Belgium•EuropeEU Blue Card - Highly Qualified Worker
At a Glance
Processing Time
0-90 days
Application Fee
126 EUR
Stay Duration
1 to 3 years
Renewable
Varies
Job Offer
Not Required
Dependents
Allowed
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
EU work permit for highly qualified non-EU professionals with university degree. Allows employment with any employer after one year of tenure. Faster path to permanent residency.
The EU Blue Card is an EU-wide work permit for highly qualified non-EU professionals. Belgium does not apply a labor market test for the Blue Card, making it easier to obtain than traditional work permits. After one year of employment, Blue Card holders can work for any employer.
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Requirements
Personal
Passport Validity
12 months
Criminal Record Policy
Clean record required
Education
bachelors or higher
Professional
Experience
None generally required if holding a degree, but 3 years of relevant experience is required for ICT specialists without a degree.+ years
Required Skills
Excluded Nationalities
Citizens of the following countries are not eligible: AT, BE, BG, CH, CY, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, FR, GR, HR, HU, IE, IS, IT, LI, LT, LU, LV, MT, NL, NO, PL, PT, RO, SE, SI, SK
Documentation
Applicant Documents
Valid passport
Minimum 3 months validity
University degree certificate
Minimum 3-year higher education diploma
Employment contract
Meeting salary threshold requirements
Health insurance
Medical coverage
Criminal record certificate
Police clearance
Sponsor Documents
EU Blue Card application
Submitted by employer
Employment contract
Signed contract with salary details
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Advantages
- No labor market test required
- Employer flexibility after 1 year
- Pathway to permanent residency
- Family reunification possible
- Valid across EU for residence purposes
Considerations
- High salary threshold requirement
- Requires university degree
- Employer must navigate process
- Initially tied to specific employer
Application Process
Secure employment
Obtain job offer meeting salary threshold (EUR 56,112-63,586 depending on region)
Employer applies for permit
Employer submits EU Blue Card application to regional authority
Receive permit approval
Obtain EU Blue Card approval notice
Apply for visa
Submit national visa application at Belgian embassy
Pay fees
Pay visa fee and Blue Card fee
Receive visa and card
Obtain EU Blue Card (valid up to 3 years)
Application Forms
EU Blue Card Application
Ready to Apply?
Check your eligibility first to see how well you match this visa