Travel to Belgium for work

This guide is for British citizens travelling for business or other work purposes. It explains what employers, employees, or the self-employed need to do if they need a visa or permit.

This information is provided as a guide only. You must always check the exact application process and document requirements with Belgium’s embassy or immigration authorities.

Entry requirements

If you’re going to Belgium to work (or any other EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein) you must make sure you meet passport and other travel requirements.. 

Belgium is in the Schengen area. If you’re travelling for business for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, you may be able to do some business-related activities without needing a visa or permit, such as attend business meetings. It does not matter how many countries you visit in the Schengen area. Your total stay must be no more than 90 days in every 180 days. The 180-day period keeps ‘rolling’.‘rolling’. 

If you’re staying for longer, or for other types of work, you may need a visa or permit.permit. 

The Belgian authorities are responsible for setting and enforcing entry rules. They decide which activities need a visa or permit, or which may be exempt.exempt. 

You’ll need to check the specific rules of the region you’re going to:to: 

• Flanders 
• Wallonia 
• Brussels 

If you’re working in more than one country, you need to check the entry rules of each country.country. 

If you need a passport, visa or permit, you should apply well in advance of travel.travel. 

Visa and permit documentsdocuments 

This guide explains the general application process for some of the visa or permit types available in Belgium. It includes a checklist of documents that you’ll usually need to include when applying.applying. 

It may not cover all scenarios so you must always check the exact application process and document requirements with Belgium’s embassy or immigration authorities.. 

You must also check what format the documents should be presented in, including if they must be:be: 

• translatedtranslated 
• ‘legalised’ (with an apostille) or notarisednotarised 
• originals, or if copies are acceptableacceptable 
• signed in ink (a wet signature), or if they can be signed electronically (an e-signature)e-signature) 
• dated within a certain period of time, such as 30 days before you submit your applicationapplication. 

Countries often use the terms visa, work permit and residence permit differently. For example, some may refer to a work permit as a visa.visa. 

This guide uses the same terms used in Belgium, so you know which ones to use when speaking to the Belgian authorities.authorities. 

Check if you need a visa or permitpermit 

You do not need a visa or permit if you’re travelling to Belgium for up to 90 days in a 180-day period for specific business-related activities. These activities can include:include: 

• running or attending job interviewsinterviews 
• attending trade fairs or seminar conventionsconventions 
• board meetingsmeetings 
• meeting clients or customers (rules can differ by region)region) 
• meeting colleagues, contractors or sellers (rules can differ by region)region) 
• negotiating, signing and executing deals or contractscontracts 
• touring a company facilityfacility 
• receiving goods supplied and manufactured by a Belgian companycompany 
• attending, speaking or presenting at a conference (paid or unpaid)unpaid) 
• tour guides or tour operators attending or participating in conventions or accompanying a tourtour 
• providing translation and interpretation services (if an employee of a UK firm)firm) 
• team building activitiesactivities 
• technical, scientific and statistical researchers carrying out research (under a hosting agreement)agreement) 
• marketing research or analysisanalysis 
• leisure travel, such as holidays or visiting friends or familyfamily 

Or for the following types of training, as long as it’s for the same company or group:group: 

• receiving classroom-based trainingtraining 
• providing classroom-based training (Flanders only)only) 
• shadowing someone’s jobjob 

These activities are usually allowed while travelling under the Schengen visa waiver.. 

While a permit is not required, your employer may need to submit a Limosa declaration to the Belgian authorities.authorities. 

Border checkschecks 

At the border, you may be asked to show:show: 

• proof of return travel, such as plane or train ticketstickets 
• health insurance that covers your staystay 
• proof of accommodation for your entire staystay 

• enough money for the duration of your triptrip 

• an invitation letter from your employer explaining your triptrip 

Check Belgium’s exemptionsexemptions 

Certain types of work and activities do not require a visa or permit because they’re exempt. All countries have their own exemptions. What may be exempt in one country may not be in another. You should always check with the country’s authorities.authorities. 

