Belgium•EuropeStudent Orientation Year Visa
At a Glance
Processing Time
14-28 days
Application Fee
180 EUR
Stay Duration
12 months
Renewable
Varies
Job Offer
Not Required
Dependents
Not Specified
PR Pathway
Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency — the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.Remote Work
Not Required
Overview
Post-study work authorization allowing recent graduates to remain in Belgium for up to 12 months to seek employment or establish a business.
After completing higher education in Belgium, international students may request an extension of their stay to seek employment or establish their own business. During this orientation year, graduates have unrestricted access to the labor market and can work legally in any sector.
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Requirements
Financial
Minimum Savings
9,468 EUR
Personal
Criminal Record Policy
case_by_case
Education
Associate or higher
Excluded Nationalities
Citizens of the following countries are not eligible: AT, BE, BG, CY, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, FR, GR, HR, HU, IE, IT, LT, LU, LV, MT, NL, PL, PT, RO, SE, SI, SK, IS, LI, NO, CH
Documentation
Applicant Documents
Valid passport
Valid travel document
Degree diploma
Certificate of completion from Belgian higher education institution
Health insurance
Coverage for risks in Belgium
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Advantages
- Unrestricted labor market access
- Opportunity to establish Belgian business
- Can transition to work visa if employment secured
- 12-month period to find qualified employment
Considerations
- Only 12 months, no extensions
- Cannot rely on public support
- Must have completed degree program
- Limited to graduates of Belgian institutions
Application Process
Complete studies
Successfully complete degree program at Belgian higher education institution
Apply for orientation year
Submit application to local municipal authority before current residence permit expires
Submit documents
Provide degree diploma and proof of health insurance
Receive authorization
Obtain A card marked 'job seeker'
Application Forms
Orientation Year Application
Ready to Apply?
Check your eligibility first to see how well you match this visa