Belgium
As a result of noncompliance with an EU directive to adopt a combined work and residence permit system with a unified application process by December 2013, as well as a reasoned opinion and a warning that noncompliance with the directive would result in an action in the EU Court of Justice, Belgium is expected to implement a single permit system by November 2015. The first official national working documents are expected to be submitted to the Belgian Council of Ministers before September 2015.
The single permit was designed to simplify and harmonize the rules currently applicable in EU member states and to create a more efficient work permit and residency application procedure for both third-country nationals and their employers.
The transition will entail significant procedural reform from the current Belgian immigration system, which uses two separate procedures for the acquisition of work and residency authorizations. It is unclear whether Belgium will take the opportunity to have the system apply to non-EU intracompany transferees on assignment in Belgium or if the impact will be limited to local hires.
What This Means for Foreign Nationals
If a single permit system is created, non-EU workers should benefit as Belgium does not currently offer a single application procedure nor any combined work and residence permit.
Since the adoption of the single permit directive could entail significant procedural reform, Fragomen is following the directive’s implementation closely and will provide further updates as they become available.
The alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen
Awards
Fragomen is recognized at the National Tier 1 level for Immigration Law in the 2026 edition of The Best Law Firms – United States, with 15 offices across the country also recognized for their excellence in immigration law.
Awards
Fragomen receives Altair Global’s 2025 Super Star Award for Humanitarian Commitment, honoring the firm’s leadership in advancing humanitarian mobility initiatives.
Media mentions
Partner Rick Lamanna discusses Canada’s 2025 federal budget and its significant shift in immigration policy including new limits on international student permits and temporary residents.
Fragomen news
Fragomen news
Fragomen is cited in the UK House of Lords’ landmark report, “The Space Economy: Act Now or Lose Out,” published on 4 November by the UK Engagement with Space Committee.
Blog post
Manager Zaur Gasimov discusses Georgia’s new immigration and labour-migration reforms introducing mandatory work permits, stricter employer compliance requirements and increased penalties for non-compliance.
Awards
Senior Associate Agata Danuta Richardson is recognized with a prestigious Pro Bono Publico Award by the Casa Cornelia Law Center.
Media mentions
Frankfurt Managing Partner Dr. Axel Boysen highlights the growing skilled labor gap as Europe’s defense industry expands.
Media mentions
Senior Manager William Diaz outlines the US visa options available to the games industry for bringing international talent to the United States, including O-1, L-1 and E-2.
Media mentions
Partner Jo Antoons and Manager Andreia Ghimis explain how businesses can navigate Europe’s new ETIAS pre-travel authorisation and avoid disruptions.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock and Associate Jennifer Gray analyse the barriers and opportunities for overseas creatives navigating the UK’s immigration system.
Blog post
Associate Chloe Evans outlines eligibility criteria for individuals seeking British citizenship based on ancestral ties.
Awards
Fragomen is recognized at the National Tier 1 level for Immigration Law in the 2026 edition of The Best Law Firms – United States, with 15 offices across the country also recognized for their excellence in immigration law.
Awards
Fragomen receives Altair Global’s 2025 Super Star Award for Humanitarian Commitment, honoring the firm’s leadership in advancing humanitarian mobility initiatives.
Media mentions
Partner Rick Lamanna discusses Canada’s 2025 federal budget and its significant shift in immigration policy including new limits on international student permits and temporary residents.
Fragomen news
Fragomen news
Fragomen is cited in the UK House of Lords’ landmark report, “The Space Economy: Act Now or Lose Out,” published on 4 November by the UK Engagement with Space Committee.
Blog post
Manager Zaur Gasimov discusses Georgia’s new immigration and labour-migration reforms introducing mandatory work permits, stricter employer compliance requirements and increased penalties for non-compliance.
Awards
Senior Associate Agata Danuta Richardson is recognized with a prestigious Pro Bono Publico Award by the Casa Cornelia Law Center.
Media mentions
Frankfurt Managing Partner Dr. Axel Boysen highlights the growing skilled labor gap as Europe’s defense industry expands.
Media mentions
Senior Manager William Diaz outlines the US visa options available to the games industry for bringing international talent to the United States, including O-1, L-1 and E-2.
Media mentions
Partner Jo Antoons and Manager Andreia Ghimis explain how businesses can navigate Europe’s new ETIAS pre-travel authorisation and avoid disruptions.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock and Associate Jennifer Gray analyse the barriers and opportunities for overseas creatives navigating the UK’s immigration system.
Blog post
Associate Chloe Evans outlines eligibility criteria for individuals seeking British citizenship based on ancestral ties.