Belgium is a country that has much to offer and it has a long history of being a cross-cultural center at the heart of Europe. Foreigners from many countries seek various employment or business opportunities here and benefit from the country’s connectivity to other important European countries.

Immigrating to Belgium is a multi-step process that starts with identifying a motive for relocating to the country long-term. This can be for employment purposes, as well as for studying at a Belgian university or reuniting with family as well as marrying a Belgian citizen or resident. The process starts with applying for the right type of Belgium residence permit.

Specialized services offered by our immigration lawyer in Belgium

Moving to a new country is an important step and one that will involve a certain amount of pre-planning and decisions. Pursuing an employment opportunity is often the reason why many foreign nationals choose to move to Belgium, however, family reunification is also an important reason to move to the country, either when one member of the family is already living in the country or when one chooses to marry or legally cohabitate with a Belgian citizen or resident. The latter is a situation in which the foreign national may also be interested in applying for Belgian citizenship.

Our team of immigration lawyers in Belgium offers the following types of services:

1. Choosing the right type of visa: there are several types of visas in Belgium intended for short or long-term stay; the needed visa will depend on the motive for the stay, be it for employment, research or study; our team can help guide applicants when choosing the appropriate form; we offer detailed information about each type of Belgium residence permit;

2. Visa application assistance: we offer complete assistance during the visa application process; this is a step that takes place with the Belgian embassy or consulate in the applicant’s country of origin, however, we can provide guidance on the needed documents;

3. Pre-immigration guidance: our immigration lawyer in Belgium is ready to provide details on all of the steps that are required before arriving in the country that include but are not limited to obtaining the visa; others may also include signing a preliminary property purchase or rental agreement as well as many other arrangements;

4. Post-immigration assistance: our team is also ready to provide complete guidance on the steps that are required once an individual arrives in the country and takes up employment; these can include arranging for health insurance, paying social security contributions, and many others.

Irrespective of your reason to relocate to this country, seeking immigration services in Belgium, like those offered by our team, can greatly reduce the amount of time needed to prepare for the move as well as streamline the entire process. You will find that our team is reliable and personalizes the services so that they meet the unique needs of each of our clients. We will help you prepare the documents needed for the Belgium residence permit.

While the reasons to relocate to Belgium  may be the same (namely, employment), one’s personal situation may dictate the manner in which the process will unfold. A new employee in Belgium who has a family will need to plan for his or her children and their education as well as establish the main necessities such as accommodation. This is where the assistance offered by our team of immigration lawyers in Belgium can make an important difference.

Belgium offers various immigration programs for individuals seeking to live and work in the country, with specific routes for employed workers, highly qualified professionals, and those seeking family reunification. Non-EU citizens generally require a visa for entry and a residence permit for longer stays, with the process often involving applications through Belgian consulates or embassies. 

Immigration Programs and Procedures:

Single Permit:For non-EU nationals seeking to work in Belgium for more than 90 days, a Single Permit is required. This permit combines both the residence and work authorization. 

Employed Worker:To work in Belgium as an employee, the employer typically needs to demonstrate that they couldn't find a suitable candidate within Belgium or the European Economic Area. 

Highly Qualified Workers:Belgium has specific pathways for highly skilled professionals, often involving faster processing times and potentially more favorable conditions.

 EU Blue Card:This scheme aims to attract highly qualified workers to the EU, including Belgium, and provides a route for non-EU nationals to work and reside in Belgium if they meet certain criteria, such as having a higher education degree and a minimum salary. 

Family Reunification:Individuals with family members already residing in Belgium may be eligible for family reunification programs, potentially streamlining the process of obtaining residence permits.

 Long-term Residence:After residing in Belgium legally for a certain period (typically five years), individuals may be eligible for long-term residence status. 

Permanent Residence:Permanent residency can be obtained after five years of legal and continuous residence, and it allows for similar rights as Belgian citizens. 

Short-term and Long-term Visas:For stays exceeding 90 days, a long-stay visa (D-visa) is generally required. 

Key Steps in the Immigration Process:

1. Identify the purpose of your stay:Determine the reason for your move to Belgium, whether it's for work, study, family reasons, or other purposes.

 2. Check visa and permit requirements:Based on your nationality and the purpose of your stay, determine if you need a visa and/or a residence permit. 

3. Gather necessary documents:Collect all required documents, including your passport, proof of means of support, and any specific documents relevant to your situation (e.g., employment contract, university acceptance letter, marriage certificate). 

4. Apply through the appropriate channels:Apply for your visa and/or residence permit through the relevant Belgian authorities (usually a consulate or embassy). 

5. Register with the municipality:After arriving in Belgium, register with the municipality where you will be residing. 

Important Considerations:

Nationality:EU citizens generally have more flexible residence rules than non-EU citizens. 

Duration and Purpose of Stay:The specific requirements and procedures vary depending on how long you plan to stay and the purpose of your stay.

 Integration:Belgium has integration programs in place to help newcomers adapt to Belgian society, including language training and social orientation. 

Legal Advice:It is recommended to consult with immigration lawyers or advisors for personalized guidance on your specific situation.