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Single Permit for Interns
BelgiumBelgium•Europe
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Single Permit for Interns

Study

At a Glance

Processing Time

3 months

Estimated Cost

EUR €152

Stay Duration

6 months

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Official Information

Overview

Employer-sponsored combined work and residence permit for non-EU interns in Belgium, valid up to 12 months.

The Single Permit for Interns is Belgium's work authorization for non-EU nationals completing professional internships lasting more than 90 days. The employer sponsors the application with the regional authority, and applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or be enrolled in higher education, with proof of sufficient financial means.

The permit is valid for 6 months and renewable once for a total stay of up to 12 months. The Single Permit application fee is €152 (as of 1 January 2026), payable to the Immigration Office, with a separate D-visa fee from the consulate. Processing takes approximately 90 days. Work is restricted to the approved internship only, and the internship must align with the applicant's field of study.

This visa is ideal for students and recent graduates from non-EU countries pursuing internships in Belgium as part of their professional development or academic requirements.

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Belgium Single Permit
Belgium flagBelgium

Belgium Single Permit

ValidityDuration of contract up to 3 years
Processing1–4 months
View Visa Details
EU Blue Card
Belgium flagBelgium

EU Blue Card

Validity3 years
Processing1–3 months
View Visa Details
Professional Card (Self-Employment)
Belgium flagBelgium

Professional Card (Self-Employment)

Validity5 years
Processing2–6 months
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Valid passport

Signed internship agreement with a Belgian host entity

Proof of higher education degree or enrollment in a higher education program

Proof of sufficient means of subsistence

Medical certificate and criminal record extract

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

Min. Income

15,770 EUR/yr

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Employer-sponsored process — employer initiates and handles application burden
  • Internship strictly in your field of study — aligned career development
  • Renewable once for up to 12 months total — flexibility to extend if needed
  • Conversion pathway to permanent work permits (Single Permit, Blue Card) post-internship
  • Only EUR 152 Single Permit fee (plus separate visa fee) — relatively low cost
  • Exactly 90-day processing window — predictable timeline for planning
  • Work authorization included as part of combined residence permit
  • Professional development in Belgian host company during structured program

Worth Knowing

  • Processing time is fixed at 90 days; applications must be submitted well before internship start
  • Work restricted to approved employer and internship role — cannot take other employment
  • Internship must align with your higher education field of study for approval
  • Spouse work is restricted; cannot access unrestricted work rights during internship
  • Maximum 12-month total stay (6 months + 1 renewal) — internship-only, not open-ended work
  • Non-renewable beyond 12 months; requires transition to other visa categories for continued stay

Application Process

1

Employer submits the Single Permit application to the competent regional authority

2

Regional and federal authorities review and approve the application

3

Applicant applies for a D-visa at the Belgian embassy or consulate

4

Applicant registers at the local municipality within 8 working days of arrival

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