Work / Immigration visa · Belgium to Cote d'Ivoire

Work Permit and Residence Visa

Embassy required

• Processing time: 42 business days (6-8 weeks)
• Fee: Varies by employer and work permit type
• Validity: 1 year (renewable)
• Entry: Single entry

Work permit and residence visa issued together. Employer must advertise position for 1 month in national newspaper before hiring foreign worker. Valid for one year for fixed-term or permanent contract.

Eligibility

• Employment

  Job vacancy must be advertised for 1 month in national daily newspaper. Position can only be filled by foreign worker if no qualified national candidate found.

  Required status: Employment under fixed-term or permanent contract

• Purpose of visit

  Employment under fixed-term or permanent contract.

  Includes

  • Employment

Documents you need

• Passport

  Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

• Employment letter

  Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.

  Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: Yes

• Application form

  Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

  Form name: Work permit and visa application

• Proof of address

  Provide current address evidence, such as a utility bill, tenancy document, residence certificate or official correspondence.

  Accepted documents: Proof of residence in Côte d'Ivoire for stays exceeding 3 months

• Work contract

  Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.

  Must be notarized: Yes; Must be translated: No

• International vaccination card

  Required vaccinations: Yellow fever vaccination certificate; Validity months: 120

How to apply

1. Document gathering

   Employer advertises position in national newspaper for 1 month and obtains AGEPE authorization.

2. Online application

   Employer submits work contract to AGEPE for approval using specified form.

3. Document submission

   Submit work permit and residence visa application with approved employment contract.

4. Processing wait

   Wait for work permit processing (6-8 weeks for long-term permits).

5. Visa collection

   Collect approved work permit and residence visa valid for one year.

This information is general guidance only and can change frequently. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for help.