Belgium•EuropeTrainee Visa
At a Glance
3 months
EUR €180
6 months
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Structured training or internship program for non-EU university graduates, sponsored by Belgian employers, with work authorization for up to 6 months renewable.
The Trainee Visa allows recent university graduates or students from non-EU countries to undertake structured traineeships in Belgium and gain professional experience. Host employers apply for work authorization through regional authorities. Applicants must have a binding training agreement relevant to their field of study.
The visa permits stays of up to six months, renewable subject to regional authority approval. EUR 180 application fees apply, and work authorization is granted for the training period. Processing takes up to 90 days. Spouses and dependents may reside with the trainee; spouses may work without restriction.
This visa is ideal for recent university graduates seeking structured professional experience abroad through corporate training programs aligned with Belgium's economic sectors.
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 6 months |
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Must have a higher education degree (obtained within the last 2 years) or be currently enrolled in a higher education program in a non-EU country
Must have a signed training agreement with a host entity/company in Belgium
Training must be relevant to the trainee's qualification level and field of study
Must have sufficient financial means to cover subsistence and return travel costs
Must have health insurance covering all risks in Belgium
Host entity must apply for the authorization for trainee through the regional authority
KEY CRITERIA
Education
bachelor or higher
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Valid passport
Signed training agreement
Copy of higher education degree or proof of current enrollment
Proof of sufficient financial means
Proof of valid health insurance
Proof of payment of the administrative contribution fee
Medical certificate
Police clearance certificate
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Full work authorization in designated role throughout traineeship period
- Spouse has unrestricted work rights during your stay in Belgium
- EUR 180 visa fee is standard and predictable cost
- Employer-sponsored application means host organization handles authorization logistics
- Bachelor's degree holders within 2 years of graduation are qualifying
Worth Knowing
- Training must be directly relevant to your degree field — broad career changes not supported
- Structured training agreement required with host entity outlining learning objectives and timeline
- Closed to applicants more than 2 years post-graduation or not currently enrolled
- Health insurance and sufficient financial means demonstration required before visa issuance
- Registration with municipal authority within 8 days of arrival is mandatory
- No pathway to permanent residence — traineeship visa does not lead to long-term settlement
- Maximum total stay capped at 1 year — cannot extend indefinitely or convert to employment
Application Process
Secure traineeship
Obtain formal traineeship offer from Belgian employer/organization
Employer applies for permit
Employer applies to regional authority for trainee work authorization
Receive work authorization
Obtain positive decision and authorization
Apply for visa
Submit D-visa application at Belgian embassy with authorization
Pay fee
Pay EUR 180 visa fee
Receive visa
Obtain visa marked as trainee (BXX code)
Register in Belgium
Register at municipal authority within 8 days
Application Forms
| Trainee Visa Application | — |
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