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This guide is for British citizens travelling for business or other work purposes. It explains what employers, employees, or the self-employed need to do if they need a visa or permit.

This information is provided as a guide only. You must always check the exact application process and document requirements with Belgium’s or .

Entry requirements

If you’re going to Belgium to work (or any other EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein) you must make sure you meet passport and other travel requirements.Ìý

Belgium is in the Schengen area. If you’re travelling for business for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, you may be able to do some business-related activities without needing a visa or permit, such as attend business meetings. It does not matter how many countries you visit in the Schengen area. Your total stay must be no more than 90 days in every 180 days. The 180-day period keeps ‘rolling’.Ìý

If you’re staying for longer, or for other types of work, you may need a visa or permit.Ìý

The Belgian authorities are responsible for setting and enforcing entry rules. They decide which activities need a visa or permit, or which may be exempt.Ìý

You’ll need to check the specific rules of the region you’re going to:Ìý

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• Ìý

If you’re working in more than one country, you need to check the entry rules of each country.Ìý

If you need a passport, visa or permit, you should apply well in advance of travel.Ìý

Visa and permit documentsÌý

This guide explains the general application process for some of the visa or permit types available in Belgium. It includes a checklist of documents that you’ll usually need to include when applying.Ìý

It may not cover all scenarios so you must always check the exact application process and document requirements with Belgium’s or .Ìý

You must also check what format the documents should be presented in, including if they must be:Ìý

• translatedÌý
• ‘legalised’ (with an apostille) or notarisedÌý
• originals, or if copies are acceptableÌý
• signed in ink (a wet signature), or if they can be signed electronically (an e-signature)Ìý
• dated within a certain period of time, such as 30 days before you submit your application.Ìý

Countries often use the terms visa, work permit and residence permit differently. For example, some may refer to a work permit as a visa.Ìý

This guide uses the same terms used in Belgium, so you know which ones to use when speaking to the Belgian authorities.Ìý

Check if you need a visa or permitÌý

You do not need a visa or permit if you’re travelling to Belgium for up to 90 days in a 180-day period for specific business-related activities. These activities can include:Ìý

• running or attending job interviewsÌý
• attending trade fairs or seminar conventionsÌý
• board meetingsÌý
• meeting clients or customers (rules can differ by region)Ìý
• meeting colleagues, contractors or sellers (rules can differ by region)Ìý
• negotiating, signing and executing deals or contractsÌý
• touring a company facilityÌý
• receiving goods supplied and manufactured by a Belgian companyÌý
• attending, speaking or presenting at a conference (paid or unpaid)Ìý
• tour guides or tour operators attending or participating in conventions or accompanying a tourÌý
• providing translation and interpretation services (if an employee of a UK firm)Ìý
• team building activitiesÌý
• technical, scientific and statistical researchers carrying out research (under a hosting agreement)Ìý
• marketing research or analysisÌý
• leisure travel, such as holidays or visiting friends or familyÌý

Or for the following types of training, as long as it’s for the same company or group:Ìý

• receiving classroom-based trainingÌý
• providing classroom-based training (Flanders only)Ìý
• shadowing someone’s jobÌý

These activities are usually allowed while travelling under the Schengen visa waiver.Ìý

While a permit is not required, your employer may need to submit a to the Belgian authorities.Ìý

Border checksÌý

At the border, you may be asked to show:Ìý

• proof of return travel, such as plane or train ticketsÌý
• health insurance that covers your stayÌý
• proof of accommodation for your entire stayÌý

• enough money for the duration of your tripÌý

• an invitation letter from your employer explaining your tripÌý

Check Belgium’s exemptionsÌý

Certain types of work and activities do not require a visa or permit because they’re exempt. All countries have their own exemptions. What may be exempt in one country may not be in another. You should always check with the country’s authorities.Ìý

Each region in Belgium may also have its own exemptions and are not all covered in this guide. You’ll need to check with the individual authorities for a full list:Ìý

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The following examples may be exempt in some regions but not in others so you would have to check:Ìý

