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Belgium

Disclaimer
Immigration Overview

Belgium offers a well-structured immigration framework that welcomes international professionals, students, and company transferees. The system focuses on integrating residence and employment rights through streamlined permits that align with EU standards, while maintaining regional flexibility across Flanders, Brussels, and Wallonia.

Highly qualified candidates can benefit from the EU Blue Card, while intra-corporate transferees have access to a dedicated ICT Card. For short or project-based stays, the Work Permit B and the Long-Stay Visa D facilitate legal entry and employment in the country.

Overall, Belgium's immigration system is designed to balance talent attraction with compliance, offering clear pathways for skilled professionals, corporate mobility, and international graduates seeking to build their careers in the heart of Europe.

Last updated: November 2025
European Union Blue Card


For non-EU/EEA nationals holding higher education credentials (or equivalent experience) and a binding job offer in Belgium at a high salary level.

Total application lead timeMust follow single permit plus Blue Card rules; typical processing within standard single permit timelines (up to 90 days + region processing).
ProcessEmployer submits the application for the single permit with Blue Card indication; job offer must be for at least 6 months; meet salary criteria; then non-EU national applies for relevant visa/residence.
Labor market testsIn many cases labour market test may be waived due to highly qualified status, but details depend on region.
Required employment relationshipEmployment contract in Belgium for at least six months for a highly qualified position with relevant diploma/experience.
Minimum salary requirementsYes -- For 2025: e.g., in Brussels region minimum monthly gross salary for Blue Card is €4,748.00 (≈ €56,976 annually) and in Walloon ‎€66,738 annually.
Work authorization validity periodUp to 3 years depending on contract; renewable.
Cost (Gov't)Fee example: €126 (as per EC data) for Blue Card application (Belgium) in some regions.
Intra-Corporate Transfer Card


Allows managers, specialists, and trainee employees of multinational companies to transfer from a non-EU branch to a Belgian entity for a temporary assignment.

Total application lead timeRoughly 90 days maximum from submission (often faster if dossier complete).
ProcessEmployer or host entity in Belgium applies for a Single Permit with ICT designation to the relevant regional authority. The employee then applies for a Visa D to enter Belgium.
Quotas / RatiosEligibility Criteria for an ICT Card
To be able to apply for an ICT Card you must meet the following criteria:
  • The host corporate in your home country and the entity established in the EU State belong to the same undertaking or group, from which you work,
  • You are working as a manager, specialist or trainee employee.
  • You should possess the requisite professional qualifications.
  • You must have been working uninterruptedly for the corporate for at least 3 months (6 months for managers and specialists in the Brussels Capital Region)
  • The intra-corporate transfer is set to last more than three months.
  • The Employment Agency must approve the transfer.
  • There must be an employment contract for the duration of the transfer as well as an additional assignment letter to govern the transfer to the EU country.
    • Required employment relationshipMust remain employed by the sending company outside the EU; host entity in Belgium must belong to the same group.
    Minimum salary requirementsYes -- must meet regional salary thresholds for ICT workers (2025 examples):

    Managers/Specialists: ~€46,000-€52,000 gross annually (varies by region)

    Trainees: ~€29,000 gross annually
    Work authorization validity periodInitially valid for up to 1 year, renewable to a maximum of 3 years for managers/specialists or 1 year for trainees.
    Cost (Gov't)Application fee around €366 for the Single Permit/ICT process (federal administrative contribution).
    Long Stay Visa Type D


    A national visa that allows non-EU nationals to enter Belgium for stays exceeding 90 days, usually to work, study, or join family. It is the standard entry visa preceding residence authorisation.

    Total application lead timeAverage 4-8 weeks, but can extend up to 12 weeks depending on the embassy and whether linked to a work permit.
    ProcessApplicant submits the visa D application at a Belgian embassy or consulate abroad once the regional authority or Immigration Office has approved the relevant work/single permit. Documents include passport, proof of authorisation, and insurance.
    Required employment relationshipIf issued for work, must have a Belgian employer or host entity holding a valid single or work permit approval.
    Work authorization validity periodVisa D itself is generally valid for up to 90 days for entry, after which the holder registers locally and receives a residence card valid for the approved stay (often 1-3 years).
    Cost (Gov't)Visa fee approximately €180, plus possible regional administrative fees.
    Schengen C Visa


    Short-term visa allowing stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area for tourism, business meetings, or short professional visits.

    Total application lead timeTypically 15 calendar days, but processing can take up to 45 days during busy periods or if additional checks are required.
    ProcessApply at the embassy or consulate of the main destination country. Applications require a completed form, valid passport, travel insurance, proof of accommodation, and evidence of financial means. Biometrics and interview may be required.
    Work authorization validity periodUp to 90 days within any 180-day period across the Schengen Area.
    Cost (Gov't)€90 standard fee (adults); €45 for children aged 6-12. Fees may vary slightly by country or be waived for certain applicants.
    Source: MBA-Exchange.com analysis based on its own data and the most reliable sources