The sort of work that the foreign national will perform determines whether they will be admitted to the labour market. The future employer of the foreign employee is to apply for the work permit.
Categories of eligible foreign employees
A work permit can only be granted if the work of the foreign national belongs to one of the categories below. Different conditions, requirements and procedures apply for every category.
For manpower that it is impossible to find on the local labour market in a reasonable time frame
The employer needs to place a job vacancy via the VDAB
Frequently asked questions
Foreign students with a valid residence in Belgium do not need to apply for a work permit to work as a student. Their electronic A-card will state “labor market - restricted.”
Foreigners who have a student residence may perform work in Belgium for up to 20 hours a week without a work-permit, provided that the work is compatible with their studies and as long as their electronic A-card is valid.
The 20-hour restriction does not apply during school holidays.