If business is your reason for moving to Belgium and you are not an EU citizen, you should first get a Professional Card. It enables you to participate in self-employment by undertaking freelance work or starting a business or company. Being granted business immigration to Belgium is possible. Key Steps include:
Understand the professional card
All non-EU citizens who plan to work independently in Belgium are required to get a Professional Card. It allows one to conduct self-employment and usually remains valid for about five years, while the first card is issued for a years probationary period.
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for a professional card, you need to :
- Be qualified or have experience to take on the job.
- Give a solid business plan that explains how the company will be run.
- Make sure you have enough money to cover your costs as well as those of your business.
- Have valid residence in the country or apply for it as you apply for your Professional Card.
Application process
Give all necessary papers, for example, your business plan, qualifications, money, and other things required in the region.
Post-approval steps
You will later be sent a Professional Card once the application has been approved.
Register your business at the CBE to get a unique number for your company.
Always join both the social and health insurance funds after moving into the country.
Pay all taxes and social security dues as expected by the law. When planning for business relocation to Belgium, one needs to stick to regional rules and plan accordingly. If you are unsure about certain steps or would like to ask another question, ask me.
Visa waiver
Visas are not required for citizens of EU/EEA countries and Switzerland while travelling to Belgium. Usually, unless there is an agreement or treaty, short-stay type C visas (Schengen visas) are required by people from outside the EEA who wish to travel to Belgium on business. People from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, Brazil, and Mexico can go to Belgium for business without first obtaining a visa. A person will be allowed entry into Belgium upon showing an international passport and proving their nationality. A person may not stay in Thailand for more than 90 days in every 180 days. A tool has been made for everyone to use and calculate the 90-day out of 180 days rule.
Visas are not necessary, but if passing through border control, the person must show the reason for the travel and explain how they will support themselves (except for EU citizens). When arriving in Belgium, a non-Belgian may have to present one or more documents to the authorities:
- Proof of hotel reservation
- Departure ticket
- You must have enough means to buy food and supplies during your visit.
- A signed and original copy of financial support.
In general, a business traveller has to register with the local commune but may be exempted if they will be staying in a “lodging house” as specified by law (e.g., a hotel).
Schengen visa
The usual Schengen visa allows a person to take short trips to any of the Schengen states for 90 days within any 180 days.
The European Visa Code makes it easier for Schengen countries to align visa applications and procedures, making things more convenient for travellers. Apart from using the same application form, the Visa Code sets a deadline of 15 days for consular posts to decide whether to grant you the visa. This period may be extended to a maximum of 60 days in a few special cases.
Work permit exemption
Those who travel to Belgium for a short business trip from another country do not have to get a work permit under certain circumstances. No permission is needed if the foreign national only participates in ‘closed-door’ business meetings or seminars on science. A person qualifies for this work permit exemption for up to 20 days per meeting, not more than 60 days in the calendar year. Scientific seminars usually do not allow holders of visitor visas to work in Canada beyond the period of the event.
In Belgium, the idea of a business trip or “meetings in a closed circle” is not covered by any specific laws. Still, the term “meetings in a closed circle” is only understood to mean a few types. Strategy discussions, talks with customers on contracts, evaluation interviews, and meetings of the board. This status means that people cannot do any work intended to generate money in Belgium. A foreign individual who is here for work is not seen as a business visitor by Belgian immigration, even if their intention in visiting is business, as soon as they require a work authorisation. People who represent foreign companies abroad in Belgium for less than three months at a time do not require a work permit, provided they meet certain criteria. If a self-employed foreigner visiting Belgium for business, such as business trips, making professional connections, participating in trade shows, negotiating or closing contracts or being present at board of directors’ meetings, stays no longer than three months, they do not need a professional card.
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