Belgium cuts work visa wait to 15 days for skilled foreign workers

Key Takeaways

• Work visa processing in Flanders drops to 15 calendar days for skilled foreign workers starting May 2025.
• Minimum annual salary for highly skilled in Flanders: €46,632 (or €37,305 for nurses/under 30); Brussels/Wallonia: €50,310.
• From January 2026, all Belgian work permits must be processed in a maximum of 45 days nationwide.

Skilled foreign workers seeking job opportunities in Belgium have good news: as of May 2025, the Flemish region has rolled out big changes to its work visa process. Now, the work visa application time for skilled foreign workers in Flanders is just 15 calendar days. This is a major cut from the previous wait, which ranged anywhere from 1 month to as long as 2.5 months. This decision is not just a small tweak; it makes Belgium one of the fastest countries in Europe for processing work visas for skilled talent.

Let’s take a closer look at these updates, how they might affect you whether you’re a job seeker or an employer, and what the future holds for both high- and low-skilled workers hoping to work in Belgium.

Fast-Track Work Visa for Skilled Foreign Workers: Key Change and Why It Matters

The main change is clear: in the Flemish region, skilled foreign workers now enjoy much shorter wait times for getting a work permit. This change, in effect from May 2025, means Flanders can now process work authorization requests for such workers in just 15 days. That’s a sharp decrease from the old wait of between four to ten weeks.

Why does this matter? In today’s job market, speed is key. Companies in fields like IT, engineering, healthcare, and finance often need to fill roles quickly. Skilled professionals looking to move countries want fast, clear answers when planning their next step. With this shorter timeline, people and companies benefit in several ways:
– Job seekers don’t have to wait months to know if they can move and work in Belgium.
– Employers can bring in top talent quickly, helping them stay ahead in their industries.
– The region becomes more attractive for international professionals who have options in other European countries.

The speed of this new system is especially important when compared with other areas. As reported by VisaVerge.com, Flanders now leads among European regions in work permit processing times for skilled foreign workers, making it stand out for international hiring.

From Visa Submission to Residency: How the Total Timeline Changes

While getting the work permit is the biggest hurdle, it’s just one step toward moving to Belgium. Typically, after the permit, applicants still need to apply for a visa at a Belgian consulate and then, once in the country, get a residence permit. In the past, the entire process—work permit, consular visa, and residence permit—took about 4.5 months. Now, with the new system, that’s trimmed down to around three months in total.

Here’s a simple breakdown:
– Apply for the work permit: now just 15 days for skilled foreign workers in Flanders.
– Wait for the decision and then apply for a visa in your home country.
– Once in Belgium, register and receive your residence permit.

This faster system is a big help for both job seekers and employers. Those wanting a smoother, quicker move to Belgium will find that time and stress are both reduced.

Who Qualifies as a Highly Skilled Worker in Belgium?

Not everyone qualifies for this new fast-track path. Belgium, like many other countries, has specific rules about who is considered a “highly skilled worker.” These depend mostly on the region and set income levels.

Here’s how it works:
– In Flanders:
– You must earn at least €46,632 per year to count as highly skilled.
– If you’re under 30 years old, or if you are a nurse, the minimum is slightly lower—€37,305 per year.
– In Brussels and Wallonia, the bar is higher at €50,310 per year, and these regions still have longer processing times.

In addition to the salary levels, you usually need one of the following:
– At least a three-year higher education degree (such as a bachelor’s degree).
– Or at least three years’ relevant work experience, which is especially important for those in tech applying under the “EU Blue Card” pathway.

If you’re targeting high-demand jobs like IT specialist, engineer, healthcare worker, or roles in finance, you likely fit the skilled worker category. But it’s always important to check the most recent government requirements to be sure.

Future Plans: Faster Work Permits for All (Coming January 2026)

The reforms in Flanders are just the start. Belgium wants to improve things across the whole country and for all kinds of workers. Plans are in place so that, beginning January 2026, every work permit application—regardless of worker skill level—should be handled in a maximum of 45 calendar days. This will make processes much faster for everyone, not just for skilled foreign workers.

To help meet these ambitious new deadlines, Belgium is developing new digital application systems. These will let employers and applicants send in all necessary information online and track applications easily. There will also be an “employer accreditation program,” where companies known for hiring skilled staff can get approved to speed up the visa process even further.

These measures should cut down on paperwork, errors, and mix-ups, making it even easier to bring skilled talent to Belgium. For the most up-to-date information on application requirements and timelines, refer to the official Belgium immigration page.

How Do the Regions Compare? Flanders, Brussels, and Wallonia

While the changes in Flanders are great news, not every region has moved as quickly. Here’s a quick comparison:

That means if you have a choice of where to work in Belgium, Flanders is the fastest option right now for skilled foreign workers seeking a work visa.

