Sportperson, trainer, referee ...
If the non-European worker is a professional athlete, accompanying staff or coach, the type of authorisation varies based on the type of stay in Belgium and its duration.
A) The athlete, their coach and accompanying persons, a referee or an official representative come to Belgium for an international competition.
(Art. 18, § 1, 1° DGBCR, 16 May 2024)
For the duration of the competition and a maximum of three months per calendar year:
You do not need to ask Brussels Economy and Employment for an authorisation to work (automatic Limosa exemption).
For an international sports competition, this exemption applies to the following persons: athletes, accompanying persons, referees, official representatives, members of staff and any other person recognised by international or national sports federations.
B) The professional athlete or trainer comes to work in Belgium for a certain period, under contract.
(Art. 20, §1, 5° DGBCR, 16 May 2024)
For example, an athlete coming to play for a club in Belgium or a trainer coming to train a club in Belgium.
The remuneration of the athlete/trainer has to reach a certain amount.
The athlete/trainer will be working in Belgium for more than 90 days
If the person will be living in Belgium:
The authorisation to work is issued for the duration of the employment contract, for a maximum period of one year. Renewals are possible after that period.
If the person will not be living in Belgium (cross-border commuter):
Apply for a long-term authorisation to work
The authorisation to work is issued for the duration of the employment contract, for a maximum period of one year. Renewals are possible after that period.
The athlete/trainer will be working in Belgium for 90 days at most
(Staying in Belgium/cross-border commuter)
Apply for a short-term authorisation to work
In case of successive jobs without any interruption, the previous periods are taken into account to calculate the 90 days. If the 90 days are exceeded, see procedure single permit.
Does this not apply to you?
Regulation
- Brussels-Capital Region Decree of 16 May 2024 implementing the Ordinance of 1 February 2024 on economic migration
- Ordinance of February 1, 2024 on economic migration in the "Work permits" regulation
- Cooperation agreement dated 2 February 2018 on the coordination of the policies with regard to granting employment authorisations and residence permits, as well as the norms pertaining to the employment and residence of foreign workers (.pdf)
- Cooperation agreement dated 6 December 2018 implementing the cooperation agreement of 2 February 2018
- Law dated 15 December 1980 on access to the territory, residence, establishment and removal of foreigners More
This section is currently being updated, to take account of the new regulations that came into force on 1 October 2024.
If you need any explanations, please contact us by e-mail at travail.eco@sprb.brussels. The section will be up in a few days.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.