Each region in Belgium may also have its own exemptions and are not all covered in this guide. You’ll need to check with the individual authorities for a full list:list: 

• Flanders 
• Wallonia 
• Brussels 

The following examples may be exempt in some regions but not in others so you would have to check:check: 

• after-sales service work (urgent maintenance or repair) for up to 5 calendar days in a monthmonth 
• installing software for up to 8 calendar days a monthmonth 
• prototype testing for up to 4 weeks in a calendar year (only in Brussels)Brussels) 
• installing or assembling first or initial systems or products for up to 8 days (doesn’t(does not apply to those in the construction industry)industry) 
• self-employed workers staying in Belgium for business purposes for up to 5 days a monthmonth 
• athletes, referees, support staff, official representatives, staff members, and any others recognised by the international or national sporting federations, travelling to Belgium for an international sports competition – allowed only for the duration of the competition and for a maximum of 3 months in a calendar yearyear 
• artists with an international reputation performing in Flanders for up to 21 days a quarter (includes support staff)staff) 
• artists with an international reputation performing in Brussels or Wallonia for up to 90 days a quarter (includes support staff)staff) 
• international transport sector workers (transporting passengers or goods)goods) 
• staff at international institutions – only if the institution’s status is governed by a ratified international treatytreaty 
• public administration staff and diplomatsdiplomats 

You also do not need a visa or permit if attending closed circle meetings for a maximum of 20 consecutive days at a time and 60 days a year. This includes customer negotiations, staff evaluations and company strategy meetings. Check with the Belgian authorities if you’re not sure whether your meeting is a ‘closed circle meeting’.meeting’. 

While a permit is not required, your employer may need to submit a Limosa declaration to the Belgian authorities.authorities. 

Show proof of exemptionexemption 

You need to be able to show proof that you’re exempt to the authorities on request. This could be:be: 

• an assignment letterletter 
• employment confirmationconfirmation 
• a contractcontract 
• proof of required qualifications, such as a diploma and professional certificatescertificates 
• CVCV 

If you’re going for other business purposes or for more than 90 days, you may need a short or long-term permit.. 

Further checkschecks 

If you’re not sure if you need a visa or permit to travel you can get advice from the Belgian embassy.. 

Applying for a visa or permitpermit 

This guide outlines the steps required for each visa or permit. The application process and document requirements vary by region so they will have to tell you which ones you need.. 

Taking your familyfamily 

For the short-term permits listed in this guide your family won’twill not be able to get dependant visas. They can join you for up to 90 days under the visa waiver rules.. 

There may be different rules for taking families if you have a long-stay permit. Check with Belgium’s authorities on the exact process.process. 

Short and long-term permitspermits 

You need to apply for a short-term work permit if you’re in Belgium for up to 90 days in a 180-day period because you’re:you’re: 

• transferring short term to a Belgian branch of a UK-based company 
• providing short-term services to a client in Belgium 

You need to apply for a long-term permit if you’re in Belgium for more than 90 days because you’re:you’re: 

• transferring long term to the Belgian branch of a UK-based company 
• working for a Belgian company on a long-term Belgian employment contract 
• providing long-term services to a client in Belgium 
• carrying out self-employed work 
• conducting research work 

Long-term permits are valid for up to 3 years depending on which one you need.need. 

Transferring short term to a Belgian branch of a UK-based companycompany 

You need a short-term type B work permit if your UK-based employer is transferring you to a branch in Belgium.Belgium. 

To qualify you must:must: 

• meet minimum salary requirementsrequirements 
• keep your UK employment contractcontract 
• stay on UK payrollpayroll 

ThisA short-term type B permit can take between 4 toand 12 weeks to get.get but this may take longer. It’s valid for up to 3 months.months. 

How it worksworks 

You’ll need to check the exact process and which forms you need with the authority in the region as they vary. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.prepare. 

Your employer submits a:a: 

• work permit application to the regional employment authoritiesauthorities 
• Limosa declaration to the Belgian authoritiesauthorities 

Application documentsdocuments 

Belgian authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:need: 

• Limosa declarationdeclaration 
• UK passport, valid for 6 monthsmonths 
• CVCV 
• bachelor’s degree certificate from an accredited universityuniversity 
• signed employment contract with your UK employeremployer 
• signed assignment agreement with your UK employeremployer 
• social security cover certificatecertificate 
• authorised employer’s IDID 
• comprehensive health insurance cover for BelgiumBelgium 

Providing short-term services to a client in BelgiumBelgium 

You need a short-term work permit to provide support that requires specialised technical knowledge (such as installing, repairing and maintaining machinery) if your UK employer has a contract or work order with a Belgian company.company. 

Some of these activities do not require a permit if they’re only for a few days. Having this permit would allow you to carry out the work for a longer period of time.time. 

To qualify you must:must: 

• have relevant professional experienceexperience 
• keep your UK employment contractcontract 
• stay on UK payrollpayroll 

This permit can take between 4 toand 12 weeks to get.get but this may take longer. It’s valid for up to 3 months.months. 

How it worksworks 

You’ll need to check the exact process and which forms you need with the authority in the region as they vary. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.prepare. 

