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A Belgium work visa is the visa that you need to apply to work in Belgium. This visa is called the D visa or the national visa. The visa permits you to stay in the country for more than 90 days. After obtaining the work visa you can even apply for a residence permit. Thus, the work visa is a gateway for residing in Belgium. To apply for work visas, you need to know about the visa types, eligibility requirements, application process, and more. This blog covers everything you need to know about the D- Visas.
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An Overview of Belgium Work Visa
Belgium is a part of the Schengen area. Therefore, the country issues two visas: a short-stay Schengen visa and a long-term visa. You can apply for a short-stay Schengen visa if the purpose of your travel is tourism, visiting family or friends, etc. This visa only permits you to stay in the country for up to 90 days
On the other hand, a long-term visa is given to applicants wanting to stay in the country for more than 90 days. The visa is for several purposes. For example, studying in Belgium, working in Belgium, etc. Therefore, applicants wanting to work in Belgium are issued a long-term work visa. This visa is called the D visa. The D visa is issued for undertaking different types of work in the country. You can obtain the visa from a Belgium embassy or consulate general.
How Can I Get a Belgium Work Visa?
Are you interested in working in Belgium? Apply for a job, and then obtain a work permit from the employer. The employer on behalf of the employee applies for a work permit. (Self-employed individuals can apply for a single work permit). After obtaining the work permit you can apply for a work visa. The online application can be submitted at the Visa on Web (VOW) portal. You can stay in Belgium on a work visa, and apply for a residence permit. A residence permit for work is typically given for the duration of employment.
Belgium Work Visa Types
Belgium work visas are granted for different types of work. The following are provided below. This is a long-term visa granted for stays of more than 90 days.
- Year of Research: This visa is applied after completing studies in Belgium. The visa is given for up to a year for individuals to search for jobs or to set up a business in the country.
- Researchers: A researcher’s permit is given to undertake research activities in the country. A third-country national (For example, Indians) can apply for this permit.
- Au pair: A young person is hosted by a family in return for routine family tasks. In this case, the family provided food and accommodation for the person. You need to apply for a D visa and a work permit to start employment.
- Working Holiday Program: The Working holiday program is for staying in Belgium on a holiday while being employed.
- Seasonal: Work visas are available to seasonal workers as well.
- Interns: Interns who want to work for a company in Belgium to gain knowledge and experience can also apply for a D visa.
- ICT worker: Staff members of multinational companies outside the EU can apply for a work visa to undertake temporary professional activity or for training for the company.
- Volunteers: A D visa is also given to carry out voluntary work for a volunteering organisation recognised by the European Union.
Belgium Work Visa Requirements
To obtain a Belgium work visa you need to submit certain documents. The documents verify your identity and your eligibility to work in the country. Note: the documentation requirements differ based on the type of work visa you are applying for. Below, we have provided the general documentation requirements.
- Must have a passport that is issued within the last 10 years, has 2 blank pages, and must be valid for at least 12 months
- You need to provide identity proof and fill in the visa application form
- Proof of overseas health insurance. The health insurance obtained must be valid in all the Schengen countries.
- Minor children need to submit a separate application form by a parent or guardian
- Applicants who are included in your visa application also need to submit a separate form
- You need to submit at least 3 photographs of yourself
- A language preference form has to be filled out. You can choose between the 3 national languages of Belgium. Those who want to fill out their visa application in English must choose the option no preference
- You need to pay the visa application fee
- Provide a medical certificate to prove that you do not have any disease that can cause public harm.
- You also need to submit a non-criminal record certificate (applicants above the age of 18)
- A work permit obtained by an employer based in Belgium/his representative/regional employment service or provide a certificate stating that you do not require a work permit
- Additionally, submit any other documentation relating to your work visa.
To learn more about the Belgium work visa requirements download this Pdf
Application Process for Belgium Work Visa
The application process for a Belgium work visa is as follows. Before applying for the visa, ensure that you know about the visa you are applying for, and have translated the documents that are not in English to English.
- Visit the official website of Visa on the Web (Vow) to start the application process.
- Next, book a visa appointment at a visa application centre.
- On the date of your appointment carry the original documents along with you. You will also have your biometric information taken at the centre. You will have to appear in person at the visa application centre.
- You can track the status of your application after the application process is complete
- Once the outcome of your visa application is out you can collect your documents and passport from the visa application centre.
Fees for Belgium Work Visas
The Belgium work visa fees must be paid to process your visa application. The fees for Indian applicants are as follows:
| Belgium Visa Type | Visa Fee |
| Long Term Visa/D visa | EUR 80/ (INR 16740) |
Learn about the cost of living in Belgium
Processing Time for Belgium Work Visa
The processing time for a Belgium work visa is as follows. Ensure that you are submitting the visa application on time, and are not waiting for the last moment. The visa application processing can get delayed during holidays, summer months, and during specific seasons.
| Particulars | Visa Processing Time |
| Long term visa | 15 days |
| Visa extension | 30 days. |
How to Migrate to Belgium from India?
To immigrate to Belgium you need a long-stay visa or a D visa. A D visa is given under 3 circumstances- study, work, and family reunification.
- Study: A long-term study visa is granted to international students wanting to study in Belgium. The D visa is valid for the duration of your study program. After that, you can apply for a residence permit.
- Work: You can apply for a work visa (D visa) for a long-term stay. You can apply for a residence permit for the duration of your employment
- Family reunification: You can reunite with your family in Belgium on a long-term visa. You can also get a residence permit for this visa purpose.
You need to obtain a temporary residence permit if you are visiting the country on a long-term visa. This applies to all categories (study, work, and family reunification).
After successfully staying in Belgium for 5 years. You can apply for a permanent residence. A permanent residence permit is given if you meet its eligibility criteria. That is, you must integrate into society, clear language tests, etc. After staying in Belgium for 5 years you can apply for citizenship.
To learn about the core values of Belgium, watch the video below. The video can be helpful if you want to integrate into the Belgium society.
FAQs
To get Belgium permanent residence stay there for at least 5 years on a long-term visa. After that, you will be granted permanent residence based on your nationality, and reason for stay.
Yes. You can get a job in Belgium from India. To apply for jobs, visit popular job sites, and ensure that you meet the work requirements, and the employer would offer you a work permit. Next, apply for the selected job, get a work permit, and obtain a work visa.
Those who have managed to get a job in Belgium can get a work permit easily. The employer applies for the work permit on your behalf. The organisation you work for must be recognised in Belgium. For self employed persons, a single permit has to be obtained, instead of a work permit.
We hope you now understand all about the Belgium work visa. Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or you can connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey!
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