Belgium•EuropeProfessional Card (Self-Employment)
At a Glance
2–6 months
EUR €230
5 years
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Self-employment authorization for non-EU entrepreneurs with EUR 22,838+ capital and a viable business plan.
Belgium's Professional Card enables non-EU/EEA entrepreneurs and self-employed professionals to establish and operate businesses. Applicants must secure approval from the competent regional authority (Flanders, Wallonia, or Brussels-Capital) and demonstrate EUR 22,838 in savings. The visa provides full work authorization obtained through a national D-visa application process.
The card is initially valid for 2 years and renewable for 5 years after successful business operation. Application fees total EUR 140, with an additional EUR 90 annual charge per year of validity. Processing typically takes 60–180 days. Spouses enjoy unrestricted work rights, and the visa may lead to permanent residence after meeting residency requirements.
This visa is ideal for international entrepreneurs and self-employed professionals with a viable business plan who wish to establish enterprises in Belgium without requiring an employer sponsor.
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 5 years |
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Minimum education: High School
Minimum savings: 22838
Health insurance required
Age: 18-
KEY CRITERIA
Education
high_school or higher
Investment
22,838 EUR
Min. Savings
22,838 EUR
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Valid passport
Business plan
Proof of resources
Criminal record certificate
Health insurance
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Start your own business with no job offer required, reducing employer dependency
- Spouse has unrestricted work rights, can pursue independent career
- 5-year renewable permit provides long-term stability for entrepreneurial ventures
- Path to permanent residency available for successful business operators
- Dependents can join you on family reunification grounds
- Open to all nationalities — no nationality restrictions apply
- High school diploma suffices — no university degree required
Worth Knowing
- EUR 22,838 minimum savings required upfront to demonstrate financial viability
- Processing takes 60-180 days; business plans face detailed regional review
- Remote work expressly not permitted — physical Belgian presence required
- Must operate through one of three regional competent authorities
- Business plan approval not guaranteed; lack of viable market demand can trigger refusal
Application Process
Prepare business plan
Develop comprehensive business plan for Belgian business
Apply to regional authority
Submit professional card application to competent region
Receive professional card approval
Obtain approval from regional business authorities
Apply for D-visa
Submit national visa application with professional card approval
Pay visa fee
Pay EUR 140 visa fee at embassy
Receive visa
Obtain self-employed/professional visa
Register in Belgium
Register at municipal authority and obtain professional card
Pay professional card fee
Pay EUR 90 professional card fee at local office
Application Forms
| Professional Card Application | — |
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