Belgium as your next destination? Explore study and work opportunities and the requirements for settling there

Choosing Belgium as your new destination starts with understanding the differences between its regions and languages, and identifying opportunities that suit your circumstances. ElWijha presents the essentials of studying, working, residence, housing and healthcare to help you plan more clearly.

Belgium has three official languages: Dutch, French and German. Some education and employment rules, as well as the responsible authorities, vary by region or language community. Check the language of your programme or job and identify the authority responsible for your situation before applying.

Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the purpose and duration of your trip. Short stays are generally limited to 90 days in any 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area, while respecting the authorised duration stated on your visa. A visa’s validity period is not the same as the permitted length of stay.

Study, employment and family reunification have different residence pathways. Check the requirements relevant to your circumstances with the Belgian Immigration Office: a visitor visa does not replace authorisation for a long-term stay.

You can search for programmes through Study in Belgium for institutions within the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, or Study in Flanders for Flemish institutions, including programmes taught in English.

Check qualification requirements, language requirements and application deadlines on the institution’s website. Also verify that the institution and programme are recognised. You may need recognition or equivalence of your qualification depending on the level of study and the responsible education authority, so confirm the requirements before starting the process.

Fees vary by institution, programme, nationality and applicable exemptions. Ask for confirmation of the actual amount before applying. Scholarships and funding opportunities are available in Flanders and Wallonia-Brussels, but eligibility and coverage vary by programme.

Some employment pathways lasting more than 90 days require a Single Permit, which combines authorisation to work and reside in Belgium through one procedure. The employer submits the application to the responsible authority. An employment contract alone is not enough to start working: the necessary approvals must be obtained according to your circumstances.

If your profession is regulated, also check the professional recognition requirements and the authorisation needed to practise.

After completing their studies, eligible non-European graduates may apply to extend their stay for up to 12 months to look for work or set up a business, with the aim of obtaining an appropriate residence permit for professional activity. This option is not automatic: an application must be submitted and the requirements met.

Foreign nationals wishing to work independently generally need a professional card, unless an exemption applies. They must also meet the requirements relating to their activity, residence, registration, and social security and tax obligations.

Registering a company does not automatically grant a right of residence. Check the professional card requirements with the responsible authority in the region where you will operate, along with the relevant residence requirements.

Family reunification requirements vary according to the nationality, residence status and age of the person living in Belgium, as well as the family relationship. Depending on the category, requirements may include income, housing and health coverage.

Applications are generally submitted from abroad, with exceptions allowing applications within Belgium. Identify the category that applies to your circumstances, as the requirements are not the same for every family.

Budget for rent, a rental deposit, food, transport, energy, communications and insurance, as well as tuition fees where applicable. Costs vary by city, accommodation and spending habits. First-month expenses may be higher because of temporary accommodation and the rental deposit.

Compare living cost estimates with actual housing prices, and check which expenses are included in the rent before signing the tenancy agreement.

Check which health coverage suits your circumstances. Health insurance organisations help reimburse medical expenses and pay certain benefits, subject to conditions. Membership does not mean that all costs are covered free of charge.

After arrival, follow the instructions relating to your visa and residence status, and contact the municipality to complete the required registration. Registration depends on having an actual place of residence and does not replace obtaining the appropriate residence permit.

International protection follows a separate procedure from study, employment and family reunification. If your circumstances involve protection, consult the Belgian Immigration Office’s instructions for information on applying and the authorities involved.

Can I study in Belgium in English?

Yes, programmes taught in English are available. The institution determines the teaching language and the required evidence of proficiency, so check the programme requirements before applying.

Can I work while studying?

A non-European student whose residence status permits employment may work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year, provided the work is compatible with their studies. This limit may be exceeded during official holidays, while respecting employment conditions and the validity of the residence authorisation.

Working during the summer before the start of the first academic year in Belgium is not permitted.

Can I stay in Belgium after graduation?

An eligible non-European graduate may apply for a stay of up to 12 months to look for work or set up a business. An application must be submitted and the requirements met: staying is not automatic.

Can I bring my family?

This may be possible through family reunification, depending on your residence status, family relationship and the requirements applicable to your circumstances, including income, housing and health coverage where required.