Those travelling to Belgium for holiday or business and who need to apply for a Schengen visa will need to do so at the Belgian consulate or embassy in their home country before they travel. In some cases, applicants may be asked to provide additional documents at the discretion of the Belgian embassy or consulate. It's common for an applicant to be asked for proof of employment and proof of residence in their home country as an indicator that they will return home after their trip.
Expats wanting to travel to Belgium for business purposes will likely have to include a letter of invitation from the Belgian business party who will be hosting them and a letter from their local employer stating their duties in Belgium. Those attending a conference may require proof of registration and accommodation.
Anyone intending to stay in Belgium for the long term is required to report their presence in the country to their local commune (local authority) within 10 working days of their arrival. These new arrivals will usually need to produce their passport or identity card and will then be issued with a Declaration of Presence.
Citizens of non-EU countries who wish to stay in Belgium for more than 90 days will need to arrange a residence visa before arriving. Non-EU nationals also need to register their presence at their local commune and should obtain a foreigner identity card after moving into a permanent residence. Non-EU expats moving to the country for employment will most likely also need a work permit for Belgium.
Citizens of the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) don’t usually require a work permit for Belgium. European citizens working in Belgium must have a full EU or EEA passport or identity card. These nationals are free to enter Belgium for up to three months to look for work or set up a business. Those staying for a period of more than three months are required to register at the local town hall in their city of residence in Belgium.
Non-European nationals will need a work permit to be legally employed in the country. It is usually the responsibility of the expat’s Belgian employer to receive authorisation to hire a foreign worker and apply for a work permit on their behalf.
Expats who require a work permit for Belgium will have three options.