Your employer submits a:a: 

• work permit application to the regional employment authoritiesauthorities 
• Limosa declaration to the Belgian authoritiesauthorities  

Application documents

Belgian authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

• Limosa declarationdeclaration 
• UK passport, valid for 6 monthsmonths 
• CVCV 
• signed employment contract with your UK employeremployer 
• signed assignment agreement with your UK employeremployer 
• agreement between the UK employer and the Belgian company for the specific technical installation, repair, or maintenance workwork 
• social security cover certificatecertificate 
• authorised employer’s IDID 
• comprehensive health insurance cover for BelgiumBelgium 

Transferring long-term to a Belgian branch of a UK-based companycompany 

You need one of the following single permits if your UK-based company transfers you to a Belgian branch to work:work: 

• EU intra-company transfer permit (EU ICT) 
• for highly skilled workers and executives on assignment 

Single permit EU intra company transfer (EU ICT)ICT) 

You need a long-term EU intra-company transfer permit (ICT) if your UK-based company moves you to a Belgian branch to work for:for: 

• up to 3 yearsyears 
• 1 year if you’re a traineetrainee 

To qualify you must:must: 

• be a manager, specialist or traineetrainee 
• have worked for the company abroad for at least 3 to 6 months (depending on the region where the Belgian company is based)based) 
• have a bachelor’s level degree, or master’s degree for traineestrainees 
• keep your UK employment contractcontract 
• stay on UK payrollpayroll 

The EU ICT can take 3 months to get. It’s valid for 1 year. You can extend it for up to 3 years if you’re a manager or specialist.specialist. 

If you have a family they can join you with this permit type. Check with Belgium’s authorities on the exact process.process. 

How it works

works 

You’ll need to check the exact process and which forms you need with the authority in the region as they vary. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.prepare. 

1. Your employer submits your single permit application.. 

2. You apply for a long stay visa at the Belgian consulate.consulate. 

3. Your employer submits a Limosa declaration to the Belgian authorities.authorities. 

4. You register your residence at the local commune (local authority) when you get to Belgium.Belgium. 

5. You collect your foreigner identity card from the local commune.commune. 

Application documents

documents 

Belgian authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:need: 

• completed permit application formform 
• Limosa declarationdeclaration 
• UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 3 months after you intend to leave BelgiumBelgium 
• marriage certificate, if applying with familyfamily 
• birth certificate for any children, if applying with familyfamily 
• bachelor’s degree certificate from an accredited university, or a master’s degree certificate if you’re a traineetrainee 
• signed assignment agreement with your UK employeremployer 
• signed employment contract with your UK employeremployer 
• police clearance certificate, dated less than 6 months’ before the date of applying (legalised with an apostille)) 
• medical certificate, dated less than 6 months’ before the date of applyingapplying 
• social security cover certificatecertificate 
• comprehensive health insurance cover for BelgiumBelgium 

Single permit for highly skilled workers and executives on assignmentassignment 

You need this single permit if both of these apply:apply: 

• you’re highly skilled or executive-level personnelpersonnel 
• your UK-based company moves you to a Belgian branchbranch 

To qualify you must:must: 

• meet minimum salary requirementsrequirements 
• have at least 3 years’ education at bachelor’s degree level, unless you’re at executive levellevel 
• keep your UK employment contractcontract 
• stay on UK payrollpayroll 

This permit can take 23 to 4 months to get. It’s valid for up to 3 years and you can extend it.it. 

If you have a familyfamily, they can join you with this permit type. Check with Belgium’s authorities on the exact process.process. 

How it works

works 

You’ll need to check the exact process and which forms you need with the authority in the region as they vary. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.prepare. 

1. Your employer submits your work permit application.. 

2. You apply for a residency visa at the Belgian consulate.consulate. 

3. Your employer submits a Limosa declaration to the Belgian authorities.authorities. 

4. You register your residence at the local commune (local authority) when you get to Belgium.Belgium. 

5. You collect your foreigner identity card from the local commune.commune. 

Application documents

Belgian authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

• completed permit application formform 
• Limosa declarationdeclaration 
• UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 3 months after you intend to leave BelgiumBelgium 
• signed employment contract with your UK employeremployer 
• marriage certificate, if applying with familyfamily 
• birth certificate for any children, if applying with familyfamily 
• degree certificate from an accredited university, master’s degree for traineestrainees 
• police clearance certificate, dated less than 6 months’ before the date of applying (legalised with an apostille)) 
• medical certificate, dated less than 6 months’ before the date of applyingapplying 
• social security cover certificatecertificate 
• comprehensive health insurance cover for BelgiumBelgium 

