Article
14 min read
How to Get a Visa and Work Permit in Belgium (2025 Edition)
Immigration
Author
Ellie Merryweather
Last Update
July 31, 2025
Table of Contents
How easy is it to get a work visa in Belgium?
Are there different types of entry visas and work permits in Belgium?
Belgium visa and work-permit eligibility requirements for candidates
Belgium visa and work-permit sponsorship criteria for employers
Belgium work-permit application process
What is the cost of a visa and work permit in Belgium?
Is Deel Immigration the best choice for hiring in Belgium?
Hire employees in Belgium faster with Deel Immigration
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Businesses expand into Belgium to access a diverse, highly skilled talent pool and leverage its strategic position as a gateway to European markets.
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Complex regional immigration rules, labor market tests, and heavy documentation requirements can delay hiring and increase compliance risks.
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Deel simplifies Belgian hiring with expert visa assessments, Employer of Record sponsorship, and real-time application tracking for faster, compliant work permit approvals.
Expanding your business into Belgium unlocks access to one of Europe’s most diverse and skilled talent pools, plus a strategic gateway to EU markets. Bringing in global employees or collaborating with Belgian professionals can catapult your company’s innovation and market reach. But before you can tap into this talent, you’ll need to navigate Belgium’s layered immigration policies.
Visa complexity, labor-market tests, and region-specific rules create headaches for both employers and candidates looking to work in Belgium. The paperwork alone—permits, proof of qualifications, translations—can stall hiring for months. Delays or mistakes risk compliance penalties and derail start dates, putting your growth plans on hold.
These obstacles not only drain internal resources but also make it hard to stay competitive when speed matters most. That’s where Deel Immigration steps in—with expert support, digital tracking, and transparent pricing to manage Belgian work visa challenges from end to end.
With Deel, you remove the friction from cross-border hiring and focus on building your team. Get compliant, faster—so you can bring great talent into Belgium with confidence.
How easy is it to get a work visa in Belgium?
Getting a Belgian work permit requires passing a labor-market test and coordinating with regional authorities, but skilled applicants often find the process straightforward.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Skills & education level of applicant | Generally, highly skilled foreign workers have a higher chance of obtaining a work permit. |
| Job title & local demand | Work permit applications related to highly sought-after jobs by locals are less likely to be approved. However, if the work permit application is related to a job facing a labor shortage, the application is more likely to be approved. |
| Legalization/Apostille & translation requirements | Visa applications must meet documentation requirements, including legalization/apostille and translation into English, French, Dutch, or German by a certified translator. |
| Regional differences | Labor policies can vary between the regions of Belgium, such as Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels. |
Deel gives us the peace of mind of knowing that in these visa situations, the employee will get the support they need.
—Leanne Schofield,
Head of People at Form3
Are there different types of entry visas and work permits in Belgium?
Belgium’s immigration framework covers short-term business visits, long-term employment permits, and family reunification visas. Below are the four main permits supported by Deel that meet various needs for those seeking to hire in or support employee relocation to Belgium.
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Business Visa (Schengen Business Visa): This visa is for short-term business travel to Belgium for meetings, conferences, or trade fairs. It requires an invitation from a Belgian host, travel insurance, and proof of funds, allowing stays of up to 90 days within 180 days.
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Single Permit (A Card): This permit combines a work and residence permit for non-EU nationals working in Belgium for over 90 days. It requires a labor-market test, a valid employment contract, and is valid for up to 2 years with renewal options.
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EU Blue Card (H Card): This card is for highly skilled workers with a recognized diploma or equivalent experience and a salary of at least €55,000. It is valid for up to 4 years, or the contract length plus 3 months, and offers easier EU mobility.
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Visa D – Family Reunification: This visa allows immediate family members of work-permit holders to join them in Belgium. It requires proof of relationship and adequate housing, with a duration matching the primary permit and renewable alongside it.
See also: Digital Nomad Visas for Remote Work: The Complete 2025 List
Deel helps me get things done quicker, easier and more cost-effectively. We can offer unparalleled worker mobility and flexibility which our team values.
—Emma Leipold,
Senior Global Mobility and Total Rewards Partner at ZipCo
Deel Immigration
Belgium visa and work-permit eligibility requirements for candidates
Candidates must meet specific criteria to qualify for visas and work permits in Belgium.