• after-sales service work (urgent maintenance or repair) for up to 5 calendar days in a monthÌý
• installing software for up to 8 calendar days a monthÌý
• prototype testing for up to 4 weeks in a calendar year (only in Brussels)Ìý
• installing or assembling first or initial systems or products for up to 8 days (does not apply to those in the construction industry)Ìý
• self-employed workers staying in Belgium for business purposes for up to 5 days a monthÌý
• athletes, referees, support staff, official representatives, staff members, and any others recognised by the international or national sporting federations, travelling to Belgium for an international sports competition – allowed only for the duration of the competition and for a maximum of 3 months in a calendar yearÌý
• artists with an international reputation performing in Flanders for up to 21 days a quarter (includes support staff)Ìý
• artists with an international reputation performing in Brussels or Wallonia for up to 90 days a quarter (includes support staff)Ìý
• international transport sector workers (transporting passengers or goods)Ìý
• staff at international institutions – only if the institution’s status is governed by a ratified international treatyÌý
• public administration staff and diplomatsÌý

You also do not need a visa or permit if attending closed circle meetings for a maximum of 20 consecutive days at a time and 60 days a year. This includes customer negotiations, staff evaluations and company strategy meetings. Check with the Belgian authorities if you’re not sure whether your meeting is a ‘closed circle meeting’.Ìý

While a permit is not required, your employer may need to submit a to the Belgian authorities.Ìý

Show proof of exemptionÌý

You need to be able to show proof that you’re exempt to the authorities on request. This could be:Ìý

• an assignment letterÌý
• employment confirmationÌý
• a contractÌý
• proof of required qualifications, such as a diploma and professional certificatesÌý
• CVÌý

If you’re going for other business purposes or for more than 90 days, you may need a short or long-term permit.Ìý

Further checksÌý

If you’re not sure if you need a visa or permit to travel you can get advice from the .

Applying for a visa or permitÌý

This guide outlines the steps required for each visa or permit. The application process and document requirements vary by region so .Ìý

Taking your familyÌý

For the short-term permits listed in this guide your family will not be able to get dependant visas. They can join you for up to 90 days under the visa waiver rules.Ìý

There may be different rules for taking families if you have a long-stay permit. Check with Belgium’s authorities on the exact process.Ìý

Short and long-term permitsÌý

You need to apply for a short-term work permit if you’re in Belgium for up to 90 days in a 180-day period because you’re:Ìý

• transferring short-term to a Belgian branch of a UK-based companyÌý
• providing short-term services to a client in BelgiumÌý

You need to apply for a long-term permit if you’re in Belgium for more than 90 days because you’re:Ìý

• transferring long-term to the Belgian branch of a UK-based companyÌý
• working for a Belgian company on a long-term Belgian employment contractÌý
• providing long-term services to a client in BelgiumÌý
• carrying out self-employed workÌý
• conducting research workÌý

Long-term permits are valid for up to 3 years depending on which one you need.Ìý

Transferring short-term to a Belgian branch of a UK-based companyÌý

You need a short-term type B work permit if your UK-based employer is transferring you to a branch in Belgium.Ìý

To qualify you must:Ìý

• meet minimum salary requirementsÌý
• keep your UK employment contractÌý
• stay on UK payrollÌý

A short-term type B permit can take between 4 and 12 weeks to get but this may take longer. It’s valid for up to 3 months.Ìý

How it worksÌý

You’ll need to with the authority in the region as they vary. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.Ìý

Your employer submits a:Ìý

• work permit application to the regional employment authoritiesÌý
• to the Belgian authoritiesÌý

Application documentsÌý

Belgian authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:Ìý

• Limosa declarationÌý
• UK passport, valid for 6 monthsÌý
• CVÌý
• bachelor’s degree certificate from an accredited universityÌý
• signed employment contract with your UK employerÌý
• signed assignment agreement with your UK employerÌý
• social security cover certificateÌý
• authorised employer’s IDÌý
• comprehensive health insurance cover for BelgiumÌý

Providing short-term services to a client in BelgiumÌý

You need a short-term work permit to provide support that requires specialised technical knowledge (such as installing, repairing and maintaining machinery) if your UK employer has a contract or work order with a Belgian company.Ìý

Some of these activities do not require a permit if they’re only for a few days. Having this permit would allow you to carry out the work for a longer period of time.Ìý

To qualify you must:Ìý

• have relevant professional experienceÌý
• keep your UK employment contractÌý
• stay on UK payrollÌý

This permit can take between 4 and 12 weeks to get but this may take longer. It’s valid for up to 3 months.Ìý

How it worksÌý

You’ll need to with the authority in the region as they vary. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.Ìý

