Belgium•EuropeType D — National Work Visa (Type D)
At a Glance
1–5 months
EUR €100
5 years
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
Job offer required
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Employer-sponsored work visa for non-EU professionals with job offers in Belgium, combining work and residence authorization with 42–141 day processing.
The National Work Visa (Type D) is Belgium's entry visa for non-EU nationals taking employment exceeding 90 days. It operates within the Single Permit framework, combining work authorization and residence permission in one application. This visa is for non-EU professionals with a Belgian job offer and approval from the relevant regional authority (Flanders, Wallonia, or Brussels).
The visa is renewable and typically issued for 1–5 years depending on the employment contract and regional rules. Fees range from EUR 100 to EUR 300, with the standard visa application fee at EUR 180. Spouses may work without restriction, and dependents can accompany the principal applicant. A permanent residence pathway is available. Processing takes 4–12 weeks.
This visa is ideal for skilled professionals outside the EU seeking long-term employment in Belgium under an employer sponsorship.
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 5 years |
Conversion Paths
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
BelgiumBelgium Single Permit
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Employment contract
Work permit (where required)
Qualifications
Health insurance
KEY CRITERIA
Education
bachelor or higher
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 employment visa with path to permanent residency in Belgium
- Spouse enjoys unrestricted work rights without separate authorization
- Employer-sponsored process streamlines work permit and visa acquisition
- Up to 5 years of residence tied to employment contract
- Dependent family members qualifying for family reunification
- Dual intent permitted — can pursue permanent residency while employed
- Work authorization included as part of the combined Single Permit system
- Bachelor's degree holders qualify without additional education verification
Worth Knowing
- Processing time 1-3 months: initial work permit approval (28-84 days) plus D-visa application at Belgian embassy
- Requires employment contract and employer sponsorship from Belgian employer
- Bachelor's degree minimum qualification; work permit approval subject to labor market test
- Dependent qualification varies by region; family reunification requires adequate housing/income
- Not suitable for remote work — physical presence in Belgium required
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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