Researcher

If the non-European worker is a researcher, the need for and the type of authorisation to work vary according to the duration of the employment in Belgium, whether or not this person has a hosting agreement and whether or not this person has already been employed in another EU member state with a hosting agreement.

The researcher/scientist will work in Belgium for 90 days at most and will take part in a scientific programme.

(Art. 18, § 1, 1° DBCR, 16 May 2024)

You do not need to apply for a work permit from Brussels Economy and Employment (automatic exemption).

This exemption applies to a researcher/scientist taking part in a scientific programme at a host university or a Belgian scientific institution and staying on Belgian soil for 90 days per calendar year at most for these activities.

The researcher will work in Belgium for 90 days at most and has a hosting agreement.

(Art. 29, DBCR, 16 May 2024)

You do not need to ask Brussels Economy and Employment for an authorisation to work (automatic exemption, during 90 days at most, over a period of 180 days).

The researcher will work in Belgium for more than 90 days and has a hosting agreement.

(Art. 29, DBCR, 16 May 2024)

If the researcher is living in Belgium:

Apply for a single permit

The authorisation to work is issued for the duration of the hosting agreement, with a maximum duration of three years. Renewals are possible after that period.

If the researcher is not living in Belgium (cross-border commuter or working from home outside Belgium):

You do not need to ask Brussels Economy and Employment for an authorisation to work (automatic exemption).

If the researcher already has a researcher’s permit with a hosting agreement issued by another EU member state and will be working in Belgium for 180 days at most, over a period of 360 days:

You do not need to ask Brussels Economy and Employment for an authorisation to work (automatic exemption).

If the researcher already has a researcher’s permit with a hosting agreement issued by another EU member state and will be working in Belgium for more than 180 days:

Apply for a long-term mobility single permit

The authorisation to work is issued for the duration of the hosting agreement, with a maximum duration of three years. Renewals are possible after that period.

Are you in another situation?

Regulation

Royal decree dated 6 June 2019 amending the Royal decree dated 8 October 1981 concerning access to the country, the residence, the location and expulsion of foreign nationals

Royal decree dated 2 September 2018 implementing the law dated 9 May 2018 with regard to the employment of foreign nationals in a specific residence situation

Notice concerning personal data treatment by and or for the SPRB-GOB (.pdf)