🇧🇪 Belgium · Work Visa
Work permit categories, eligibility, sponsorship, application steps, and processing times.
Quick answer
Non-EU nationals need a single permit (combined work and residence), usually employer-sponsored; EU citizens work freely. Belgium's regions (Flanders, Wallonia, Brussels) handle the work-authorisation part.
Non-EU nationals generally need a single permit (combined work and residence), applied for through the competent region; the federal Immigration Office handles entry and residence.
- The single permit combines work authorization and residence in one application.
- Work authorization is a regional competence (Flanders, Wallonia, Brussels).
- EU/EEA and Swiss nationals do not need a work permit.
Official authorities
- Business.belgium.be — Work permits
Official guidance on permits and hiring.
- Immigration Office
Entry and residence administration.
Frequently asked questions
What is the single permit?
A combined work-and-residence permit for non-EU workers, applied for by the employer through the relevant region.
Do the regions differ?
Yes — Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels set their own labour-market rules and salary thresholds for work authorisation.
Do EU citizens need a permit?
No — EU/EEA and Swiss citizens work freely, registering with the local commune.
Official-information aggregation, not legal advice. Always verify on the authority's own site.