Belgium•EuropeBelgium Single Permit
At a Glance
1–4 months
EUR €348
Duration of contract up to 3 years
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
Job offer required
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Employer-sponsored combined work and residence permit for non-EU professionals in Belgium.
Belgium's Single Permit combines residence and work authorization for non-EU nationals on employment contracts lasting 90+ days. It streamlines entry for skilled workers via employer sponsorship, offering an alternative to specialized programs like the Blue Card or ICT. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree and secure a qualifying job offer.
The permit is valid for the contract duration, up to 3 years, and is renewable. The application fee is EUR 348. Processing typically takes 30–45 days. Spouses and dependent children may join through family reunification; spouses have unrestricted work rights. The permit provides a pathway to permanent residence.
This visa is ideal for bachelor's-degree-holding non-EU professionals who have secured employment in Belgium and wish to establish long-term career stability with family reunification options.
Stay & Extensions
| Status type | Tied to program duration |
Conversion Paths
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
BelgiumRequirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Minimum education: Bachelor
Health insurance required
Age: 18-
KEY CRITERIA
Education
bachelor or higher
Min. Income
46,632 EUR/yr
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Valid passport
Employment contract
Health insurance
Criminal record certificate
Medical certificate
Proof of sufficient means
Work authorization application (sponsor)
Company registration documents (sponsor)
Employment contract (sponsor)
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Renewable status allows extended residence and work continuity within employment relationship
- Spouse can work without any restrictions across Belgium or EU
- Combined residence and work permit simplifies legal status — one document covers both
- Pathway to permanent residency after meeting continuous residence requirements
- Employer-sponsored process reduces personal bureaucratic burden on applicant
- Up to 3 years maximum stay enables meaningful career development in single role
Worth Knowing
- Processing takes 30-45 days on average; up to 4 months worst case
- Requires binding employment contract and employer willingness to sponsor application
- Minimum EUR 46,632 annual income threshold; Bachelor degree education required
- Tied to specific employer — changing jobs requires new permit and application process
- No pathway to permanent residency for applicants from certain excluded nationalities
Application Process
Secure employment
Obtain binding employment contract from Belgian employer
Employer applies for permit
Employer applies to regional authority for work authorization
Receive work permit
Obtain positive decision and Annexe 46 document
Apply for D-visa
Submit D-visa application at Belgian embassy with work permit
Pay visa fee
Pay EUR 180 visa fee
Receive visa
Obtain visa in passport
Register in Belgium
Report to municipal authority within 8 days to receive residence permit card
Application Forms
| Work Permit Application | — |
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