Professional Card (Type D Long-Stay Visa)
Belgium
Last updated: December 20, 2025
2 years (renewable)
$211
4-8 months
High
About this Visa
This is a work visa for people from outside Europe who want to be self-employed in Belgium. You can start your own business, freelance, or work as an independent consultant. The visa lets you live and work legally in Belgium for 2-3 years, and you can renew it multiple times. Anyone from any country can apply. The only catch: you need to show you have enough money to support yourself and a solid business plan. Brussels (the capital) has stricter rules than other regions, so expect a longer process there.
Key Benefits
- Work for yourself without restrictions
- Bring your spouse and children with you
- Travel anywhere in Europe (Schengen countries)
- Live permanently in Belgium after 5 years
- Become a Belgian citizen after 5 years
- Access free/low-cost healthcare
- Start your own company easily
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Be 18 or older
- No serious criminal record
- Have money to support yourself (~$27,000+/year)
- Have a realistic business plan
- Speak English, Dutch, French, or German for application
- Your work must be listed in Belgian employment codes
- Must not appear to be secretly employed by one person
Financial Requirement
Must have roughly $27,000-$30,000 per year in personal income. Need to prove you have enough savings to live in Belgium. No exact minimum for first application, but you must show your business makes sense financially
Documents
- Valid passportGood for 15+ months
- Police recordShowing no serious crimes from your home country
- Medical checkFrom a doctor
- Business planDescribes your business and money you will make
- Bank statementsLast 6-12 months
- Proof of qualificationsDegrees, certificates
- Professional CVShowing your experience
- Passport photos2 passport-style photos
- Proof of residenceWhere you will live in Belgium
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.