Located in the very center of the European Union, with a competitive labor market, social guarantees and a high quality of life, Belgium is one of the most attractive countries today for Ukrainian migrant workers and others. The country is open to workers from various sectors of the economy. Among the most in-demand professions on the Belgian labor market are IT specialists, marketers, sales managers, teachers, HR, doctors, medical staff, accountants, nannies, workers in the fields of mechanical engineering, agriculture, services, and construction.
Why Belgium attracts migrant workers from other countries:
The average minimum wage is between 40-50 thousand euros per year.
38 hour work week.
High standard of living.
Good transport links.
Medical insurance.
One of the best healthcare and education systems.
Pension payments, etc.
If you are not a resident of the EU, but want to officially work in this country, you need a work visa to Belgium.
How to apply for a work visa to Belgium
For legal entry and permanent stay in the country, you must obtain a long-term work visa (D-Visa) or obtain a work permit in Belgium (Work Permit).
Belgium provides several types of permits to citizens outside the EU, including Ukraine:
A – privileged unlimited, which gives a person the right to work anywhere without being tied to a specific employer and is available only to those foreign specialists who have previously worked in Belgium for several years under a type B permit.
B is the most common work permit for Ukrainians, but with certain restrictions: you work for a specific employer in a specific field of activity. The validity period of a type B visa is 1 year with the right to extension. You will not be able to come to Belgium to work on this visa until your employer receives a work permit.
C – issued to foreign citizens who wish to work, but do not have the right to permanent residence in the country (students, temporary visitors, refugees, etc.). The permit is valid for a year.
Belgium also issues special work permits for persons who have:
a European blue card, which allows highly qualified specialists to work in the country for up to 3 months;
a professional card for self-employed workers, which gives the right to work in Belgium for a period of one to five years.
How to obtain a work visa to Belgium for Ukrainians – action plan:
Decide on the type of visa, work and residence permit in the country.
Prepare a package of documents (the entire list is presented in the next section).
Submit documents to the Belgian consulate or through a visa center if the embassy uses such services.
Pay the visa fees and keep the receipt (this is needed to confirm the submission of documents).
Wait for the decision (review of the application usually lasts from 2 to 8 weeks, if there is no need for additional checks).
Obtain a visa allowing you to enter Belgium (upon arrival you need to register with the local municipality to obtain a residence permit).
For more information, visit the official website of the Belgian Embassy in Ukraine.
What documents are required to obtain a work visa to Belgium
Before obtaining a work permit in Belgium, you need to collect a package of documents (the list may vary depending on the type of work and visa category):
The visa application form has been correctly completed and signed in accordance with the requirements of the consulate.
A valid passport of a citizen of Ukraine (the validity period of the document must exceed the duration of the visa by at least six months).
Two passport size photographs taken in accordance with Schengen standards.
Work permit issued by an employer in Belgium (type A, B, C). As a rule, Ukrainians receive a type B permit.
An employment contract with the employer, which specifies working conditions, wages and duration of work.
A medical certificate from a certified physician confirming that you do not have a serious infectious disease.
A current police clearance certificate (issued at the territorial service center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs), translated into French, Dutch or German.
The health insurance policy is valid in all Schengen countries.
Documents on education or qualifications (certificates, diplomas).
Proof of residence in Belgium (e.g. rental agreement).
Receipt of payment of the consular fee for processing the application.
The cost of a work visa to Belgium for Ukrainians
Many job seekers are interested in the question: how much does a work visa to Belgium cost? The price depends on the type of visa:
permit type A, B, C – €180;
European Blue Card – €358;
professional card – €140.
Advantages of contacting the Group Working team of specialists
The Group Working team helps job seekers in Belgium collect and prepare all the necessary documents in accordance with current requirements. We work quickly to speed up the visa process. We provide legal support and develop individual solutions for each situation.
By choosing Group Working, you are guaranteed to receive professional service and increase your chances of successful employment in one of the best countries of the European Union.