Working for a Belgian company on a long-term Belgian employment contractcontract 

You need one of the following work permits if you are highly skilled and working on a Belgian employment contract:contract: 

• EU Blue Card for highly skilled work for at least a year 
• Single permit for highly skilled workers and executives for up to 3 years 

EU Blue CardCard 

To qualify for an EU Blue Card you must:must: 

• have an offer of employment from a Belgian company for at least 1 yearyear 
• be on Belgian payrollpayroll 
• meet minimum salary requirementsrequirements 
• have at least 3 years’ education at bachelor’s degree levellevel 

The EU Blue Card can take 2 to 3 months to get. It’s valid for up to 3 years and you can extend it. It may lead to permanent residence after 5 years’ continuous residency if you meet the criteria.criteria. 

If you have a family they can join you with this permit type. Check with Belgium’s authorities on the exact process.process. 

How it works

works 

You’ll need to check the exact process and which forms you need with the authority in the region as they vary. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.prepare. 

1. Your employer submits your single permit application.. 

2. You apply for a long-term visa at the Belgian consulate.consulate. 

3. You register your residence at the local commune when you get to Belgium.Belgium. 

4. You collect your foreigner identity card from the local commune.commune. 

Application documents

documents 

Belgian authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:need: 

• completed application formsforms 
• UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 3 months after you intend to leave BelgiumBelgium 
• employment contract or job offer from a Belgian companycompany 
• marriage certificate, if applying with familyfamily 
• birth certificate for any children, if applying with familyfamily 
• bachelor’s degree certificate from an accredited universityuniversity 
• police clearance certificate, dated less than 6 months’ before the date of applying (legalised with an apostille)) 
• medical certificate, dated less than 6 months’ before the date of applyingapplying 
• proof that you can support yourself during your stay, provided by the employment contractcontract 
• proof of accommodationaccommodation 
• comprehensive health insurance cover for BelgiumBelgium 

Single permit for highly skilled workers and executives hired locallylocally 

To qualify for a single permit you must:must: 

• have an offer of employment from a Belgian companycompany 
• have at least 3 years’ education at bachelor’s degree level, unless you will work as an executiveexecutive 
• be on Belgian payrollpayroll 
• meet minimum salary requirementsrequirements 

It can take 23 to 4 months to get. It’s valid for up to 3 years and you can extend it. This permit may lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.criteria. 

If you have a familyfamily, they can join you with this permit type. Check with Belgium’s authorities on the exact process.process. 

How it works

works 

You’ll need to check the exact process and which forms you need with the authority in the region as they vary. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.prepare. 

1. Your employer submits your work permit application.. 

2. You apply for a long stay visa at the Belgian consulate.consulate. 

3. You register your residence at the local commune (local authority) when you get to Belgium.Belgium. 

4. You collect your foreigner identity card from the local commune.commune. 

Application documents

documents 

Belgian authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:need: 

• completed application formform 
• UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 3 months after you intend to leave BelgiumBelgium 
• employment contract or job offer from the Belgian employeremployer 
• marriage certificate, if applying with familyfamily 
• birth certificate for any children, if applying with familyfamily 
• bachelor’s degree certificate from an accredited universityuniversity 
• police clearance certificate, dated less than 6 months’ before the date of applying (legalised with an apostille)) 
• medical certificate, dated less than 6 months’ before the date of applyingapplying 
• proof that you can support yourself during your stay, provided by the employment contractcontract 
• proof of accommodationaccommodation 

Providing long-term services to a client in BelgiumBelgium 

You need a single permit to provide services if your UK employer has a long-term contract or work order with a Belgian company. This is available to both individuals with specialist technical knowledge and highly skilled workers.workers. 

To qualify you must:must: 

• have relevant work experienceexperience 
• keep your employment contract with your UK employeremployer 
• stay on UK payrollpayroll 

This permit can take 23 to 4 months to get. It’s valid for up to 6 months (for those with specialist technical knowledge) and for up to 3 years (for highly skilled workers). You can extend it, although extensions will only be granted in limited situations.situations. 

If you have a familyfamily, they can join you with this permit type. Check with Belgium’s authorities on the exact process.process. 

How it worksworks 

You’ll need to check the exact process and which forms you need with the authority in the region as they vary. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.prepare. 

