Belgium•Europe1–3 months
€278 EUR
Varies by filing options
3 years
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
Job offer required
Work
Remote not required
Renewable work permit for highly skilled professionals meeting EUR 56,976 salary threshold, portable across EU after 12 months.
The EU Blue Card is a merit-based employment visa for highly skilled third-country nationals in Belgium. It requires a higher education degree, binding employment contract with a Belgian employer, and a minimum annual salary of EUR 56,976. The visa provides simplified work authorization, family reunification rights, and is governed by Directive (EU) 2021/1883.
The permit is renewable and valid up to 3 years per grant, depending on contract duration, leading to long-term EU residency. Total fees are EUR 126 for the Blue Card permit and EUR 152 as an immigration contribution. Processing typically takes 30 to 90 days. Spouses can work unrestricted, and applicants may accumulate residence periods across EU member states for potential permanent residence.
This visa is ideal for technology specialists, engineers, scientists, and finance professionals from outside the EU seeking merit-based career advancement in Belgium with EU mobility.
| Initial grant | 3 years |
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
BelgiumMust be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national.
Must have a higher education degree (at least 3 years of study) or equivalent professional qualification.
Must have a binding job offer or employment contract with a Belgian employer for at least 6 months.
Must meet the regional minimum gross annual salary threshold (varies by region and year).
The position must be for highly qualified employment.
Education
bachelor or higher
Min. Income
56,976 EUR/yr
Valid passport (all pages).
Signed employment contract or binding job offer.
Proof of higher education qualifications (diploma/degree).
Medical certificate (less than 6 months old).
Criminal record certificate (less than 6 months old).
Proof of health insurance.
Completed visa application form.
Proof of payment of administrative fees.
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