Belgian Professional Card (self-employed)

Who it's for

• Non-EU entrepreneurs, freelancers and company directors
• People setting up or joining a business in Belgium as self-employed
• Not needed by EU/EEA and Swiss nationals, nor by certain exempt categories

Requirements

• A valid right of residence in Belgium
• Compliance with the legal/regulatory conditions governing the planned activity
• A viable project that benefits the region (e.g. innovation, economic value, job creation)
• Proof of relevant qualifications, licences or professional experience for the activity
• A business plan (maximum around 20 pages)
• Criminal-record extract and identity documents

What you can do

• Live in Belgium and operate as a self-employed person or run your company
• Renew the card as the business proves viable
• Bring family through family reunification once conditions are met
• Build towards EU long-term resident status over time

How to apply

Applicants living abroad submit the professional-card application through the Belgian diplomatic or consular post; those already legally in Belgium apply through the enterprise counters. The file includes the business plan and supporting documents, and the region assesses whether the project meets the residence, compliance and economic-benefit tests.

Processing a complete file takes around three months. If approved from abroad, the applicant collects a type D visa and then registers at the municipality after arrival. Renewal requires showing the business is viable and that tax and social-security obligations are met.

Documents

• Completed application form
• Valid passport and identity photos
• Business plan / project description
• Proof of qualifications, licences or experience
• Criminal-record extract
• Proof of fee payment