Are you thinking about working in a country with a highly developed economy? Belgium has a high-income economy, depending on its geographical location and other industries.
Moreover, the country offers several benefits to employees other than a basic salary. These include insurance coverage, medical insurance, child allowances, etc.
Therefore, if you want to work in Belgium, the first step is to go through the visa process. Thus, the following article will help you explore the requirements and the application process for a Belgium work visa from Pakistan. So, stay with us till the end.
Economy of Belgium
As a high-income and mixed economy, the country’s location, industrial and commercial base, and transport network are the basic elements of Belgium’s wealth.
Furthermore, it was one of the first European countries to join the Industrial Revolution in the early 19th century. Belgium’s transportation infrastructure comprises two ports. Its railways, canals, and highways connect the country with its neighbors.
Moreover, among all the OECD countries, Belgium has the strongest social security system, with a GDP of 29%.
Is Getting a Visa to Work in Belgium Necessary?
Yes. If you want to work in Belgium and do not belong to any of the EU countries, you must apply for a work visa to enter the country. However, this also includes having an employment contract and a work permit to officially start your job in Belgium.
This is particularly important for Pakistani citizens traveling to Belgium. Besides, the rule applies to all international travelers who are not citizens of Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland, and the EU.
Process in a nutshell
Moreover, non-EU and EEA nationals must get a work permit to live and work in the host country. After that, you can apply for a work visa to enter the country. Once you land in Belgium, apply for a residence permit to have uninterrupted time.
Who Can Work in Belgium Without a Visa?
The citizens of the following countries can work in Belgium without applying for a work visa or permit.
- EU
- EEA (Liechtenstein, Norway, and Iceland)
- Switzerland
Furthermore, the nationals of the following states can travel to Belgium for work purposes without applying for a visa. However, after arriving in the country, they must get a work and residence permit to fulfill the visit purpose.
- Japan
- Canada
- The United States of America
- Australia
- Israel
- New Zealand
Work Visa Vs. Work Permit
When planning to travel to a foreign country for work purposes, two broader categories may attract your attention: work visa and work permit. Both of them are briefly discussed below.
Work visa
A work visa allows you to enter the target country for long-term work purposes. However, you cannot start your employment legally with a work visa. For this purpose, you must have a work permit.
Moreover, it is a border domain allowing you to work for multiple employers or freelance work depending on your visa type.
Work permit
On the other hand, you can start your job and live in Belgium with a work permit. This document will be issued to you by your Belgian employer. Only after getting a work permit, you can apply for a work visa.
Furthermore, it authorizes you to work for a specific employer and a job title. Usually, you are restricted from changing jobs.
Types of Belgium Work Permit
A Belgium work permit has several types. Each of them has been discussed below.
Type B
A Type B work permit allows you to work in Belgium. However, for this purpose, your Belgian employer must apply for a work permit on your behalf for a specific position. The designated job position should not be filled by an EU or Belgian employee.
Type A
You can only get a Type A work permit if you have a Type B permit for almost four years within a ten-year stay in the target country. Surprisingly, a Type A permit is valid for an indefinite time.
Type C
Lastly, a Type C visa allows asylum seekers or temporary visitors to stay and work in Belgium. However, you cannot stay permanently in the country. Besides, this permit type is valid for almost one year.
Requirements for a Belgium Work Visa from Pakistan
A Belgium work visa from Pakistan requires you to submit the following documents.
Passport
The first requirement is to submit your Pakistani passport which should be valid for at least three months after your Belgium work visa expires. Moreover, it should be free from any damage and must have sufficient pages to affix a visa stamp.
Work permit
You will apply for a work visa only when you receive a work permit from your potential Belgian employer. They are responsible for submitting your work permit application on your behalf.
Employment contract
Find a job in Belgium and once your employment is confirmed, sign the employment contract. This document should be attached with the rest of the Belgium work visa application.
Visa application form
Another requirement is to fill out a work visa application form. You can download it online or get it from the Embassy of Belgium in Pakistan. Make sure to complete it by providing the requested information.
Photos
Since Belgium is a Schengen country, two passport-size pictures should be submitted following the Schengen photo guidelines. For example, this includes,
- A dimension of 35*45mm.
- The background color must be white.
- The picture should be clear and of high quality.
- It must cover 70-805 of your face and shoulder.
- Must not be older than the last six months.
Proof of flight reservation
Your work visa application would be incomplete without submitting proof of flight reservation. The document shows that you have intentions to travel to Belgium. In case of a long-term stay, it is advised to purchase a one-way ticket to save money.
In addition, the flight reservation document includes information such as your flight number, the airline company, travel dates and times, destination country, IATA codes, airport terminals, etc.
Moreover, you can read this detailed article to learn how to reserve a flight for your trip to Belgium from Pakistan.
Proof of accommodation
Your potential employer will be solely responsible for your accommodation in Belgium. However, the embassy requires you to submit this document to show that you have managed your stay in the target country.
