Economic migration and free movement
Under the sixth state reform, economic migration became a regional competence.
The Flemish Region, the Brussels-Capital Region, the Walloon Region and the German-speaking Community are now empowered to formulate their own policies on economic migration, in line with the needs of their labour markets. As a result, the conditions for foreign nationals to gain access to the labour market may now vary depending on the region. The procedure for this, the single permit, is the same across the different regions (see below).
The federal government does, however, remain responsible for the rules on residence and employment for foreign nationals living in Belgium for reasons other than work.
Single permit
The single permit is a unique permit that grants authorisation to reside and work in Belgium for more than 90 days.
The procedure for the combined permit (single permit) came into force on 1 January 2019. Although economic migration policy and the conditions for work permits now differ by region, the procedure for a combined permit with the regional authorities and DVZ is the same in Flanders, Brussels, Wallonia and the German-speaking Community.
Professional cards for self-employed persons
Foreign nationals wishing to carry out a self-employed activity in Belgium must apply for a professional card. The validity period of such professional cards varies from region to region, as do the applicable conditions. They must demonstrate that their activity is of economic, social, cultural, artistic or sporting significance. Many people are exempt from the requirement for a professional card: citizens of the European Economic Area, foreign nationals with an unlimited right of residence, recognised refugees, partners assisting their spouse in his or her self-employed activity, etc.
International posting
If an employer based outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland sends one of their employees to Belgium to perform certain services, this is referred to as an international posting. In such cases, Belgium has concluded bilateral or multilateral agreements with those countries setting out social security rules. The employee will obtain a residence permit/work permit through the standard channels for economic migration.
Below is a general overview. For more detailed information, please contact the relevant regional authorities.
- Flanders: Working in Flanders | Vlaanderen.be
- Brussels: https://economie-werk.brussels/niet-eu-onderdanen
- Wallonia: https://emploi.wallonie.be/home/travailleurs-etrangers/permis-de-travail.html
- German-speaking Community: Ostbelgien Live - Arbeitserlaubnis
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