Your employer submits a:Ìý

• to the regional employment authoritiesÌý
• to the Belgian authoritiesÌýÌý

Application documents

Belgian authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

• Limosa declarationÌý
• UK passport, valid for 6 monthsÌý
• CVÌý
• signed employment contract with your UK employerÌý
• signed assignment agreement with your UK employerÌý
• agreement between the UK employer and the Belgian company for the specific technical installation, repair, or maintenance workÌý
• social security cover certificateÌý
• authorised employer’s IDÌý
• comprehensive health insurance cover for BelgiumÌý

Transferring long-term to a Belgian branch of a UK-based companyÌý

You need one of the following single permits if your UK-based company transfers you to a Belgian branch to work:Ìý

• EU intra-company transfer permit (EU ICT)Ìý
• single permit for highly-skilled workers and executives on assignmentÌý

Single permit EU intra company transfer (EU ICT)Ìý

You need a long-term EU intra-company transfer permit (ICT) if your UK-based company moves you to a Belgian branch to work for:Ìý

• up to 3 yearsÌý
• 1 year if you’re a traineeÌý

To qualify you must:Ìý

• be a manager, specialist or traineeÌý
• have worked for the company abroad for at least 3 to 6 months (depending on the region where the Belgian company is based)Ìý
• have a bachelor’s level degree, or master’s degree for traineesÌý
• keep your UK employment contractÌý
• stay on UK payrollÌý

The EU ICT can take 3 months to get. It’s valid for 1 year. You can extend it for up to 3 years if you’re a manager or specialist.Ìý

If you have a family they can join you with this permit type. Check with Belgium’s authorities on the exact process.Ìý

How it worksÌý

You’ll need to with the authority in the region as they vary. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.Ìý

1. Your employer .Ìý

2. You apply for a long-stay visa at the Belgian consulate.Ìý

3. Your employer submits a to the Belgian authorities.Ìý

4. You register your residence at the local commune (local authority) when you get to Belgium.Ìý

5. You collect your foreigner identity card from the local commune.Ìý

Application documentsÌý

Belgian authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:Ìý

• completed permit application formÌý
• Limosa declarationÌý
• UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 3 months after you intend to leave BelgiumÌý
• marriage certificate, if applying with familyÌý
• birth certificate for any children, if applying with familyÌý
• bachelor’s degree certificate from an accredited university, or a master’s degree certificate if you’re a traineeÌý
• signed assignment agreement with your UK employerÌý
• signed employment contract with your UK employerÌý
• , dated less than 6 months’ before the date of applying (legalised with an apostille)Ìý
• medical certificate, dated less than 6 months’ before the date of applyingÌý
• social security cover certificateÌý
• comprehensive health insurance cover for BelgiumÌý

Single permit for highly-skilled workers and executives on assignmentÌý

You need this single permit if both of these apply:Ìý

• you’re highly-skilled or executive-level personnelÌý
• your UK-based company moves you to a Belgian branchÌý

To qualify you must:Ìý

• meet minimum salary requirementsÌý
• have at least 3 years’ education at bachelor’s degree level, unless you’re at executive levelÌý
• keep your UK employment contractÌý
• stay on UK payrollÌý

This permit can take 3 to 4 months to get. It’s valid for up to 3 years and you can extend it.Ìý

If you have a family, they can join you with this permit type. Check with Belgium’s authorities on the exact process.Ìý

How it worksÌý

You’ll need to with the authority in the region as they vary. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.Ìý

1. Your employer .Ìý

2. You apply for a residency visa at the Belgian consulate.Ìý

3. Your employer submits a to the Belgian authorities.Ìý

4. You register your residence at the local commune (local authority) when you get to Belgium.Ìý

5. You collect your foreigner identity card from the local commune.Ìý

Application documents

Belgian authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

• completed permit application formÌý
• Limosa declarationÌý
• UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 3 months after you intend to leave BelgiumÌý
• signed employment contract with your UK employerÌý
• marriage certificate, if applying with familyÌý
• birth certificate for any children, if applying with familyÌý
• degree certificate from an accredited university, master’s degree for traineesÌý
• , dated less than 6 months’ before the date of applying (legalised with an apostille)Ìý
• medical certificate, dated less than 6 months’ before the date of applyingÌý
• social security cover certificateÌý
• comprehensive health insurance cover for BelgiumÌý

