🇧🇪Work visa options in Belgium

The Single Permit (Permis Unique in French, Gecombineerde Vergunning in Dutch) is Belgium's standard combined work and residence authorization for non-EU workers. Introduced to streamline what was previously a two-step process, the Single Permit is now the default route for most employment-based immigration to Belgium. Your employer initiates the application by filing with the regional authorities — and this is where Belgium's federal structure creates complexity, because each region (Brussels-Capital, Wallonia, and Flanders) has its own salary thresholds and processing procedures.

The EU Blue Card in Belgium targets highly qualified non-EU professionals and offers a faster, more streamlined alternative to the standard Single Permit. The key requirement is a higher salary threshold: €60,998 per year for 2026, which is significantly above the Single Permit thresholds. You must also hold a recognized higher education degree of at least three years duration that is relevant to the position. In return, you benefit from a process that is handled at the federal level rather than through regional authorities, avoiding some of the complexity inherent in Belgium's federal system.

The Professional Card (Carte Professionnelle in French, Beroepskaart in Dutch) is Belgium's authorization for non-EU nationals who wish to engage in self-employed or freelance activities. This includes entrepreneurs starting a business, independent consultants, freelancers, and professionals practicing a regulated profession. The Professional Card is managed by the regional authorities, so the application process and evaluation criteria can vary between Brussels, Wallonia, and Flanders.