Ashford Immigration
A professional walking near the Mont des Arts in Brussels in the morning

BE · Europe

Immigrate to Belgium

At the heart of Europe, Belgium combines international careers, a central Schengen location and a multilingual way of life.
Capital
Brussels
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Languages
Dutch, French, German
Typical processing
3–6 months

Why Belgium

Why immigrate to Belgium?

Belgium sits at the heart of Europe. Brussels hosts major EU institutions and NATO headquarters, and the country offers a high quality of life, strong social security and diverse career opportunities in an international, multilingual setting.

Work authorisation is handled by Belgium’s regions — Flanders, Wallonia, the Brussels-Capital Region and the German-speaking Community — so the rules depend on where the job is. For most roles longer than 90 days, the employer applies for a single permit that combines the right to work and to reside.

Visa categories

Available visa categories for Belgium

  • 01Single permit (work and residence)
  • 02Work permit B (short-term work)
  • 03EU Blue Card
  • 04Student visa
  • 05Family reunification
  • 06Schengen short-stay visa

Pathways in detail

Single permit

For employment of more than 90 days, the Belgian employer applies to the competent region for a single permit, which combines work authorisation and residence. Criteria such as salary levels, shortage occupations and labour market tests differ between regions.

NOTERegional rules and salary thresholds are updated regularly.

Work permit B (short-term work)

For employment of 90 days or less, a work permit B may be needed, applied for by the employer with the relevant region, together with a short-stay visa where your nationality requires one.

EU Blue Card

For highly qualified employees with a higher-education qualification and a job offer meeting the regional salary threshold. It is issued as a single permit and offers easier mobility within the EU after a period of residence.

Get started

Immigrate to Belgium — start with an assessment

Typical processing time: 3–6 months

Times vary by visa category and individual circumstances. Contact us for an estimate based on your profile.

Immigrate to Belgium

A consultant reviews your details and contacts you within 24–48 hours.

Belgium · Next step

Find out which Belgium routes fit your profile

Start with an eligibility assessment, or book a consultation to talk it through with our team.