| Visa Type | Target Candidate | Candidate Requirements | Job Offer Requirements | Validity | Processing Time | Can Employee Start Working Before Visa? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Permit (A Card) | Highly skilled non-EU workers who meet specific education, salary, and job offer requirements. | Basic: Individual with a valid job offer from an employer in Belgium.Age: None.Minimum education/qualification: Degree or diploma requiring at least 3 years of study.Minimum work experience: None.Past income: None. | Job title: None. Job description: None. Employment duration: At least 1 year. Minimum salary: At least EUR 50,310 per year. | Up to 3 years depending on employment agreement. | 4–6 months depending on the region. | No |
| EU Blue Card (H Card) | Highly skilled non-EU workers who meet specific education, salary, and job offer requirements. | Basic: Highly skilled non-EU worker with a valid job offer from an employer in Belgium. Age: None. Minimum education or qualification: Higher education degree of at least 3 years of study. Minimum work experience: None. Past income: None. | Job title: None (applicant must not be in excluded categories such as asylum seekers or researchers). Job description: None. Employment duration: At least 1 year. Minimum salary: EUR 66,738 per year (as of Jan 1, 2025). | Up to 3 years depending on employment agreement. | 4–6 months depending on the region in Belgium. | No |
| Family Reunification (Dependent Visa) | Dependents of Single Permit and EU Blue Card holders. | Basic: Legally married spouse (opposite or same sex), registered or assimilated partners recognized in Belgium, minor children of main visa holder/spouse, adult children with disabilities. Note: Parents and non-registered partners are not recognized as dependents. Age: See basic requirements. Minimum education or qualification: None. Minimum work experience: None. Past income: Main visa holder must prove stable, regular, and adequate means of subsistence (≥ EUR 2,090/month as of May 2024). | N/A | Same as main applicant’s visa. | 4–6 months. | No |
For a fast, expert assessment of eligibility—with a clear breakdown of costs—Deel offers a 48-hour visa and work permit evaluation (Deel Immigration Value Note).
See also: Self-Verify Global Employee Visa Eligibility in Minutes
Because Deel makes the immigration process extremely straightforward, myself and the rest of the TalentQL team are able to focus on the core aspects of our operations, without expending too much time or resources. You simply upload everything to the dashboard, and Deel’s team takes it from there.
—Adewale Yusuf,
Co-founder at TalentQL and CEO of AltSchool Africa
Belgium visa and work-permit sponsorship criteria for employers
Employers must operate a registered Belgian legal entity and demonstrate genuine economic activity to sponsor foreign workers. They also need to justify the role through a labor-market test, showing no suitable Belgian or EU candidate is available.
Engaging an Employer of Record relieves companies of direct sponsorship duties. An Employer of Record takes on responsibilities like filing applications, handling local payroll, and ensuring ongoing compliance with Belgian labor and immigration laws.
Deel Immigration, a G2 Leader in Employer of Record solutions across 150+ countries, can sponsor employees under over 200 permit categories in 40 countries with speed and scale. Deel’s in-app visa tracker provides real-time Belgium visa processing time updates, while transparent flat pricing and partner discounts for relocation services keep costs predictable.
See also: Easy Visa Sponsorship for Exploring New International Markets
Deel's immigration experts guide us through critical decisions, especially in complex countries like the United States, always ensuring legal compliance in each applicable state.
—David Holguín,
Benefits and Mobility Manager at FEMSA
Belgium work-permit application process
Follow this five-step roadmap to secure your Belgium work permit:
Step one: Labor market test
Employers must request a labor market test to demonstrate that no suitable Belgian or EU candidate is available for the position. The test is initiated through the relevant regional service, with role details supplied by the employer. Deel automates the submission process, helping to reduce administrative steps.
Tip: Running the labor-market test in parallel with document collection can help shorten timelines.
Step two: Collect and verify documentation
Required documentation includes proof of the candidate’s qualifications and a signed employment contract. Employees can upload scanned copies via Deel, which sends automated reminders and flags incomplete or non-compliant documents.
Tip: Certified translations are recommended to avoid delays in review.
Step three: Submit the work permit application
Once the labor-market test is complete and all documents are prepared, the application is filed with the relevant regional employment office (Flanders, Wallonia, or Brussels). Deel’s platform pre-fills the necessary forms with employer and employee data to minimize errors.
Tip: Requirements vary by region; confirming local rules in advance can prevent rework.
Step four: Processing and status tracking
Work permit processing times range from 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the permit type and region. Both the sponsoring organization and the employee can track progress through Deel’s visa tracker, which provides real-time status alerts.
Tip: Setting projected start dates at least 12 weeks out reduces the risk of delays impacting onboarding.
Step five: Finalize permit and registration
Following approval, the visa sticker and work permit card are issued, and local registration with authorities must be completed within 8 days of arrival. Deel supplies a step-by-step guide to support this stage, including assistance with booking commune appointments.
Tip: Scheduling the commune appointment immediately after permit approval helps secure earlier availability.
I was still in China and Deel took care of everything. I sent in my documents and made the payment, and everything was done.
—Michael Li,
General Manager at AMB Digital Agency
Platform Tour
What is the cost of a visa and work permit in Belgium?
