EXPLAINER: THE BELGIAN SINGLE PERMIT
The Flemish labour market is tight, and employers are increasingly turning to talent from outside the EU. Employees who come to work for longer than 90 days need a combined permit (“single permit”): one procedure that covers both access to the labour market and the right of residence. This explainer outlines what the single permit is, how to apply, which documents are required, and the timelines involved.
Third-country nationals (outside the EU/EEA) generally need both a work and a residence permit. With the single permit, this becomes a single track: the right of residence is tied to the right to work in Flanders, so you don’t have two separate files.
STEP 1 — DETERMINE YOUR CATEGORY
The single-permit procedure applies only to employees (self-employed persons require a professional card). The category determines conditions, evidence, and processing times. The Flemish authorities recognise, among others:
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Highly skilled — Profile with at least bachelor’s/master’s level (min. 3 years) or qualification level 5 (minimum salary thresholds apply).
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Managerial — Manages the company and staff (higher salary thresholds apply).
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Medium-skilled position — For roles with a structural shortage that appear on the migration list (easier entry compared to the “other” category).
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Specialised technician — For assembly/commissioning of a delivered installation or for maintenance/repairs.
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Seasonal worker — Seasonal work in horticulture or hospitality.
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Professional sportsperson — Elite athlete, coach, or referee with an employment contract for paid sports (specific income requirements apply).
STEP 2 — GATHER THE RIGHT DOCUMENTS
As a rule, the following documents are required:
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Copy of a valid passport;
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Extract from the criminal record (foreign documents often need to be legalised);
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Medical certificate;
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Proof of payment of the administrative fee (retributie);
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Employer’s declaration (affiliation with a health insurance fund after arrival);
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Employment contract or a category-specific document (e.g., a hosting agreement for researchers).
The precise documents required differ from category to category.
STEP 3 — SUBMIT THE APPLICATION
The application is filed digitally via the single portal “Working in Belgium”. The Flemish Region assesses the work component; the Immigration Office (Dienst Vreemdelingenzaken) decides on residence. If granted, there is one combined decision. If the employee is still abroad, a type-D visa is issued via the embassy, followed by registration with the municipality.
STEP 4 — WAIT FOR A DECISION
The statutory decision period is generally four months, calculated from the date the file is declared complete and admissible. For certain profiles, shorter maximums apply, although in exceptional circumstances the authorities may extend the deadline.
CONCLUSION
For a single-permit application, precision matters from the start: the right category, complete documents, and tight follow-up. Schedule a short consultation — we’ll set your file in motion with care.
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