Belgium is set to introduce significant updates to its work permit laws starting October 1, 2024.
These changes, focused on the Brussels-Capital Region, aim to improve the efficiency of work permit procedures and attract more international workers.
This article outlines the key modifications, their benefits, and what they mean for foreign workers and employers.
Overview of New Work Permit Regulations
From October 1, 2024, Belgium will implement new rules for calculating the minimum salaries required for various work permits in the Brussels-Capital Region.
These rules will be based on a percentage of the average gross monthly salary, which is currently €4,604.
Here’s a breakdown of the new salary requirements:
Monthly Salaries for Work Permits
- Highly Skilled Professionals: The minimum salary required will be €3,591.12, which is 78% of the average salary.
- EU Blue Card: The minimum salary will be €4,604, representing 100% of the average salary.
- Intra-Company Transfer Permit (Management): The minimum salary will be €5,294.60, equivalent to 115% of the average salary.
Table: Minimum Monthly Salaries for Work Permits
| Permit Type | Minimum Salary |
|---|---|
| Highly Skilled Professionals | €3,591.12 |
| EU Blue Card | €4,604 |
| Intra-Company Transfer Permit (Management) | €5,294.60 |
Changes to the EU Blue Card Directive
Belgium is also making amendments to the EU Blue Card Directive to simplify the application process for international professionals. The key changes include:
- Professional Experience Requirements: Candidates with five years of professional experience in a relevant field can now apply for the EU Blue Card. This change reduces the emphasis on academic qualifications alone.
- ICT Professionals: Those with three years of experience in ICT within the past seven years can apply for the Blue Card without needing advanced academic degrees.
- Employer Changes: Blue Card holders will have the flexibility to change employers within the first 12 months of employment without undergoing additional procedures.
Renaming and Updates to Work Permits
The current B work permit will be renamed to either “short-term work permit” or “long-term work permit,” depending on its duration. Employers will also be relieved from submitting annual matching documents if the permit is valid for more than one year.
Unlimited Work Permits
An unlimited work permit will be available to employees who have resided in Belgium for 30 continuous months, provided they can demonstrate they have worked during this period under a single work permit or a permit in the Brussels-Capital Region.
Major Changes to Immigration Policy
The new changes are part of a broader overhaul of Belgium’s immigration policy. These include:
- Labour Market Test Exceptions: Certain occupations will no longer require a labour market test to obtain work permits.
- Eased Employer Change Procedures: The process for international workers to switch employers will be simplified.
- New Blue Card Pathways: Additional pathways based on professional experience will be introduced to obtain the Blue Card.
- Clearer Criteria for Self-Employed Individuals: New, clearer guidelines will be set for those wishing to work as self-employed persons in Belgium.
What is the EU Blue Card?
The EU Blue Card is a work and residence permit designed for highly skilled professionals from outside the European Union. It allows these individuals to work in a Member State for a long duration.
With the new amendments, the Blue Card will be an even more attractive option for international professionals, providing easier access to working in Belgium.
How to Apply for the Blue Card After the Amendments
With the new changes, applying for the Blue Card will be more straightforward.
Applicants will need to provide proof of their professional experience and sign an employment contract that meets the minimum salary requirement.
This streamlining is expected to make the application process less burdensome for qualified professionals.
Benefits of the New Work Permit Regulations
These updates are expected to bring several benefits to both international professionals and employers:
- Increased Opportunities for Professionals: The new rules make it easier for skilled professionals, particularly in fields like information technology and engineering, to work in Belgium. This opens up more career opportunities for international talent.
- Simplified Procedures for Employers: Employers will face less bureaucratic red tape when hiring foreign workers. Simplified procedures for changing employers and the elimination of annual document submissions will ease the administrative burden.
- Attracting Global Talent: By easing the requirements for the EU Blue Card and making it simpler to obtain unlimited work permits, Belgium aims to attract a diverse pool of international talent to fill skill gaps in the local job market.
- Clearer Immigration Policies: The new policies will provide clearer guidelines for self-employed individuals and introduce new pathways for obtaining work permits, making Belgium a more attractive destination for global professionals.
Conclusion
The upcoming changes to Belgium’s work permit laws, effective October 1, 2024, represent a significant shift in how international workers and employers navigate the work permit system.
These amendments aim to streamline the recruitment process, attract skilled professionals, and simplify legal procedures.
It is crucial for both international workers and employers in Belgium to understand these changes to take full advantage of the new opportunities they present.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the main changes to Belgium’s work permit laws?
Belgium will update the minimum salary calculations, simplify application processes, and relax conditions for the EU Blue Card.
2. Can Blue Card holders change their employer?
Yes, Blue Card holders can change their employer within the first 12 months without additional procedures.
3. What is the minimum salary required to obtain the Brussels Blue Card?
The minimum salary required is €4,604 per month.
4. How long does it take to get an unlimited work permit in Belgium?
An unlimited work permit can be obtained after living and working in Belgium for 30 continuous months.
5. Do the new amendments cover all regions of Belgium?
The changes mainly affect the Brussels-Capital Region but may influence other regions over time.
Table: Key Dates for Work Permit Changes
| Date | Change |
|---|---|
| October 1, 2024 | New rules for work permit salaries and Blue Card changes |
These updates mark an important step in Belgium’s efforts to modernize its work permit system and attract global talent to its workforce.