Visa and work permit costs in Belgium vary based on permit class, applicant nationality, and included dependents. Government fees are the primary drivers, supplemented by any service surcharges.
| Visa Type | Government Fees | Documentation Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Single Permit (A Card) | Visa application: EUR 180 Resident card issuance: EUR 138 | Documentation fees: USD 250 + expenses + applicable government fees |
| EU Blue Card (H Card) | EU Blue Card application: Up to EUR 200 (varies by job title and location) Consular visa fee: EUR 180–250 (depends on consulate/embassy) Residence ID card fee: EUR 30–80 (depends on local authority) | Documentation fees: USD 250 + expenses + applicable government fees |
| Family Reunification (Dependent Visa) | Application fee: Up to EUR 250 (varies by place of work/residence) Consular visa fee: EUR 180–250 (depends on consulate/embassy) Residence ID card fee: EUR 30–80 (depends on local authority) | Documentation fees: USD 250 + expenses + applicable government fees |
Is Deel Immigration the best choice for hiring in Belgium?
Absolutely. Deel Immigration simplifies the complexities of Belgium’s multi-region immigration system, ensuring fast, compliant work-permit processing for your global hires. With expert guidance and technology-driven tools, Deel is the top partner for seamless Belgian immigration management.
- End-to-end immigration management covering labor-market tests, permit filing, and renewals
- Fast free visa assessments with detailed eligibility and cost breakdowns within 48 hours
- Personalized expert support navigating regional differences across Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels
- Self-serve document uploads paired with automated reminders to avoid delays
- Real-time application tracking through Deel’s in-app visa tracker with instant status alerts
With Deel Immigration, you get the speed, transparency, and compliance assurance needed to hire confidently in Belgium.
We leave everything in Deel's hands ... but it is good to have transparency and a lot of visibility as to how the case is developing.
—Valeria Rosati,
HR Operations Lead at Taktile
Hire employees in Belgium faster with Deel Immigration
Deel’s comprehensive immigration platform takes the headache out of Belgium’s labor-market tests and permit applications. Benefit from end-to-end immigration management that coordinates filings across federal and regional authorities, ensuring all documentation meets Belgian legal requirements. This streamlined process reduces Belgium visa processing time and minimizes costly errors.
Additionally, Deel’s personalized expert support means you have immigration specialists guiding you every step of the way—whether clarifying salary thresholds for the EU Blue Card or helping with dependent visa applications. Together with automated renewal reminders and real-time application tracking, Deel empowers your HR team to onboard talent in Belgium faster and with confidence.
Book a free consultation today to discover how our tailored services can simplify your Belgian hiring and immigration compliance.
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FAQs
What are the typical government filing fees for Belgian work permits?
Fees range from approximately €200 to €700 (USD 220 to USD 770) depending on the permit type and region.
Can dependents of work-permit holders obtain visas to join them in Belgium?
Yes, dependents can apply for Visa D – Family Reunification, which aligns with the sponsor’s permit duration and can be renewed.
Does Belgium offer a digital-nomad or remote-work visa?
No, Belgium currently requires remote workers to apply under standard work permit rules; no dedicated digital-nomad visa is available.
What distinguishes a work visa from the EU Blue Card in Belgium?
The EU Blue Card is for highly skilled workers meeting higher salary thresholds (€55,000+) and offers longer validity (up to 4 years) and EU mobility benefits, while standard work permits have shorter durations and broader eligibility.
Are there labor-market tests or quotas for hiring foreign workers in Belgium?
Yes, employers must demonstrate through regional labor-market tests that no suitable Belgian or EU candidate is available for the position.
Can employees change employers while on a Belgian work permit?
Changing employers requires submitting a new work-permit application and passing the labor-market test again.
What happens if a visa application is denied?
Applicants can appeal or reapply, but must address reasons for denial; Deel’s expert support helps improve approval chances.
Are there tax and social security implications for foreign workers in Belgium?
Yes, work-permit holders must comply with Belgian tax and social security laws; Deel can assist with payroll and compliance.
Are there travel restrictions while on a Belgian work permit?
Work permits allow travel within the Schengen area, but re-entry to Belgium requires a valid permit and visa.
How can one obtain permanent residency in Belgium?
After continuous legal residence (usually 5 years), permit holders may apply for permanent residency subject to language and integration requirements.
What immigration compliance responsibilities do employers have in Belgium?
Employers must maintain valid sponsorship, submit renewals timely, and comply with labor-market test and reporting rules.
Are language proficiency requirements enforced?
While not always mandatory for permits, knowledge of local languages aids integration and may be required for permanent residency.
Is health insurance mandatory for work-permit holders?
Yes, Belgian public health insurance coverage is required for all foreign workers.
How does Deel support Belgian immigration processes?
Deel provides fast visa assessments, automates document collection, manages filings, tracks applications in real time, supports dependent visas, and sends automated renewal reminders to keep your Belgian workforce compliant and mobile.
Ellie Merryweather is a content marketing manager with a decade of experience in tech, leadership, startups, and the creative industries. A long-time remote worker, she's passionate about WFH productivity hacks and fostering company culture across globally distributed teams. She also writes and speaks on the ethical implementation of AI, advocating for transparency, fairness, and human oversight in emerging technologies to ensure innovation benefits both businesses and society.
