The Brussels capital territory in Belgium has presented major modifications to work approvals and occupational cards for non-European citizens. This begins in October 2024; these updates intend to ease the work approval procedure and develop alternatives for international employees in the territory.
Table of Contents
Major Modifications In Belgium’s Work Permit Law
The updated laws bring so many notable modifications, which include renaming specific permits, boosting their authenticity, and providing unrestricted work approval for eligible international employees. Below is a summary of the significant changes:
Renaming Of Work Permit B
Work permit B will currently be categorized as either a Short-Term work approval or a long-term work approval:
- Document delivery: The work approval will be forwarded directly to the boss, who is accountable for sending it to the employee to promote the visa application procedure if needed.
- Au Pair Process: The laws for au pairs will remain unchanged, ensuring that young individuals coming to Belgium for cultural exchange can proceed under the same conditions.
Note: An au pair is a young individual conditionally hosted by a family to support them with light obligations, enhance their language proficiencies, and enhance their cultural understanding. To be employed as an au pair in Belgium, the person must hold an authentic work permit, and the host family must make an application for job approval.
Extended Authenticity For Long-term Work Approvals
Work approvals exceeding 12 months will now have an automated yearly renewal procedure. Employers are no longer required to present annual documents via the automated review. Hence, authorities reserve the liberty to demand additional details as needed.
Introduction Of Unrestricted Work Approvals
International employees living in the Brussels Capital Region for 2 years and six months can now make an application for unrestricted work approval:
- Qualification: Candidates must have lived in Belgium for at least 30 uninterrupted months and offer evidence of 30 months of work via an authentic single permit or work approval.
- Special conditions: Employees with time-restricted approvals from other Belgian provinces are qualified for unrestricted approval after four years of living.
Blue Card Improvement
New conditions for the EU Blue Card facilitate job changes and modify eligibility conditions for specific industries:
If you enjoy this article, don't miss out on the valuable insights and information available in our other related posts:
- IRCC Providing Invitations For Parents And Grandparents Program
- UK Tier 1 Investor Visa 2025: Qualification, Conditions, And Application Procedure
- Relocation To Canada As A Taxi Driver In 2024
- UAE Starts 2-Month Visa Amnesty For Overstayed Visitors
- France Proposes Stringent Schengen Visa Laws Amid Irregular Migration
- Employer adjustability: Blue Card holders will discover it easy to modify employers within Brussels.
- Eligibility updates: Information and Communications Technology (ICT) experts no longer need higher education certifications if they can indicate necessary occupational experience.
Short-term Work Approvals For Temporary Stays
International employees residing for less than 90 days within 180 days are qualified for short-term work approvals;
Qualified for short-term employment approval are cross-border employees or persons teleworking from overseas for a Brussels-based employer, with a maximum stay of 90 days approved.
Long-term Work Approval For Extended Stays
For international employees teleworking or commuting across borders for more extended periods, long-term work approval is needed:
- Authenticity: This approval can extend up to three years, based on the job contract.
- Qualified employees: Highly experienced experts, intra-group transferees, holders of European Blue Card, and students are qualified.
The Single Permit Condition Stays Unmodified
The single permit procedure remains a condition for international citizens intending to stay and work in Belgium for more than 90 days. This permit merges both residence and work approval into one facilitated request.
Updated Income Thresholds For Certain Professions
Since 1st January 2024, Brussels has changed income thresholds for specific positions:
- Calculations grounds: The thresholds depend on a ratio of the average gross monthly income in the Brussels Capital Region.
- Upcoming updates: On 1st January 2025, the average gross monthly income will grow, influencing minimum wage conditions in specific areas.
In conclusion, Brussels’s updated work approval laws offer higher adjustability and facilitated procedures for international employees. With alternatives for short and long-term approvals, the modifications make it simpler for non-European citizens to operate in the region.
