BELGIUM / EUROPEAN BLUE CARD
The Belgian European Blue Card is a special residence permit that allows highly skilled non-EU nationals to live and work in Belgium. This system aims to make Europe a more attractive destination for highly educated professionals from outside the European Union. Here’s an overview of the general rules, the application process, and the documents needed for a Belgian European Blue Card:
General Rules:
- Eligibility Criteria:
- You must be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national.
- You need to have completed a higher education program of at least three years. This can be proven through a university degree.
- You must have a binding job offer or work contract in Belgium for at least one year.
- The salary must meet a minimum threshold, which is typically higher than the average wage. For 2023, the gross annual salary must be at least €56,111.
- Duration and Renewal:
- The Blue Card is initially valid for 13 months and can be renewed. The renewal depends on your employment status.
- If you change jobs within the first two years, you must notify and get approval from the immigration office.
- Mobility within the EU:
- After 18 months of legally residing in Belgium, Blue Card holders may move to another EU country to take up highly qualified work.
Application Process:
- Application Submission:
- The application can be submitted either by you or your employer, depending on whether you are applying from outside Belgium or if you are already in Belgium under a different type of residence permit.
- Approval:
- The regional employment authority will first evaluate the work conditions and salary aspects of your job offer.
- Following this, the immigration office will process the residence aspects of your application.
Documents Needed:
- Standard Documents:
- A valid passport.
- A signed job contract for at least one year with a Belgian employer.
- Proof of professional qualifications (e.g., diploma, professional licenses).
- Proof of suitable housing in Belgium.
- Health insurance covering all risks in Belgium.
- Specific Documents:
- A medical certificate proving that you do not suffer from any diseases that may endanger public health.
- A certificate of no criminal record.
- Additional Forms and Fees:
- Application forms specific to the Blue Card.
- Payment of the application fee, which varies depending on where the application is submitted and the specific conditions of the application.
Processing Time:
The processing time can vary, but it typically takes about 90 days from the submission of the complete application until the decision.
For a successful application, it’s essential to ensure that all the required documents are correctly submitted and that the job offer meets the specific criteria for highly qualified employment. For specific needs or complex situations, it is advisable to work with a legal expert knowledgeable about Belgian immigration law.