Belgium to Introduce New Work Permit Regulations Starting October 1
Key Takeaways
1. Belgium will roll out new work permit regulations in the Brussels Capital Region starting October 1, 2024.
2. The country will also implement several updates to its immigration policy.
3. The new amendments will impact how minimum salary thresholds for work permits are calculated.
Belgium is set to introduce revised work permit regulations in the Brussels Capital Region beginning next month.
From October 1, 2024, new rules will affect the calculation of minimum salary thresholds for various work permits. The revised thresholds will be based on a percentage of the average gross monthly salary in the Brussels Capital Region (EUR 4,604, or about US$5,075), with the following gross monthly amounts:
- Highly skilled single permit: EUR 3,591.12 (78% of the average)
- EU Blue Card: EUR 4,604 (100% of the average)
- Intra-company transfer (manager): EUR 5,294.60 (115% of the average)
Updates to the EU Blue Card Directive
International professionals with five years of experience in a specific field may now qualify for an EU Blue Card, previously requiring relevant academic qualifications. Additionally, ICT professionals with at least three years of experience in the past seven years are now eligible for the EU Blue Card without needing higher work qualifications.
EU Blue Card holders will also have the flexibility to change employers within the first 12 months of employment.
Changes to Work Permit B
The government will rename Work Permit B to "short-term work authorization" or "long-term work authorization." Employers will no longer need to submit annual compliance notifications for work authorizations granted for over a year. Unlimited work authorizations will be available for employees residing in Belgium for 30 uninterrupted months, provided they can demonstrate 30 months of employment through a single work permit or authorization in the Brussels Capital Region.
Significant Immigration Policy Changes
In addition to the work permit updates, significant changes to immigration policy will be introduced, affecting both international workers and their employers:
- Exemptions from labor market testing
- Simplified rules for changing employers
- New pathways for professional experience for EU Blue Card holders
- More transparent criteria for self-employed workers
These changes, effective October 1, aim to streamline the hiring process for international talent.