Special Note on Low-Skilled Work: Tougher Rules on the Horizon

While Belgium is making it faster for highly skilled people to get a work visa, the doors aren’t open as wide for low-skilled workers. In fact, the Flemish government has made it clear there will soon be tighter rules for low-skilled immigration.

Here’s what job seekers targeting lower-skilled jobs need to keep in mind:
– The labor market test will be stricter. This means that jobs must first be offered locally before overseas workers are considered.
– Permits for lower-skilled jobs will mostly be limited to occupations that are officially recognized as “shortage jobs.” Flanders currently lists about 119 of these.
– There may be higher salary or qualification requirements in the near future.
– The process could be longer and more challenging for low-skilled pathways.

For those thinking of applying to low-skilled roles, be prepared for tougher requirements and longer waits.

Why This Matters: What It Means for Job Seekers and Employers

For job seekers, these reforms mean you get answers about your Belgian work visa application much sooner if you’re in a skilled role—often in just a couple of weeks. That reduces the uncertainty and frustration that can often come with making an international move. It also helps you plan things like housing, travel, and family arrangements much more easily.

But you’ll want to make sure you qualify as a highly skilled worker before you apply. If you don’t meet the salary or education/experience rules, your process may be longer or require more paperwork.

For employers, these new rules are a major benefit if your company needs international talent:
– You can fill shortages quickly in areas where there aren’t enough local candidates.
– The whole hiring process, from offer to arrival, takes much less time and has fewer hurdles.
– Your company becomes more attractive to global professionals who often compare work visa ease among countries.

At the same time, companies hiring for lower-skilled positions should keep in mind the new restrictions and plan for possibly slower or more involved hiring processes for those roles.

Summary Table: How the New System Compares to the Old One

Here’s a straightforward summary of what’s changed:

These numbers show how much easier things will be for skilled foreign workers and their employers in Belgium, especially in Flanders.

Broader Impact: Belgium’s Position in Europe and Long-Term Changes

With these changes, Belgium now stands out among European countries for people seeking a fast, reliable legal route to work. While other countries debate how to attract skilled workers, Belgium has taken clear steps. Fast visa processing means more top talent can be drawn to companies in Belgium who need them most.

It’s important to remember, though, that as Belgium opens up faster pathways for the skilled, it’s also increasing the bar for those applying to low-skilled or general work roles. This shift is in line with trends elsewhere in Europe, as countries look for ways to balance labor market demand with pressure on social services and local jobs.

Employers and workers both should stay updated, as Belgium plans to keep refining rules and systems so it can stay competitive in attracting talent while managing its job market.

Steps for Skilled Foreign Workers Interested in Belgium

If you’re interested in the new, faster work visa process in Belgium, here is a simple overview:
1. Check if your job and offered salary meet the “highly skilled” rules for your region (especially Flanders).
2. Gather proof of your education or work experience—make sure it matches Belgium’s requirements.
3. Ask your potential employer to start the work permit application.
4. Once you receive approval, finish your visa application at the nearest Belgian consulate.
5. Once in Belgium, register with local authorities and apply for your residence permit.

For details on what documents are needed and specific forms, visit the official Belgian government work visa page.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Belgium’s decision to shorten work visa processing times to just 15 days for skilled foreign workers in Flanders makes the country far more welcoming for international talent. This not only helps local employers fill in-demand roles faster but also gives global professionals a clear, reliable pathway to start their new life in Europe’s heart.

With further improvements planned for all worker categories from January 2026—including digital systems and faster rules—Belgium looks set to remain a top choice for those wanting to work and live abroad.

But whether you’re a job seeker or employer, it’s important to keep informed about the latest changes and prepare well in advance. As Belgium sets a new standard for speed and selectivity in its work visa and immigration system, taking a proactive approach will give you the best chance for success.

For more in-depth guidance and to follow updates on Belgium’s evolving immigration policies, VisaVerge.com is a trusted source. Always check the latest government resources and consult professionals when making important immigration decisions.

Learn Today

Skilled Foreign Worker → A non-Belgian individual with advanced qualifications or experience eligible for fast-track work permits in Belgium.
Work Permit → Official authorization needed for foreign nationals to legally work in Belgium.
EU Blue Card → A special work and residence permit for highly skilled non-EU nationals in EU countries, based on qualifications and salary.
Labor Market Test → A process where employers must prove no suitable local candidates are available before hiring foreign workers.
Employer Accreditation → A program allowing approved companies to expedite work permit applications for skilled foreign employees.

This Article in a Nutshell

Belgium’s Flanders region slashes skilled work visa processing to just 15 days effective May 2025, attracting international professionals. This competitive move benefits job seekers and employers, with further national reforms planned for January 2026. Speedy procedures make Belgium a prime destination for skilled foreign workers seeking quick, clear entry routes to Europe.
— By VisaVerge.com

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