Apply for an employment authorisation

In general, an employment authorisation needs to be requested in order to employ a non-European citizen. If the request is approved, the foreign citizen receives either a work permit (which is valid for 90 days at most) or a permit obtained through the single permit procedure.

A single permit proves the right to reside and work in Belgium for a period longer than 90 days.

Brussels Economy and Employment

The employment authorisation concerns:

- An employer in Belgium wishing to employ a non-European citizen in their company

- An employer abroad asking one of their employees to work in Belgium

- Foreign nationals wishing to work in Belgium as an employee

However, in certain cases it is not required to request an employment authorisation because the foreign national is exempt from a work permit. It depends on the worker's residence situation and the duration of their employment in Belgium.

Action to be taken

Applying to BEE for an employment authorisation.

Requirements

The requirements depend on the worker's residence situation/place and the duration of their employment in Belgium. All information about these requirements can be found on the website https://economie-emploi.brussels/permis-votre-situation.

Required documents

The supporting documents depend on the worker's residence situation/place and the duration of their employment in Belgium. All information about these requirements can be found on the website https://economie-emploi.brussels/permis-votre-situation.

Regulations:

Law dated 30 April 1999 with regard to employing foreign workers

Royal decree dated 9 June 1999 implementing the law dated 30 April 1999 with regard to employing foreign workers, as modified until now

Decree of the government of the Brussels Capital Region dated 5 July 2018 modifying the royal decree dated 9 June 1999, with regard to the establishment of a single procedure and a single permit

Decree of the government of the Brussels Capital Region dated 16 May 2019 modifying the royal decree dated 9 June 1999 (implementing the law dated 30 April 1999 with regard to employing foreign workers): intra-corporate transfers, seasonal workers, researchers, trainees, volunteers or blue card

Decree dated 25 June 2020 modifying the royal decree dated 9 June 1999 (implementing the law dated 30 April 1999 with regard to employing foreign workers)