Work Visa - Single Permit (Type D)
Embassy required
- Processing time
- 8-16 weeks (120 days from admissibility for Single Permit)
- Fee
- EUR 180 (consular fee) + EUR 152 (contribution fee)
- Validity
- Duration of work contract, typically 1-3 years, renewable
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens wishing to work in Belgium for more than 90 days must obtain a Single Permit, which combines work authorization and residence permit into one application. The employer initiates the application to the competent Region (Flanders, Wallonia, or Brussels based on principal place of work). The Immigration Office and the Region jointly process the request. As of 2026, Flanders targets 45-day processing for all work authorization applications. Salary thresholds vary by region and are adjusted annually.
Eligibility
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Nationality
All non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens with a valid job offer from a Belgian employer
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Employment
Must have a signed employment contract or binding job offer from a Belgian employer. The employer must demonstrate the position cannot be filled by an EU/EEA worker (labour market test), unless exempt.
Required status: Employed or with confirmed job offer
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Criminal record
Must provide a clean criminal record certificate (police clearance)
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 12
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Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: 35mm x 45mm, color, white background
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Medical certificate
Provide medical evidence from a recognised doctor or clinic when the route asks for health confirmation.
Required tests: Medical certificate attesting applicant is not infected with diseases endangering public health; Validity months: 6
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Type D Visa Application Form + Single Permit Application; Form url: https://visaonweb.diplomatie.be/
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Bank transfer; Amount: EUR 180 (consular) + EUR 152 (contribution fee)
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Curriculum vitae
Provide a current CV showing education, work history and relevant qualifications.
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Professional license
Accepted licenses: Relevant professional qualifications and degree certificates; Must be translated: Yes
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Good conduct certificate
Issuing authority: Issuing authority; Validity months: 6
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Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: Yes
How to apply
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Document gathering
Employer prepares the Single Permit application including work contract, company registration, proof that the position could not be filled by EU/EEA workers (if applicable), and employee's qualifications.
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Fee payment
Pay the contribution fee of EUR 152 via bank transfer to the Immigration Office.
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Document submission
Employer submits the Single Permit application to the competent Region (Flanders, Wallonia, or Brussels-Capital). The Region and Immigration Office jointly assess the application.
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Processing wait
Wait for joint processing by the Region and Immigration Office. Standard processing time is 120 days from admissibility. Flemish region targets 15 days for highly skilled workers.
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Online application
Once the Single Permit is approved, apply for a Type D visa at the Belgian embassy/consulate in your country of residence.
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Visa collection
Collect passport with Type D visa. Upon arrival in Belgium, register with local municipality within 8 days to receive your electronic residence/work permit card.