Country Profiles

Belgium

January 2012

This summary is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered an authoritative guide on how to obtain work authorization in Belgium. The intent is to give the reader a general overview of the process only. Procedures and requirements may have changed since the writing of this article. For current and detailed information regarding the topics below, as well as documentary requirements, processing times, post-arrival and departure requirements, penalties for non-compliance, allowances for accompanying family members, and any other information pertaining to your specific needs, please contact your Pro-Link GLOBAL immigration professional.

Overview

BUSINESS VISITOR

Permitted Activities - Business visitors must generally limit their activities to the following:

  • Attending business meetings or discussions
  • Making sales calls to potential clients provided that the visitor represents a commercial entity outside of Belgium
  • Attending seminars or "fact-finding" meetings

Type of Business Visas - Certain nationals may enter Belgium without need of a business visa (visa-exempt nationals). All other nationals will require a business visa (Schengen "C" visa).

Basic Requirements -

  1. Intention of a genuine visit for business and not for paid employment;
  2. Valid passport;
  3. Evidence that there are no restrictions on his or her traveling to Belgium;
  4. No intention to permanently reside in Belgium;
  5. A ticket for onward travel from Belgium;
  6. Proof of funds.

Estimated Processing Times - This varies by diplomatic post and country.

Maximum Time On Visa - This visa allows business people to make a short business visit to Austria for up to 90 cumulative days within a 180-day period. Schengen "C" visas generally cannot be extended in country.

Typical Documents Required -
All travelers need to present the following documents to officers in immigration clearance:

  • a valid passport or other acceptable travel document and in some cases
  • a valid visa or authority to enter Belgium
  • proof of international medical insurance evidencing coverage of at least €30,000 in addition to certain other coverages

EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION

Basic Requirements - The principal immigration category for temporary employment in Belgium is the Work Permit Type B. This is a category for employers to sponsor qualified skilled workers to work as intra-company transferees in Belgium on a temporary basis.


Process Overview - The process for obtaining a Temporary Residence Visa for intra-company, skilled workers involves a four-step process summarized below.

  1. Work authorization application
  2. Dvisa application
  3. Local Registration

Please note that the above process assumes the registration of the Belgian sponsoring company with the Ministry of Labor. This is a mandatory requirement and we can assist if necessary.

Estimated Processing Time - four to eight weeks

Validity periods - Visas are generally valid for up to twelve months.

Family Members -Secondary/ family dependents can not work without additional approval.