Belgian Single Permit (combined work and residence permit)

Who it's for

• Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals hired by a Belgian employer for more than 90 days
• Employees, trainees and certain seconded/posted workers
• Not for au pairs or work of 90 days or less (those use the older work-permit B route)

Requirements

• A concrete job offer / employment contract from a Belgian employer
• The role and pay must satisfy the competent region's labour-market rules and minimum salary
• Valid passport or travel document
• Proof of sufficient means of subsistence
• Criminal-record extract (applicants aged 18+)
• Medical certificate confirming no listed diseases
• Health insurance covering all risks in Belgium
• Payment of the applicable fee

What you can do

• Live in Belgium and work for the sponsoring employer/role
• Bring family through family reunification once conditions are met
• Renew the permit while the employment continues
• Progress towards EU long-term resident status after 5 years of legal residence

How to apply

The employer files the single-permit application through the regional one-stop counter. The region checks admissibility within about 15 days and, together with the Immigration Office, must normally decide within 4 months (extendable for complex files); if no decision is taken in time the authorisation can be granted by default.

Once approved, an applicant who is abroad requests the type D visa at the Belgian diplomatic or consular post. After arriving in Belgium the holder must report to the local municipality within 8 days to be registered and issued a residence card.

Documents

• Signed employment contract
• Copy of valid passport
• Medical certificate
• Criminal-record extract (18+)
• Proof of health insurance
• Proof of qualifications/experience where the role requires it
• Proof of fee payment