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Trainee Visa
VisasBelgiumTrainee Visa
BelgiumBelgium•Europe
Open

Trainee Visa

Work Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

3 months

Estimated Cost

€180 EUR

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

6 months

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Official Information

Overview

Structured training or internship program for non-EU university graduates, sponsored by Belgian employers, with work authorization for up to 6 months renewable.

The Trainee Visa allows recent university graduates or students from non-EU countries to undertake structured traineeships in Belgium and gain professional experience. Host employers apply for work authorization through regional authorities. Applicants must have a binding training agreement relevant to their field of study.

The visa permits stays of up to six months, renewable subject to regional authority approval. EUR 180 application fees apply, and work authorization is granted for the training period. Processing takes up to 90 days. Spouses and dependents may reside with the trainee; spouses may work without restriction.

This visa is ideal for recent university graduates seeking structured professional experience abroad through corporate training programs aligned with Belgium's economic sectors.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant6 months

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must have a higher education degree (obtained within the last 2 years) or be currently enrolled in a higher education program in a non-EU country

Must have a signed training agreement with a host entity/company in Belgium

Training must be relevant to the trainee's qualification level and field of study

Must have sufficient financial means to cover subsistence and return travel costs

Must have health insurance covering all risks in Belgium

Host entity must apply for the authorization for trainee through the regional authority

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Signed training agreement

Copy of higher education degree or proof of current enrollment

Proof of sufficient financial means

Proof of valid health insurance

Proof of payment of the administrative contribution fee

Medical certificate

Police clearance certificate

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Full work authorization in designated role throughout traineeship period
  • Spouse has unrestricted work rights during your stay in Belgium
  • EUR 180 visa fee is standard and predictable cost
  • Employer-sponsored application means host organization handles authorization logistics
  • Bachelor's degree holders within 2 years of graduation are qualifying

Worth Knowing

  • Training must be directly relevant to your degree field — broad career changes not supported
  • Structured training agreement required with host entity outlining learning objectives and timeline
  • Closed to applicants more than 2 years post-graduation or not currently enrolled
  • Health insurance and sufficient financial means demonstration required before visa issuance
  • Registration with municipal authority within 8 days of arrival is mandatory
  • No pathway to permanent residence — traineeship visa does not lead to long-term settlement
  • Maximum total stay capped at 1 year — cannot extend indefinitely or convert to employment

Application Process

1

Secure traineeship: Obtain formal traineeship offer from Belgian employer/organization

2

Employer applies for permit: Employer applies to regional authority for trainee work authorization

3

Receive work authorization: Obtain positive decision and authorization

4

Apply for visa: Submit D-visa application at Belgian embassy with authorization

5

Pay fee: Pay EUR 180 visa fee

6

Receive visa: Obtain visa marked as trainee (BXX code)

7

Register in Belgium: Register at municipal authority within 8 days

Application Forms

Trainee Visa Application—

Verified Claims (7)

Last verified Jun 26, 2026
Official Info
https://dofi.ibz.be/en/themes/third-country-nationals/work/trainees
dofi.ibz.be
Max Stay
Up to 6 months (renewable subject to regional authority approval)
dofi.ibz.be
Max Stay Estimate
type: days, initialDays: 180, notes: up to 6 months; renewable subject to regional authority approva…
dofi.ibz.be
Petitioner
employer
dofi.ibz.be
Processing Estimates
{"minDays":90,"maxDays":90}
dofi.ibz.be
Processing Time
Up to 90 days
dofi.ibz.be
Work Auth
true
dofi.ibz.be
Official Information

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