport must have been issued within the last 10 years, be valid for at least 12 months from the date of application and have at least 2 blank pages.
• To apply for a Belgian residence and work permit, two application forms must be filled out and 3 biometric photographs, 35 mm wide and 45 mm long, with a white background, taken within the last 6 months, must be attached to the application file.
• To apply for a Belgian residence and work permit, you must submit the necessary proof of payment of the administrative fee, a medical report issued within the last 6 months, a criminal record and a letter of acceptance from your employer.
• Application for a Belgian residence permit must be made by submitting the necessary documents within a maximum of 3 months after entering the country with a work permit and valid visa.

How to Apply for a Belgium Work Permit?

In order to apply for a Belgian work permit, the person must determine the type of work permit application that is appropriate for him/her. There are 3 types of work permits in Belgium. The Belgian A type work permit can be applied for by people who have worked in Belgium for at least 3 years and lived in Belgium for 10 years, the Belgian B type work permit can be applied for by people who have received a job offer from an employer in Belgium, and the Belgian C type work permit can be applied for by students, asylum seekers or family members who have a temporary residence permit in Belgium.

After choosing the appropriate type of work permit, the person must apply to the Belgian Immigration Office with the required documents and the completed application form for type A and C work permits.

For a type B work permit, a work visa application must be made with the acceptance letter from the employer, passport and necessary documents. The type B work permit application is made by the employer.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Belgium Work Permit?

It takes an average of 10 days for the Belgian Immigration Office to finalize a work permit.

The process varies depending on the intensity of the Belgian Immigration Office and the season. The Belgian work visa is most likely to be concluded positively if the necessary documents for the Belgian work visa are collected completely and the candidate meets all the requirements.

Which Professions Are Suitable for Working in Belgium?

The most suitable professions for working in Belgium are listed below.

• Cybersecurity experts
• Data scientists
• Healthcare professionals
• Marketing, design and communication experts
• Delivery and logistics managers
• Human resources managers
• Software Developers

Is it possible to work in Belgium as a student?

The Kingdom of Belgium offers foreign students with a Belgian residence permit the right to work up to 20 hours per week. In order to work while studying in Belgium, a Belgian C type work permit must be applied for by obtaining a written fixed-term contract from the employer, known as a student employment contract.

Students in Belgium can work on their university's official holidays without a work permit.

What is the penalty for working illegally in Belgium?

The penalty for working illegally in Belgium is determined as an administrative fine of 80-800 EUR by the Constitution that came into force in 2017.

The penalty for employing illegal workers in Belgium is between 600-6000 EUR for employing personnel without a work permit, and 300-3000 EUR per worker. The penalty for employing workers without checking whether they have a residence permit in Belgium is 6 months to 3 years in prison or a fine of 3600-36000 EUR, plus an administrative fine of 1800-8000 EUR.