Single permit to work in Belgium from Cameroon
Belgium · About 37 weeks with us, as an indication: it depends on your file and on the authorities.
The single permit combines the work authorisation and the right of residence for a non-EU worker coming to Belgium for more than 90 days. Since 2019 it has replaced the old separate work and residence permits.
You do not file the application: your employer in Belgium does, with the competent Region (Brussels, Wallonia, Flanders or the German-speaking Community). Once the Region and the Immigration Office agree, you apply for a D visa in Cameroon.
We help you check the offer, prepare your documents and build the visa file.
Who is it for?
- Employee with a job offer from an employer established in Belgium.
- Highly qualified profile aiming for the EU Blue Card.
- Worker in a sought-after occupation, under the rules of the Region concerned.
The main conditions
- A job offer and a signed contract with an employer established in Belgium.
- An application filed by the employer with the competent Region.
- The Region's conditions: a labour market test for some jobs, a salary threshold for some categories.
- A valid passport, your diplomas and a criminal record certificate.
- For the D visa, the documents the embassy asks for, including a medical certificate from an approved doctor.
- The fees set by the authorities (see the official page).
How long does it take?
Times depend on the Region, the Immigration Office and then the visa appointment: check the competent Region's website and dofi.ibz.be for the current situation.
The steps
-
Initial consultation
Documents to prepare
- Valid passport
- Detailed CV
- Job offer
-
Getting the job offer
Documents to prepare
- Signed employment contract
- Job description
-
Labour market test
Documents to prepare
- VDAB / Actiris / Forem approval
-
Single permit application file
Documents to prepare
- Form C96
- Passport photos
- Police certificate
- Diplomas
-
Filing at the single desk
Documents to prepare
- Proof of filing
-
Review of the file
-
Decision
Documents to prepare
- Official notification
-
Registration on arrival
Documents to prepare
- Proof of accommodation
-
Foreign national ID card
Documents to prepare
- Medical certificate
-
Single permit renewal
Documents to prepare
- Renewal form
Fees are discussed at the appointment, depending on your situation.
What we check with you
- We check that the employer filed with the right Region and that your profile matches the job.
- An offer found on social media that asks for payment is a scam warning sign: a real employer files the application itself.
- Your criminal record certificate is legalised at MINREX, then by the Belgian services: plan for it.
- Your family can apply for family reunification at the same time as your visa, or within six months of its issue, if all conditions are met.
Book an appointment for this visa All visas for Belgium
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for the single permit myself from Cameroon?
No. The employer, or their agent, files it with the Region where you will work. You provide your documents. You then apply for the D visa.
What is the EU Blue Card in Belgium?
A single permit for highly qualified workers. The degree and salary conditions are set by the Regions. We check with you whether your profile fits.
Where do I lodge the D visa application?
You fill in the form on Visa On Web. You then lodge the file at TLScontact, the Belgian embassy's provider in Cameroon, with the positive decision.
How long does the single permit take?
It depends on the Region, the Immigration Office's workload and visa appointments. The official time limits are on the Regions' and the Immigration Office's websites.
What do I do when I arrive in Belgium?
You register at the municipality where you live. You then receive your residence permit, which states your right to work.
How do I know a job offer is genuine?
A real employer has a company registered in Belgium and files the application itself. Be wary of any offer that asks you to pay for a permit. We can check the offer with you.