Type D Long-Stay Visa for Highly Qualified Workers
Belgium
Last updated: December 20, 2025
1 year (renewable)
$211
3-4 months
Medium
About this Visa
This is a work visa for non-EU workers with a college degree who have a job offer from a Belgian employer. You need to earn above a certain salary threshold to qualify. The visa lets you live and work in Belgium long-term. It combines your work permission and residence permit into one application, called a "single permit." This visa is different because it's faster to process than in the past. Belgium now aims to approve highly skilled worker applications in about 15 days.
Key Benefits
- Work without restriction for any employer
- Bring spouse and children to live with you
- Access to Belgium's healthcare and social security
- After 5 years, you can apply for permanent residence
- No language requirement to get the visa
- Can travel freely in other European countries while working in Belgium
- Can apply for Belgian citizenship after 5 years of legal residence
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Must have a job offer from a Belgian employer
- Must have a college degree or 3+ years of work experience in your field
- Your salary must meet the minimum for your region and age
- Cannot have a serious criminal record
- Must pass a medical check (no dangerous infectious diseases)
- Must be a non-EU and non-Swiss national
- No minimum or maximum age limit
- No language requirement to get the visa (job may require languages)
Financial Requirement
Minimum salary (2025): €39,130-€51,613/year depending on region and age. Your job contract must show this gross salary.
Documents
- Employment contractMust show your salary and job title
- Valid passportMust be valid for at least 12 months
- College degree or diplomaCertified translation required if not in English, Dutch, French, or German
- Criminal record certificateMust be recent (within 6 months)
- Medical certificateFrom an approved doctor confirming no dangerous infectious diseases
- Proof of health insuranceOr declaration that you will obtain it
- Proof of accommodationHotel reservation or rental agreement in Belgium
- Visa application formCompleted on VisaOnWeb system
- Passport photosTwo recent passport-sized color photos (5x3 cm)
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.