Work Permits
To employ a non-European national in Belgium, it is generally necessary to apply for authorisation for them to work. If the application is approved, the foreign national receives either a work permit (which is valid for a maximum of 90 days) or a permit obtained through the single permit procedure. A "single permit" (to be requested via the digital counter "Working in Belgium") certifies the right to stay and work in Belgium for a period of more than 90 days.
Whom does this concern?
- An employer in Belgium wishing to employ a non-European citizen in their company.
- An employer abroad asking one of their employees to work in Belgium.
- Foreign nationals wishing to work in Belgium as an employee.
However, in certain cases it is not required to request an employment authorisation because the foreign national is exempt from work permit. It depends on the worker's residence situation and the duration of his or her employment in Belgium.
What do you need to do?
Are you in a situation for which an employment authorisation is required before employing a foreign national in Belgium?
Know which application to fileDid you receive an employment authorisation for over a year?
Then you have to send us several documents every year. That should happen at the latest a month after the year mark of the validity start date of the employment authorisation.
Checks
The Inspection régionale de l'Emploi (regional labour inspectorate) is responsible for checking compliance with the laws and regulations governing the employment of foreign nationals.
Minimal remuneration
As a reminder, every worker should be remunerated in accordance with the Belgian legislation (for instance, the competent joint committee), and this remuneration cannot be lower than 1.954,99 € (collective labour agreement no. 43 of the National Labour Council).