Belgium Work Visa and High-Demand Jobs
Belgium is not only the epicentre of the EU but also a country with drastic labour gaps: to the qualified Third-Country Nationals (non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens), this scarcity predetermines enormous career opportunities, particularly in High-Demand Jobs Belgium (also referred to as Knelpuntberoepen in Flanders).
Knowing the Belgium Single Permit System
As long as the Third-Country Nationals stay in Belgium longer than 90 days (on work purposes), to obtain the Single Permit is necessary to stay in the country and have the right to work under the law in Belgium.
The Regional Factor
The immigration office of Belgium is complicated, due to the regionalization of the power to issue the work authorization aspect within the three regions, namely:
Major Application Process (Employer Sponsorship)
The employer triggers the work visa process of the Belgians, which is a very important concept referred to as Employer Sponsorship.
- Job Offer and Contract: The Belgian employer shall offer signed Employment Contract which shall comply with the applicable regional Minimum Salary Cutoff.
- Application Submission: Care of the employer: The employer gets to submit the application of the Single Permit (both work and residence) through the electronic portal of the region.
- Regional Review: The work component (i.e. whether the salary/role qualifies) is reviewed by the relevant Regional Employment Authority (VDAB, FOREM, or ACTIRIS).
- Immigration Office Approval: In case of regional approvals, the file is sent to the Immigration Office (Office des Étrangers / Dienst Vreemdelingenzaken) where the residence check is done.
- Visa D and Permit: When the final approval is made, the applicant submits a request to the Long-Stay Visa D at the Belgian Embassy / Consulate outside of Belgium to enter Belgium. The local issue of the Single Permit card is issued on arrival.
The overall Processing Time can usually be between 4 and 12 weeks, depending on the region and the type of file.
High-Demand Jobs Belgium Your streamlined Way
The most efficient method of obtaining a permit without spending a lot of time is to apply to the Shortage Occupations list or become a Highly Qualified Worker through the EU Blue Card. Both types enjoy a partial or complete exemption of Labor Market Test.
Occupations with shortages (Medium-Skilled 2)
The regional agencies update the lists of Shortage Occupations (or Knelpuntberoepen), on an annual basis. Occupation of one of these positions is a significant benefit to Third-Country Nationals.
Skills in Demand Critical (Across Regions, 2024/2025)
Careers in Engineering: Maintenance Technicians, Industrial Automation Specialists, Site Supervisors (in Construction Trades, in particular).
- Technicians & Skilled Trades: HVAC technicians, Electricians, Welders, and specialty mechanics.
- Logistics & Transport: Heavy vehicle drivers and Supply Chain Management positions (in and about the Port of Antwerp).
Focus on Critical Sectors
The supply of talent is in especially short supply in two key fields:
Technology and Science
- Belgium, most specifically Brussels and Ghent, is an important technology centre. Occupations in STEM Jobs are always listed under the Shortage Occupations list.
- Significant jobs IT Specialist, Cybersecurity Analyst, Data Scientist, specialist Engineering Jobs (renewable energy and R&D in particular).
- These jobs tend to be highly remunerated above the EU Blue Card threshold making the permit process less difficult.
Healthcare
The lack of labor and the aging population has ensured that Healthcare Professionals remain on the demand list in all regions at all times.
- Major Experts: Nurses, Geriatric Caregivers, Specialist Doctors.
- Condition: Must have passed Diploma Equivalence and, in most cases, have the skill in the native tongue of the region (Dutch in Flanders, French in Wallonia).
FAQs
What is the EU Blue Card, and is it better than the Single Permit?
The EU Blue Card is a specific type of Single Permit for highly-skilled, non-EU workers. It offers greater mobility within the EU (after 18 months in Belgium) and faster access to Permanent Residence Belgium (often 5 years total). You must meet the higher salary threshold and possess a university degree.
Does my employer need to do a Labor Market Test?
For Highly Qualified Worker permits or jobs on the regional Shortage Occupations list (Knelpuntberoepen), the employer does not need to prove that no suitable EU/EEA candidate could be found. For non-shortage, lower-skilled roles, the mandatory Labor Market Test will apply, which is why targeting the high-demand fields is crucial.
Can my family join me in Belgium?
Yes. Once your Single Permit is granted, your spouse/registered partner and minor children are typically eligible to apply for Family Reunification visas. You must prove stable, regular and sufficient means of subsistence (income above a set threshold) to support them.
Final Thoughts
With the help of having a job qualifying as a Shortage Occupation or one of the high salary demands of the EU Blue Card, Third-Country Nationals have a secure starting point to an European career, including an option of Family Reunification and, ultimately, Permanent Residence Belgium. To increase your chances of success in the job search area, focus on the regional lists published by VDAB, FOREM, and ACTIRIS.
Disclosure
This employment data is provided to learn and gain information. There is an annual indexation of salary thresholds (valid 2025) and particular procedures in respect of legal changes at the regional level. Before applying to the Regional Employment Authorities (VDAB, FOREM, ACTIRIS), please make sure that all necessary details are verified on the official websites of the authorities and that all needed information is provided.