For this purpose, you can submit a hotel reservation, a rental contract, or a sponsorship letter from the host.
Travel health insurance
For a Belgium Schengen work visa, you must purchase a travel health insurance policy. This must have a coverage amount of at least 30,000 euros valid for the entire stay duration.
Moreover, it covers expenses related to surgery, accident, evacuation, repatriation, luggage loss, etc.
Proof of financial means
Another requirement is to submit your financial documents to show that you can support yourself. Therefore, you can present documents such as bank statements from the last six months, salary slips, or income tax returns.
Medical certificate
Submitting a medical certificate is a mandatory requirement for a Belgium work visa from Pakistan. This document ensures that you do not have any disease such as AIDS or Hepatitis and are fit to travel to the target country.
Academic certificates
For a Belgium work visa, make sure to submit your academic certificates to demonstrate that you have the right qualifications for the designated job position. For this purpose, you can submit documents such as a degree, certificate, or diploma.
Experience letter
Furthermore, submitting an experience letter issued from the previous company/employer in your home country shows that you have the appropriate experience. Moreover, you can also submit a No Objection Certificate.
Character certificate
Lastly, a character certificate should be submitted as a part of the work visa application. You can get this document from the local police station. The document shows that you are not involved in any illegal or criminal activity.
Note: Make sure to submit all the required documents in the language specified by the authorities. If any document is in a language other than French, German, Dutch, or English, it will not be considered.
How Can I Get a Work Visa for Belgium?
Follow the steps mentioned below to start your Belgium work visa application from Pakistan.
Step 1: Search for a job in Belgium
The first step of the process is to find a job in Belgium. For this purpose, you can visit the EURES (European Job Military Portal). After your job is confirmed, get an employment contract from the employer in Belgium before applying for a work permit.
Step 2: File for a work permit
Secondly, after securing a job, make sure to apply for a work permit. Either you can submit the application personally at the Embassy of Belgium in Pakistan or your employer can start the process on your behalf.
Step 3: Apply for a work visa
A work permit allows you to live and work in Belgium. However, to enter the country, you must get a work visa. For this purpose, visit the Embassy of Belgium in Pakistan. Fill out the visa application form, submit the documents, attend the interview, and pay the visa fee. Then, wait for the processing time.
Step 4: Start your journey
Lastly, once your work visa is approved, you can travel to Belgium and visit the local town to get your work and residence permit. After six continuous years of living, you can permanently reside in Belgium.
How Much Does a Belgium Work Visa from Pakistan Cost?
The application fee for a Belgium work visa from Pakistan is almost 180 euros. This is equivalent to 54,682 Pakistani Rupees. This specific amount applies to all types of long-stay visas when traveling to this Schengen country.
Moreover, this fee should be deposited by your employer when submitting your application at the Immigration Office in Belgium.
Also, note that this fee is non-refundable.
Work Visa Processing Time
The processing time for a Belgium work visa varies from one case to another. The standard period is between 35-40 days. Besides, if your application is submitted to the Home Office in Brussels, expect the processing time to be extended. In this case or summer time/special occasions, it may take up to 6 to 8 weeks.
Therefore, it is advisable to apply at least three weeks before your intended departure date.
Moreover, applicants can apply for a work visa six months before their traveling date.
What to Do After Landing in Belgium?
After receiving a work permit, apply for a work visa and travel to Belgium. Once you land in the country, make sure to register yourself in the foreigner’s registry at the town hall or local administration.
Then, submit an application for a Belgian identity card card and give your biometric data such as fingerprints and photos. You will receive your ID card as a residence permit after completing all these requirements.
Moreover, if you are a highly skilled professional worker having exceptional qualifications and experience, you can apply for a Belgium Blue Card to work in Belgium. This residence permit (EU Blue Card) is for foreign academics who want to get employment in Belgium or any other EU country.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it possible to bring my family to Belgium on a work visa?
Yes. When traveling to Belgium on a work visa, you can bring your family as well. However, make sure to find a suitable house for yourself and the applicants accompanying you.
Moreover, you should have enough financial resources to support them. Thus, your family members can apply for a Type D visa for family reunification at the Embassy of Belgium in Pakistan.
- What is the validity of a Belgium work visa?
Usually, the Belgium work visa is valid for almost one year. However, you can extend it considering the terms and conditions of your employment contract. For this purpose, submit the application to the Immigration Office at a local city hall.
After living and working in Belgium for five years, you are eligible for a permanent residence or Type A permit.
- What is the minimum average salary of an employee in Belgium?
According to the latest research, the minimum monthly salary of an employee in Belgium is 1,956 euros. On the other hand, employees are also paid on weekly working hours as well. On average,
- For 38 hours, you will get almost 11.87 euros per hour,
- You will get 11.57 euros per hour for 39 hours.
- Lastly, for 40 weekly working hours, you will get 11.29 per hour.
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