1. Your employer submits your work permit application to the local immigration office.office. 

2. You apply for a residency visa at the Belgian consulate.consulate. 

3. Your employer submits a Limosa declaration to the Belgian authorities.authorities. 

Application documentsdocuments 

Belgian authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:need: 

• completed application formform 
• Limosa declarationdeclaration 
• UK passport, valid for 3 months after you intend to leave BelgiumBelgium 
• signed employment contract with your UK employeremployer 
• signed assignment agreement with your UK employeremployer 
• after-sales agreement between the UK employer and the Belgian companycompany 
• police clearance certificate, less than 6 months’ old (legalised with an apostille)) 
• medical certificate, dated less than 6 months’ before the date of applyingapplying 
• social security cover certificatecertificate 
• comprehensive health insurance cover for BelgiumBelgium 

Self-employed workwork 

If you’re self-employed and want to work in Belgium you can apply for a professional card.card. 

To qualify you must:must: 

• comply with all regulatory obligationsobligations 
• show that your work is relevant to Belgium – this is measured in terms of ‘economic utility’utility’ 
• show how many jobs you’ll createcreate 
• provide proof of the economic benefitsbenefits 
• show the benefits for Belgian companiescompanies 
• outline the opportunities for exports, if applicableapplicable 
• show that your business is innovativeinnovative 
• show that your work has social and cultural benefitsbenefits 
• show that your professional activities in Belgium will provide you with sufficient incomeincome 
• be ‘socially insured’ (with healthcare insurance)insurance) 

A professional card can take up3 to 6 months to get. It’s valid for between 2 to 3 years and you can extend it.it. 

If you have a familyfamily, they can join you with this permit type. Check with Belgium’s authorities on the exact process.process. 

How it worksworks 

You’ll need to check the exact process and which forms you need with the authority in the region as they vary. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.prepare. 

You:You: 

• submit a professional card application to the Belgian embassyembassy 
• submit a visa applicationapplication 
• register your residence at your local commune (local authority) when you get to BelgiumBelgium 
• apply for a foreigner identity cardcard 

Application documentsdocuments 

Belgian authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:need: 

• UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 3 months after you intend to leave BelgiumBelgium 
• evidence that you’ve met all the criteria, such as a business planplan 
• police clearance certificate, dated less than 6 months’ before the date of applying (legalised with an apostille)) 
• medical certificate, dated less than 6 months’ before the date of applyingapplying 
• some professions require specific proof that you’re already established in your field – check with the Belgian embassy what you need to provideprovide 
• proof that you can support yourself during your staystay 
• proof of accommodationaccommodation 
• marriage certificate, if applying with familyfamily 
• birth certificate for any children, if applying with familyfamily 
• comprehensive health insurance cover for BelgiumBelgium 

Research workwork 

Researchers coming to Belgium under a hosting agreement may be able to travel under the Schengen visa waiver. However, for most research activities,activities exceeding 90 days, you will need a scientificresearcher visa if you want to work in Belgium.Belgium. 

To qualify you must:must: 

• have the required qualification certificate or degreedegree 
• have an offer of employment with a Belgian research institute, that’s recognised by the Belgium Federal Science Policy OfficeOffice 
• have a hosting agreement with the recognised research organisationorganisation 

AThis scientific visa can take 34 to 48 weeks to get. If the research institute needs to apply for recognition from the Federal Science Policy Office, this can take longer.longer. 

TheThis scientific visa is valid for up to 3 years and you can extend it.it. 

If you have a familyfamily, they can join you with this permit type. Check with Belgium’s authorities on the exact process.process. 

How it worksworks 

You’ll need to check the exact process and which forms you need with the authority in the region as they vary. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.prepare. 

You:You: 

• submit a scientific visa application to the Belgian consular authorities in the UKUK 
• register your residence at the local commune (local authority) when you get to BelgiumBelgium 
• collect your foreigner identity card from the local communecommune 

Application documentsdocuments 

Belgian authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:need: 

• UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 3 months after you intend to leave BelgiumBelgium 
• employment agreement between you (the researcher) and the recognised research institutioninstitution 
• evidence of all relevant information (including how you meet the required criteria)criteria) 
• marriage certificate, if applying with familyfamily 
• birth certificate for any children, if applying with familyfamily 
• police clearance certificate, dated less than 6 months’ before the date of applying (legalised with an apostille)) 
• medical certificate, dated less than 6 months’ before the date of applyingapplying 
• proof that you can support yourself during your staystay 
• proof of accommodationaccommodation 
• comprehensive health insurance cover for BelgiumBelgium 

Belgian government guidanceguidance 

Read official guidance on Belgium’s visas and work permits.. 

Make sure you always check the rules for the region where you’ll be staying:staying: 

• Flanders 
• Wallonia 
• Brussels 

Check for travel changeschanges 

European governments may update or change their rules without notice.notice. 

You should always check general travel advice for Belgium, for updates on issues, such as safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings before travelling, or planning to travel.travel.