Belgium•EuropeSelf-Employed/Professional Card Visa
At a Glance
Processing Time
28-56 days
Application Fee
140 EUR
Stay Duration
2 to 5 years
Renewable
Yes
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
Long-stay visa for non-EU/EEA self-employed professionals and business owners establishing or operating a business in Belgium.
Belgium's professional card allows non-EU/EEA entrepreneurs and self-employed professionals to establish and operate businesses. The professional card is applied for through the region where the business will be based (Flanders, Wallonia, or Brussels-Capital). Initial permit is for 2 years, renewable for 5 years after successful operation.
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Requirements
Financial
Minimum Savings
22,838 EUR
Personal
Criminal Record Policy
case_by_case
Education
High School 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
Business plan
Detailed financial and operational plan
Proof of resources
Bank statements and capital available
Criminal record certificate
Police clearance
Health insurance
Medical coverage
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Advantages
- Pathway to permanent residency
- Family reunification possible
- Establish own business
- Renewable for up to 5 years
- Work autonomy
Considerations
- Requires viable business plan
- Must meet regional criteria
- Initial 2-year probationary period
- Significant paperwork and documentation
- Regional approval varies
Application Process
Prepare business plan
Develop comprehensive business plan for Belgian business
Apply to regional authority
Submit professional card application to competent region
Receive professional card approval
Obtain approval from regional business authorities
Apply for D-visa
Submit national visa application with professional card approval
Pay visa fee
Pay EUR 140 visa fee at embassy
Receive visa
Obtain self-employed/professional visa
Register in Belgium
Register at municipal authority and obtain professional card
Pay professional card fee
Pay EUR 90 professional card fee at local office
Application Forms
Professional Card Application
Ready to Apply?
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