Working for a Belgian company on a long-term Belgian employment contractÌý

You need one of the following work permits if you are highly skilled and working on a Belgian employment contract:Ìý

• EU Blue Card for highly-skilled work for at least a yearÌý
• single permit for highly-skilled workers and executives for up to 3 years

EU Blue CardÌý

To qualify for an EU Blue Card you must:Ìý

• have an offer of employment from a Belgian company for at least 1 yearÌý
• be on Belgian payrollÌý
• meet minimum salary requirementsÌý
• have at least 3 years’ education at bachelor’s degree levelÌý

The EU Blue Card can take 2 to 3 months to get. It’s valid for up to 3 years and you can extend it. It may lead to permanent residence after 5 years’ continuous residency if you meet the criteria.Ìý

If you have a family they can join you with this permit type. Check with Belgium’s authorities on the exact process.Ìý

How it worksÌý

You’ll need to with the authority in the region as they vary. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.Ìý

1. Your employer .Ìý

2. You apply for a long-term visa at the Belgian consulate.Ìý

3. You register your residence at the local commune when you get to Belgium.Ìý

4. You collect your foreigner identity card from the local commune.Ìý

Application documentsÌý

Belgian authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:Ìý

• completed application formsÌý
• UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 3 months after you intend to leave BelgiumÌý
• employment contract or job offer from a Belgian companyÌý
• marriage certificate, if applying with familyÌý
• birth certificate for any children, if applying with familyÌý
• bachelor’s degree certificate from an accredited universityÌý
• , dated less than 6 months’ before the date of applying (legalised with an apostille)Ìý
• medical certificate, dated less than 6 months’ before the date of applyingÌý
• proof that you can support yourself during your stay, provided by the employment contractÌý
• proof of accommodationÌý
• comprehensive health insurance cover for BelgiumÌý

Single permit for highly-skilled workers and executives hired locallyÌý

To qualify for a single permit you must:Ìý

• have an offer of employment from a Belgian companyÌý
• have at least 3 years’ education at bachelor’s degree level, unless you will work as an executiveÌý
• be on Belgian payrollÌý
• meet minimum salary requirementsÌý

It can take 3 to 4 months to get. It’s valid for up to 3 years and you can extend it. This permit may lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.Ìý

If you have a family, they can join you with this permit type. Check with Belgium’s authorities on the exact process.Ìý

How it worksÌý

You’ll need to with the authority in the region as they vary. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.Ìý

1. Your employer .Ìý

2. You apply for a long-stay visa at the Belgian consulate.Ìý

3. You register your residence at the local commune (local authority) when you get to Belgium.Ìý

4. You collect your foreigner identity card from the local commune.Ìý

Application documentsÌý

Belgian authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:Ìý

• completed application formÌý
• UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 3 months after you intend to leave BelgiumÌý
• employment contract or job offer from the Belgian employerÌý
• marriage certificate, if applying with familyÌý
• birth certificate for any children, if applying with familyÌý
• bachelor’s degree certificate from an accredited universityÌý
• , dated less than 6 months’ before the date of applying (legalised with an apostille)Ìý
• medical certificate, dated less than 6 months’ before the date of applyingÌý
• proof that you can support yourself during your stay, provided by the employment contractÌý
• proof of accommodationÌý

Providing long-term services to a client in BelgiumÌý

You need a single permit to provide services if your UK employer has a long-term contract or work order with a Belgian company. This is available to both individuals with specialist technical knowledge and highly-skilled workers.Ìý

To qualify you must:Ìý

• have relevant work experienceÌý
• keep your employment contract with your UK employerÌý
• stay on UK payrollÌý

This permit can take 3 to 4 months to get. It’s valid for up to 6 months (for those with specialist technical knowledge) and for up to 3 years (for highly-skilled workers). You can extend it, although extensions will only be granted in limited situations.Ìý

If you have a family, they can join you with this permit type. Check with Belgium’s authorities on the exact process.Ìý

How it worksÌý

You’ll need to with the authority in the region as they vary. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.Ìý

