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Professional Card (Self-Employment)
VisasBelgiumProfessional Card (Self-Employment)
BelgiumBelgium•Europe
Open

Professional Card (Self-Employment)

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

2–6 months

Estimated Cost

€230 EUR

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

5 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Official Information

Overview

Self-employment authorization for non-EU entrepreneurs with EUR 22,838+ capital and a viable business plan.

Belgium's Professional Card enables non-EU/EEA entrepreneurs and self-employed professionals to establish and operate businesses. Applicants must secure approval from the competent regional authority (Flanders, Wallonia, or Brussels-Capital) and demonstrate EUR 22,838 in savings. The visa provides full work authorization obtained through a national D-visa application process.

The card is initially valid for 2 years and renewable for 5 years after successful business operation. Application fees total EUR 140, with an additional EUR 90 annual charge per year of validity. Processing typically takes 60–180 days. Spouses enjoy unrestricted work rights, and the visa may lead to permanent residence after meeting residency requirements.

This visa is ideal for international entrepreneurs and self-employed professionals with a viable business plan who wish to establish enterprises in Belgium without requiring an employer sponsor.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant5 years

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Minimum education: High School

Minimum savings: 22838

Health insurance required

Age: 18-

KEY CRITERIA

Education

high_school or higher

Investment

22,838 EUR

Min. Savings

22,838 EUR

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Business plan

Proof of resources

Criminal record certificate

Health insurance

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Start your own business with no job offer required, reducing employer dependency
  • Spouse has unrestricted work rights, can pursue independent career
  • 5-year renewable permit provides long-term stability for entrepreneurial ventures
  • Path to permanent residency available for successful business operators
  • Dependents can join you on family reunification grounds
  • Open to all nationalities — no nationality restrictions apply
  • High school diploma suffices — no university degree required

Worth Knowing

  • EUR 22,838 minimum savings required upfront to demonstrate financial viability
  • Processing takes 60-180 days; business plans face detailed regional review
  • Remote work expressly not permitted — physical Belgian presence required
  • Must operate through one of three regional competent authorities
  • Business plan approval not guaranteed; lack of viable market demand can trigger refusal

Application Process

1

Prepare business plan: Develop comprehensive business plan for Belgian business

2

Apply to regional authority: Submit professional card application to competent region

3

Receive professional card approval: Obtain approval from regional business authorities

4

Apply for D-visa: Submit national visa application with professional card approval

5

Pay visa fee: Pay EUR 140 visa fee at embassy

6

Receive visa: Obtain self-employed/professional visa

7

Register in Belgium: Register at municipal authority and obtain professional card

8

Pay professional card fee: Pay EUR 90 professional card fee at local office

Application Forms

Professional Card Application—

Verified Claims (1)

Last verified Jun 20, 2026
Included Nationalities
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dofi.ibz.be
Official Information

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