Work authorisation
Single permit (combined permit for work and residence, more than 90 days). The region checks the work part. The federal Immigration Office checks the residence part. A positive decision is called 'annex 46'.
The employer applies, not the worker. The employer files with the economic migration department of the region where the employer is based (Flanders, Wallonia, Brussels-Capital or the German-speaking Community). In Flanders, applications for more than 90 days go through the federal online one-stop shop (single-permit.socialsecurity.be). For a poultry production job, the region depends on the employer's location. In Flanders, a medium-skilled job must be on the Flemish migration list of medium-skilled positions. Otherwise the 'other' procedure applies.
How you enter the country
After the single permit is approved, the worker applies for a long-stay visa type D at the Belgian embassy or consulate where they live. The application is made online on Visa On Web, then by appointment. The EU Immigration Portal says fingerprints and a digital photo are taken. Embassy pages differ on whether a personal visit is needed (Taipei and Seoul: yes; Tokyo: no). Check the page of the embassy that covers the worker's country.
Processing times
Legal deadline: a decision within 4 months after the application is declared admissible. It can be extended for complex cases (EU Immigration Portal). Flemish estimated waiting time (October 2026): about 6 weeks before the work part is examined for medium-skilled jobs and 5 weeks for 'other'. The Immigration Office then needs about 14-15 weeks for a first application. The D visa itself: not stated centrally. The Seoul embassy says up to one week.
Documents you usually provide
- Employer files: signed application form, copy of the employment contract, copy of the employer's ID, and proof the administrative fee was paid
- Copy of the worker's passport
- Worker's CV, job description signed by both sides, and diplomas or proof of experience (Flanders, medium-skilled route)
- Criminal record extract, legalised and translated (for workers over 18)
- Standard medical certificate
- Proof of health insurance
- Documents not older than six months (Flanders)
- For the D visa: Visa On Web form, passport photos, a valid passport, and a copy of the single permit decision (annex 46)
After arrival
Register at the town hall (commune) of residence within 8 working days. The commune issues a temporary document (annex 49) while it checks the address. If the check is positive, the worker gets a single permit card (A card) for a limited period. The permit usually matches the contract, up to 1 year. Some categories can get up to 3 years. A renewal must be filed at least 2 months before expiry.
How Worrki helps
We confirm the job with the employer, coordinate the employer documents and check your package before you apply. You submit the application yourself and the authorities make the decision. See jobs and conditions in Belgium.
This summary was checked against the official pages listed below on 2 November 2026. Fees are set by the authorities and change often, so we do not quote them here. Always confirm the current requirements and fees with the consulate that serves your country of residence.