As of 1 March, the employer must now submit a single permit application in two specific cases for researchers with a hosting agreement

Researcher with hosting agreement

If the non-EU worker is a researcher who comes to work under a hosting agreement, the need for and type of authorisation varies according to whether or not they have already been employed in another EU Member State with a hosting agreement and according to the work period in Belgium.

(art. 2.36° and 9.3° of the RD of 09/06/1999)

The researcher is not in possession of a permit for a researcher obtained in another EU Member State. They will work in Belgium for a maximum of 90 days.

You do not need to apply for a work permit from Brussels Economy and Employment to work in Belgium. (automatic exemption under article 2.26 RD 09/06/1999)

The researcher is not in possession of a permit for a researcher obtained in another EU Member State. They will work in Belgium for more than 90 days.

(art. 9,3 AR 09/06/1999)

Apply for a single permit

The researcher is already in possession of a permit for a researcher with a hosting agreement issued by another EU Member State. The researcher will work in Belgium for a maximum of 180 days over a period of 360 days.

You do not need to apply for a work permit from Brussels Economy and Employment to work in Belgium. (automatic exemption under article 2.26 RD 09/06/1999)

The researcher is already in possession of a permit for a researcher with a hosting agreement issued by another EU Member State. The researcher will work in Belgium for more than 180 days.

(art. 9,3 AR 09/06/1999)

Apply for a unique permit with long-term mobility

Does this not apply to you?

Check the page "Other case"

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 on coordination between policies on work permits and residence permits and the legislation on employment and residence of foreign workers

Law dated 15 December 1980 on access to the territory, residence, establishment and removal of foreigners

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

Royal Decree dated 24 December 2020 amending the Royal decree dated 8 octobre 1981 concerning access to the territory, the residence, the location and expulsion of foreign nationals benefiting from the agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland from EU (.pdf)

Law of 16 December 2020 on the beneficiaries of the agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the EU and the EAEC

Notice concerning personal data (.pdf)