Belgium

Business visit visa / Work visa

Belgian immigration is complex; it requires the understanding of specific rules applicable to the region where a company operates as federal and regional authorities share responsibility for the immigration process. Belgian legislation offers several permit options based on the type and duration of work.

Business visitors to Belgium typically travel with a Schengen C Visa unless they are visa exempt based on their nationality. For all visitors, the Schengen Area limits stays to 90 days in a 180-day period. For stays exceeding 90 days, a residence permit is required. Belgium offers certain work permit exemptions for business visitors, depending on the activities performed and duration of stay.

The main residence and work permit in Belgium is the Highly Skilled Permit, suitable for transfers and temporary employment of foreign staff. For short-term work in Belgium, foreign nationals can obtain a work permit available for specific categories of workers, including highly skilled workers and specialized technicians, among others. Highly skilled local hires can also obtain an EU Blue Card. For all these permit types, there may be regional variations in eligibility requirements, supporting documents, and processing times. Employers must complete posted worker notifications for staff on temporary assignment or secondment.

Citizens of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland are visa and work permit exempt but may require a residence permit depending on their length of stay. For EU/EEA citizens on temporary assignment or secondment, posted worker notifications and social security requirements may apply.

European Union

Business visit visa / Work visa

Business visitors to the European Union typically use a local version of the "Schengen C Visa" (granted by the country to visit / work in) unless they are visa exempt. The Schengen Area limits stays for visitors to 90 days in any 180-day period, counted cumulatively across the Schengen Area. Depending on the nature of the activities, stays may be limited to 90 days in a 12-month period.

EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card is Europe's answer to the US Green Card. The EU Blue Card is a work- and residence permit for non-EU/EEA nationals. The European Blue Card provides comprehensive socio-economic rights and a path towards permanent residence and EU citizenship. It is suitable for highly skilled employees who meet a minimum salary requirement, sign an employee contract and are paid via payroll, typically granted for up to four years. Apply here.

EU Intracompany Transferee (ICT) Work and Residence Permit

The "EU ICT Permit" (locally called "ICT Card") is suitable for highly skilled managers, specialists and trainees on assignment within a company group and typically granted for up to three years. The EU-ICT permit is a preferred option for companies who need the best solutions available for intra-corporate mobility of their workforce in Europe.

European Economic Area/EU/Swiss nationals are generally visa and work permit exempt.