A Belgian residence permit allows an immigrant to reside permanently in the country (for the period of validity of the permit) and travel within the Schengen area for 90 days within a six-month period. Residence permits can be obtained through employment with a local company, family reunification, study, starting a business, and other means.
In this article, we will discuss several current methods of immigrating to Belgium in 2025.
Employment
A foreigner who has received an invitation from a Belgian employer is entitled to receive an A-card – a Belgian residence permit for third-country nationals with a limited validity (usually up to 12 months). To officially find employment in the country, a work permit is required. The application must be submitted by the company employing the immigrant, as the employer must justify the hiring of an immigrant from another country.
Once approved, the immigrant must obtain a long-term national visa, travel to Belgium, and receive an A-card for 12 months (rarely, up to 36 months), with the possibility of extension, provided the grounds for stay in the country are maintained and the rules for residence under the residence permit are met.
Self-employed Activity
Another way to obtain a Belgian residence permit is through self-employed activity—innovative, cultural, creative, or sporting. To obtain a residence permit under this category, you must obtain a professional card.
You can obtain a card if you fall into one of the following categories:
Startup entrepreneurs who collaborate with business incubators;
Investors who invest in the country's economy (the amount of investment varies by country) and create new jobs for local residents;
Athletes, artists, painters, and coaches with high achievements.
Studying in Belgium
A third option for moving to Belgium is to enroll in a local university for higher education or to take preparatory courses at a licensed language center.
To be approved for entry and residence in Belgium based on studies, you must provide a preliminary certificate of acceptance to a higher education institution or a detailed curriculum for the preparatory courses required for subsequent admission to a university. If the applicant is under 18 years of age at the time of application, they must also provide written consent for immigration from their parents or legal guardians. After a positive response from government authorities, the student receives an A-Card for 12 months, renewable.
After graduating from university, students cannot obtain permanent residence status and remain in the country without a valid reason. However, graduates are entitled to obtain a new A-Card for one year, allowing them to find employment or set up a business in Belgium during this time.
NATLAN – Your Best Assistance with Immigration to Belgium
Since 2010, NATLAN has been specializing in obtaining residence permits, permanent residence permits, and citizenship, real estate investments, and providing comprehensive legal support for immigration.
Our company's main advantage in immigration to Belgium and other EU countries is that our main office is located in Brussels, Belgium. We will be your best assistant in preparing documents and adapting to your new country, as we have an in-depth understanding of European legislation, the economic system, and all the details of immigration, starting a business in Europe, and real estate transactions.
We assist with the following types of requests:
Migration and legalization in Europe. Obtaining visas, residence permits, permanent residence permits, and citizenship. We submit documents, prepare for interviews, and provide support throughout all stages of the process.
Business Immigration. We consult on relocating a business to Europe. We assist with company registration, choosing a country, and providing legal support.
Real estate investments. Selection of profitable investment properties. Profitability assessment, support for purchase and sale transactions, and property management.
Legal support. Resolving legal issues related to immigration and investment. Assistance in protecting clients' interests internationally.
If you would like to learn more about obtaining a residence permit in Belgium or another country, we invite you to a consultation with our company. During a personal online meeting, we will thoroughly analyze your situation and create a personalized step-by-step action plan to achieve your goal legally.
In this article, we will discuss several current methods of immigrating to Belgium in 2025.
Employment
A foreigner who has received an invitation from a Belgian employer is entitled to receive an A-card – a Belgian residence permit for third-country nationals with a limited validity (usually up to 12 months). To officially find employment in the country, a work permit is required. The application must be submitted by the company employing the immigrant, as the employer must justify the hiring of an immigrant from another country.
Once approved, the immigrant must obtain a long-term national visa, travel to Belgium, and receive an A-card for 12 months (rarely, up to 36 months), with the possibility of extension, provided the grounds for stay in the country are maintained and the rules for residence under the residence permit are met.
Self-employed Activity
Another way to obtain a Belgian residence permit is through self-employed activity—innovative, cultural, creative, or sporting. To obtain a residence permit under this category, you must obtain a professional card.
You can obtain a card if you fall into one of the following categories:
Startup entrepreneurs who collaborate with business incubators;
Investors who invest in the country's economy (the amount of investment varies by country) and create new jobs for local residents;
Athletes, artists, painters, and coaches with high achievements.
Studying in Belgium
A third option for moving to Belgium is to enroll in a local university for higher education or to take preparatory courses at a licensed language center.
To be approved for entry and residence in Belgium based on studies, you must provide a preliminary certificate of acceptance to a higher education institution or a detailed curriculum for the preparatory courses required for subsequent admission to a university. If the applicant is under 18 years of age at the time of application, they must also provide written consent for immigration from their parents or legal guardians. After a positive response from government authorities, the student receives an A-Card for 12 months, renewable.
After graduating from university, students cannot obtain permanent residence status and remain in the country without a valid reason. However, graduates are entitled to obtain a new A-Card for one year, allowing them to find employment or set up a business in Belgium during this time.
NATLAN – Your Best Assistance with Immigration to Belgium
Since 2010, NATLAN has been specializing in obtaining residence permits, permanent residence permits, and citizenship, real estate investments, and providing comprehensive legal support for immigration.
Our company's main advantage in immigration to Belgium and other EU countries is that our main office is located in Brussels, Belgium. We will be your best assistant in preparing documents and adapting to your new country, as we have an in-depth understanding of European legislation, the economic system, and all the details of immigration, starting a business in Europe, and real estate transactions.
We assist with the following types of requests:
Migration and legalization in Europe. Obtaining visas, residence permits, permanent residence permits, and citizenship. We submit documents, prepare for interviews, and provide support throughout all stages of the process.
Business Immigration. We consult on relocating a business to Europe. We assist with company registration, choosing a country, and providing legal support.
Real estate investments. Selection of profitable investment properties. Profitability assessment, support for purchase and sale transactions, and property management.
Legal support. Resolving legal issues related to immigration and investment. Assistance in protecting clients' interests internationally.
If you would like to learn more about obtaining a residence permit in Belgium or another country, we invite you to a consultation with our company. During a personal online meeting, we will thoroughly analyze your situation and create a personalized step-by-step action plan to achieve your goal legally.