Working in Belgium: what do you need?

You are a non-EU national whose main reason for residing in Belgium is work

You must apply for a single permit through your employer. This permit is an electronic residence card which gives you 2 permits: to reside as well as to work.

More info from the federal authorities

All other non-Belgians who reside in Belgium

Whether you are permitted to work depends on your residence status. This is mentioned on your residence permit.

Contact the non-Belgians office for more information:

Residence permit for non-EU/EEA graduates or researchers whose research project has been completed (‘search year’)

Are you a non-EU/EEA student or researcher, and do you want to look for a job or set up your own business in Belgium after graduating or having completed your research project? In that case, you can apply for a temporary residence permit which gives you one year’s time to do so ('search year’).

Collection work permit B

Sometimes you do require a work permit B (e.g. to work in Belgium during a short stay, as au pair or during a working holiday). The city will send you an invitation to collect it at the city office, by appointment.

How to make an appointment?

If you are not in Belgium, you can only make an appointment by phone.

Make an appointment