EU Blue Card (Type D - Highly Qualified Worker)
Embassy required
- Processing time
- 2-3 months
- Fee
- EUR 180 (consular fee) + EUR 152 (contribution fee)
- Validity
- Duration of work contract plus 3 months, maximum 4 years, renewable
- Entry
- Multiple entry
The EU Blue Card is for highly qualified non-EU workers. Applicants must hold a higher education degree of at least 3 years (bachelor's or equivalent) and have a work contract with a gross annual salary meeting regional thresholds. Belgium does not apply a labour market test for Blue Card applications. 2025 salary thresholds: Flanders EUR 63,586/year, Brussels EUR 61,011/year, Wallonia EUR 56,112/year. 2026 thresholds have been increased. The Blue Card allows intra-EU mobility after 12 months.
Eligibility
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Nationality
All non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens meeting the Blue Card qualification and salary requirements
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Employment
Must have a work contract or binding job offer with a Belgian employer meeting minimum salary thresholds. No labour market test required.
Required status: Employed or with binding job offer meeting regional salary threshold
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Financial
Gross annual salary must meet or exceed regional thresholds: Flanders EUR 63,586, Brussels EUR 61,011, Wallonia EUR 56,112 (2025 figures)
Minimum funds: EUR 56,112 - EUR 63,586/year depending on region
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: Standard medical certificate for Belgian long-stay; 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 + EU Blue Card 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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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
Gather higher education degree (minimum 3-year bachelor's), degree equivalence recognition if required, work contract meeting salary threshold, CV, passport, photos, police clearance, and medical certificate.
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Fee payment
Pay contribution fee of EUR 152 via bank transfer.
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Document submission
Employer submits EU Blue Card application to the competent Region.
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Processing wait
Wait for Blue Card approval (typically 2-3 months).
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Online application
Apply for Type D visa at Belgian embassy/consulate after Blue Card approval.
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Visa collection
Collect passport with Type D visa. Register with local municipality within 8 days of arrival.