Immigration: Belgium Alters Its Legislation—Here’s What’s Changing

 

Foreign workers in Belgium and those planning to immigrate to this European country for work will be subject to new regulations starting next month. Belgian authorities will be implementing new rules regarding work permits.

These changes will affect foreign workers (non-EU nationals) residing in the Brussels-Capital Region, one of the three regions that make up Belgium.

Beginning October 1, 2024, Belgian authorities will make changes to the work permit regulations in the Brussels-Capital Region. The modifications will also impact the issuance of Blue Cards to foreign workers.

Changes to Salary Calculation:

The new rules will primarily affect the calculation of remuneration. From October, salary thresholds will be calculated based on a percentage of the average gross monthly salary in the Brussels-Capital Region, which is €4,604.

Specifically, for several categories of workers

- €3,591.12 (78% of the average) for holders of a highly skilled single permit.

- €4,604*(100% of the average) for Blue Card holders.

- €5,294.60(115% of the average) for executives under intra-company transfer.

New Provisions for the Blue Card:

The new regulations, effective October 1, also include changes regarding the European Blue Card. Under the new rules, changing employers will be facilitated.

Foreign nationals with five years of professional experience in a specific field can now qualify for a Blue Card. The higher education diploma previously required is no longer mandatory, according to Schengen News.

In the field of information and communication technology, foreign workers with at least three years of professional experience over the past seven years can also qualify for the Blue Card without needing higher professional qualifications.

Moreover, foreign workers who obtain a Blue Card will be able to change employers within the first 12 months of employment.

Issuance of Unlimited Work Permits After 30 Months of Residency:

As part of the new changes, starting October 1, the name of the B work permit will be updated. It will be referred to as either a “short-term work permit” or a “long-term work permit.”

Additionally, employers will no longer need to submit documents for an annual compliance notification if the work permit is issued for more than one year.

Foreign nationals residing in the Brussels-Capital Region who wish to obtain an unlimited work permit must demonstrate a continuous stay of 30 months in Belgium.

They must also show 30 months of employment, confirmed by a single permit or work authorization issued in the Brussels-Capital Region. For those who have worked in another region, the required period is extended to four years.