1. Your employer submits your work permit application to the local immigration office.Ìý

2. You apply for a residency visa at the Belgian consulate.Ìý

3. Your employer submits a to the Belgian authorities.Ìý

Application documentsÌý

Belgian authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:Ìý

• completed application formÌý
• Limosa declarationÌý
• UK passport, valid for 3 months after you intend to leave BelgiumÌý
• signed employment contract with your UK employerÌý
• signed assignment agreement with your UK employerÌý
• after-sales agreement between the UK employer and the Belgian companyÌý
• , less than 6 months’ old (legalised with an apostille)Ìý
• medical certificate, dated less than 6 months’ before the date of applyingÌý
• social security cover certificateÌý
• comprehensive health insurance cover for BelgiumÌý

Self-employed workÌý

If you’re self-employed and want to work in Belgium you can apply for a professional card.Ìý

To qualify you must:Ìý

• comply with all regulatory obligationsÌý
• show that your work is relevant to Belgium – this is measured in terms of ‘economic utility’Ìý
• show how many jobs you’ll createÌý
• provide proof of the economic benefitsÌý
• show the benefits for Belgian companiesÌý
• outline the opportunities for exports, if applicableÌý
• show that your business is innovativeÌý
• show that your work has social and cultural benefitsÌý
• show that your professional activities in Belgium will provide you with sufficient incomeÌý
• be ‘socially insured’ (with healthcare insurance)Ìý

A professional card can take 3 to 6 months to get. It’s valid for between 2 to 3 years and you can extend it.Ìý

If you have a family, they can join you with this permit type. Check with Belgium’s authorities on the exact process.Ìý

How it worksÌý

You’ll need to with the authority in the region as they vary. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.Ìý

You:Ìý

• submit a professional card application to the Belgian embassyÌý
• submit a visa applicationÌý
• register your residence at your local commune (local authority) when you get to BelgiumÌý
• apply for a foreigner identity cardÌý

Application documentsÌý

Belgian authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:Ìý

• UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 3 months after you intend to leave BelgiumÌý
• evidence that you’ve met all the criteria, such as a business planÌý
• , dated less than 6 months’ before the date of applying (legalised with an apostille)Ìý
• medical certificate, dated less than 6 months’ before the date of applyingÌý
• some professions require specific proof that you’re already established in your field – check with the what you need to provideÌý
• proof that you can support yourself during your stayÌý
• proof of accommodationÌý
• marriage certificate, if applying with familyÌý
• birth certificate for any children, if applying with familyÌý
• comprehensive health insurance cover for BelgiumÌý

Research workÌý

Researchers coming to Belgium under a hosting agreement may be able to travel under the Schengen visa waiver. However, for most research activities exceeding 90 days, you will need a to work in Belgium.Ìý

To qualify you must:Ìý

• have the required qualification certificate or degreeÌý
• have an offer of employment with a Belgian research institute, that’s recognised by the Belgium Federal Science Policy OfficeÌý
• have a hosting agreement with the recognised research organisationÌý

This visa can take 4 to 8 weeks to get. If the research institute needs to apply for recognition from the Federal Science Policy Office, this can take longer.Ìý

This visa is valid for up to 3 years and you can extend it.Ìý

If you have a family, they can join you with this permit type. Check with Belgium’s authorities on the exact process.Ìý

How it worksÌý

You’ll need to with the authority in the region as they vary. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.Ìý

You:Ìý

• submit a visa application to the Belgian consular authorities in the UKÌý
• register your residence at the local commune (local authority) when you get to BelgiumÌý
• collect your foreigner identity card from the local communeÌý

Application documentsÌý

Belgian authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:Ìý

• UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 3 months after you intend to leave BelgiumÌý
• employment agreement between you (the researcher) and the recognised research institutionÌý
• evidence of all relevant information (including how you meet the required criteria)Ìý
• marriage certificate, if applying with familyÌý
• birth certificate for any children, if applying with familyÌý
• , dated less than 6 months’ before the date of applying (legalised with an apostille)Ìý
• medical certificate, dated less than 6 months’ before the date of applyingÌý
• proof that you can support yourself during your stayÌý
• proof of accommodationÌý
• comprehensive health insurance cover for BelgiumÌý

Belgian government guidanceÌý

Read official guidance on .Ìý

Make sure you always check the rules for the region where you’ll be staying:Ìý

• Ìý
• Ìý
• Ìý

Check for travel changesÌý

European governments may update or change their rules without notice.Ìý

You should always check general travel advice for Belgium, for updates on issues, such as safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings before travelling, or planning to travel.Ìý