How to Move to Belgium
Belgium sits at the heart of Europe and hosts many EU institutions. Most workers use the "Single Permit", which combines the work and residence permit into one application — your employer does most of the paperwork with the regional authority. French and Dutch are widely spoken.
How to use this guide
Pick the visa type below that matches your plan (work, study, etc.).
Tap it to open and read the simple steps and the papers you need.
Apply yourself on the official website. It's free — no agent needed.
Stay safe: never pay anyone who promises a "guaranteed" visa. Real applications are made on official government sites. Rules can change, so always double-check on the official website before you apply.
Belgium embassies in Africa — addresses & directions
Apply at the Belgian embassy/consulate or its visa centre in your country. Belgium has embassies across Africa — e.g. Kinshasa, Abuja, Nairobi, Pretoria, Cairo, Rabat, Dakar, Kigali and Kampala. Use the locator.
Tap “Open in Google Maps” to see the exact location, get directions, and confirm the current address & opening hours.
EU Compound, 21st Crescent off Constitution Avenue, Central Business District, Abuja
Open in Google Maps625 Leyds Street, Muckleneuk, Pretoria 0002
+27 12 440 3201 Open in Google MapsDon’t see your country? Belgium has more missions across Africa — find the nearest one on the official locator.
Up to ~4 months for the combined decision.
Permit fee roughly €150–€350 (often employer-paid) + visa fee.
Usually up to 1–3 years, renewable; leads to long-term residence.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- A job offer from a Belgian employer.
- The role meets regional skill/salary conditions.
- Valid passport and qualifications.
What to do, step by step
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1
Get a job offer
A Belgian employer offers you a job and agrees to sponsor the Single Permit.
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2
Employer applies to the region
The employer submits the Single Permit application to the relevant region (Flanders, Wallonia or Brussels).
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3
Apply for the visa (D)
Once approved, apply for the long-stay D visa at the Belgian consulate.
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4
Travel & register
Enter Belgium and register at your local town hall (commune) to get your residence card.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- The region (not the federal government) decides the work part — your employer handles this.
- Speaking French or Dutch helps the job search a lot.
Who submits this application
You don't fill this form yourself — your employer does.
For this visa, there is no public application a candidate can submit alone. Your employer files everything through their own official portal once you have an offer or a confirmed sponsor. A genuine employer never asks you to pay for this step.
See the official portal your employer uses
For work permits, your Belgian employer creates the account and submits your Single Permit or Blue Card application on the federal One-Stop Counter platform — not you directly. Student and family applications instead go through your local Belgian embassy or consulate.
View official portalUp to ~3 months.
Permit + visa fees roughly €200–€350.
Up to ~3 years, renewable; pathway to long-term residence.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- A recognised university degree.
- A job offer meeting the Blue Card salary threshold.
- A contract of at least 1 year.
What to do, step by step
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1
Get a qualifying job
Receive a high-paid skilled job offer matching your degree.
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2
Employer applies
The employer requests the Blue Card via the region.
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3
Apply for the D visa
Apply at the Belgian consulate once approved.
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4
Travel & register
Enter Belgium and register at the commune.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Blue Card holders can move more easily to other EU countries later.
- Get your degree recognised early if asked.
Who submits this application
You don't fill this form yourself — your employer does.
For this visa, there is no public application a candidate can submit alone. Your employer files everything through their own official portal once you have an offer or a confirmed sponsor. A genuine employer never asks you to pay for this step.
See the official portal your employer uses
For work permits, your Belgian employer creates the account and submits your Single Permit or Blue Card application on the federal One-Stop Counter platform — not you directly. Student and family applications instead go through your local Belgian embassy or consulate.
View official portalA few weeks to a couple of months.
Visa fee + handling roughly €180–€350 + tuition + proof of funds.
Course length; can switch to work afterwards.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- Admission to a recognised Belgian institution.
- Proof of funds for tuition and living.
- Health cover and clean record.
What to do, step by step
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1
Get admitted
Receive an enrolment letter from a Belgian school.
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2
Show your funds
Prove you can pay fees and living costs.
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3
Apply for the student visa
Apply at the Belgian consulate in your country.
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4
Travel & register
Enter Belgium and register at the commune.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Students can work limited hours during term.
- Tuition is moderate; scholarships exist (e.g. ARES, VLIR-UOS).
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your One-Stop Counter (Single Permit) — employer-submitted first
For work permits, your Belgian employer creates the account and submits your Single Permit or Blue Card application on the federal One-Stop Counter platform — not you directly. Student and family applications instead go through your local Belgian embassy or consulate.
Create accountStart your Student visa application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationUp to several months.
Visa/permit fees roughly €180–€350.
Linked to your sponsor; renewable.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- Your relative is a Belgian resident or citizen.
- They have stable income, housing and health insurance.
- A genuine family relationship.
What to do, step by step
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1
Check sponsor conditions
Your relative must meet income and housing requirements.
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2
Apply for the visa
Apply for family reunification at the Belgian consulate.
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3
Travel & register
Enter Belgium and register at the commune.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Legalise documents at the Belgian embassy beforehand.
- Reunited spouses can usually work.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your One-Stop Counter (Single Permit) — employer-submitted first
For work permits, your Belgian employer creates the account and submits your Single Permit or Blue Card application on the federal One-Stop Counter platform — not you directly. Student and family applications instead go through your local Belgian embassy or consulate.
Create accountStart your Family reunification application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationMost Belgium work visas need a job offer first
Browse visa-sponsored and remote jobs open to Africans, then build a CV tailored to Belgium — both completely free.
Explore other destinations
Questions about Belgium visas
How much does the Belgium Single Permit (work + residence) cost?
The Belgium Single Permit (work + residence) costs: Permit fee roughly €150–€350 (often employer-paid) + visa fee. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Belgium Single Permit (work + residence) take?
Processing for the Belgium Single Permit (work + residence) takes up to ~4 months for the combined decision. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Belgium Single Permit (work + residence) valid for, and does it lead to permanent residence?
The Belgium Single Permit (work + residence) is valid for usually up to 1–3 years, renewable; leads to long-term residence. This route can lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Belgium EU Blue Card cost?
The Belgium EU Blue Card costs: Permit + visa fees roughly €200–€350. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Belgium EU Blue Card take?
Processing for the Belgium EU Blue Card takes up to ~3 months. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Belgium EU Blue Card valid for, and does it lead to permanent residence?
The Belgium EU Blue Card is valid for up to ~3 years, renewable; pathway to long-term residence. This route can lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Belgium Student visa cost?
The Belgium Student visa costs: Visa fee + handling roughly €180–€350 + tuition + proof of funds. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Belgium Student visa take?
Processing for the Belgium Student visa takes a few weeks to a couple of months. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Belgium Student visa valid for?
The Belgium Student visa is valid for course length; can switch to work afterwards. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Belgium Family reunification cost?
The Belgium Family reunification costs: Visa/permit fees roughly €180–€350. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Belgium Family reunification take?
Processing for the Belgium Family reunification takes up to several months. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Belgium Family reunification valid for, and does it lead to permanent residence?
The Belgium Family reunification is valid for linked to your sponsor; renewable. This route can lead to permanent residence.
Fees and processing times last checked against official government sources on 1 June 2026. Always confirm on the official portal before paying anything.