Best Work Permit Lawyers in Hasselt

About Work Permit Law in Hasselt, Belgium

Hasselt is in the Flemish Region of Belgium, so most decisions about the right to work are made by the Flemish authorities. Belgium uses a single permit system for most employment that lasts longer than 90 days. The single permit combines the authorization to work and the authorization to stay. For work up to 90 days, a short-stay work authorization may apply. EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens do not need a work permit. Their qualifying family members may also have facilitated access to the labor market once they hold the correct residence card. Self-employed workers do not use the employee single permit. They generally need a professional card for self-employed activity, plus the right to reside.

In practice, an employer located in Flanders applies for the work authorization for the employee. If the region approves, the federal Immigration Office decides on the residence part. After approval, the municipality where you live, such as Stad Hasselt, issues your residence card and registers you locally. The rules, categories, and salary thresholds are set by law and are updated regularly.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Immigration and work authorization rules in Flanders are detailed and technical. You may want legal help when choosing the right route, such as highly skilled worker, EU Blue Card, researcher, intracompany transferee, or shortage occupation. Each pathway has its own eligibility criteria, document requirements, and salary thresholds. A lawyer can assess which category fits your profile and your employer.

Legal assistance is also helpful if your case has complications, such as previous visa refusals, gaps in lawful stay, questions about diplomas or professional recognition, or a criminal record certificate issue. If your application is delayed or refused, a lawyer can analyze the reason, request corrections, or file an administrative or judicial appeal on time.

People often consult counsel when they change employers, are posted to Belgium by a foreign company, are made redundant, or need to coordinate family reunification. Employers also use legal support to ensure compliance with labor law, salary thresholds, Limosa notifications for postings, and inspection readiness, and to avoid fines for illegal work.

Local Laws Overview

The Flemish Region is competent for work authorization decisions for employees in Hasselt. Most non-EU workers need either a short-stay work authorization for stays up to 90 days or a single permit for stays over 90 days. The employer initiates the file with the Flemish Department of Work and Social Economy. After a positive regional decision on work, the federal Immigration Office decides on residence. The municipality of Hasselt handles local registration and issues the residence card once the single permit is approved.

Common employee categories include highly skilled workers, EU Blue Card holders, researchers, intracompany transferees, certain trainees, and workers in designated shortage occupations. Some categories have relaxed labor market tests but strict salary and qualification requirements. Salary thresholds are adjusted annually, and the employment contract must meet Belgian labor law and collective agreement standards. Diplomas and civil status documents often need legalization or apostille and sworn translations.

Short-term work may require a visa, a regional work authorization, and compliance with Belgian social security or posting rules. For workers posted to Belgium by a foreign employer, a Limosa notification is usually mandatory before work starts. Inspections can request proof of compliance at the worksite in Hasselt or elsewhere in Flanders.

Students from outside the EU with a valid Belgian residence permit for studies may work under conditions. During the academic year they can usually work up to 20 hours per week with a student contract if studies remain the main activity, and during official school holidays they can usually work full time. EU and EEA students may work without a work permit but must follow student employment rules.

Self-employed professionals typically need a professional card issued by the competent regional authority. This is separate from the employee single permit. Some professions also require professional recognition or licensing. Family members of certain workers may have access to the labor market depending on the annotation on their residence card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a work permit to work in Hasselt

EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals do not need a work permit. Most other nationals need either a short-stay work authorization for up to 90 days or a single permit for stays over 90 days. The right to work also depends on your residence status and any exemptions that may apply to your situation.

What is the single permit

The single permit is a combined authorization to work and to reside in Belgium for more than 90 days with a specific employer and role. The Flemish authority assesses the work part and the federal Immigration Office assesses residence. After approval, the municipality issues your residence card and registers you.

Who applies for the single permit

For employees, the employer generally files the application with the Flemish Department of Work and Social Economy. You provide the required documents, such as your passport, diplomas, criminal record certificate, medical certificate, and signed employment contract. For self-employment, you would pursue a professional card rather than an employee single permit.

How long does the process take

Processing times vary by category and workload. Many complete files take several months from submission to card issuance. Embassy appointments and local registration can add time. Short-stay authorizations can be faster if all documents are in order. Always allow extra time for legalization and translations.

Can I change employers while in Belgium

Usually you cannot switch employers until a new work authorization is approved for the new employer. Some categories, like EU Blue Card, may allow more mobility after a minimum period, but conditions apply. You should not start work for a new employer in Hasselt until the new authorization is granted and reflected in your status.

What happens if I lose my job

Your right to stay and work is tied to your permit and category. You may have a limited period to find a new job and have a new application filed. The time allowed and the conditions vary. Seek advice quickly to protect your status and to understand any unemployment benefits you may qualify for under Belgian law.

Can my family join me and can they work

Family members may be eligible for family reunification. Whether they can work depends on their residence card and the labor market access annotation. Some family members receive open access to the Belgian labor market, while others may need a separate authorization. Check the specific note on the card and the conditions of the category.

Do students need a work permit in Hasselt

Non-EU students with a valid Belgian student residence permit can usually work up to 20 hours per week during term time with a student contract, provided studies remain the main activity, and they can usually work full time during school holidays. EU and EEA students can work under general student employment rules. If the internship is part of the curriculum, a separate work authorization is typically not required.

What documents are typically required

Common documents include a valid passport, employment contract or assignment letter, proof of qualifications and experience, a recent criminal record certificate, a medical certificate, proof of adequate housing and health insurance, and legalized or apostilled civil status documents with sworn translations into Dutch, French, or German as required.

What can I do if my application is refused

You are entitled to a reasoned decision and information about appeal deadlines. Depending on the stage of the process, you may be able to submit additional documents, file an administrative appeal, or litigate before the Council for Alien Law Litigation. A lawyer can review the file, advise on strategy, and represent you within the applicable deadlines.

Additional Resources

Flemish Department of Work and Social Economy - Competent for work authorization decisions in Flanders for employee applications.

Immigration Office of Belgium - Competent for residence decisions under the single permit procedure.

Stad Hasselt, Dienst Burgerzaken - Handles local registration, biometrics, and residence card issuance after approval.

VDAB - Flemish public employment service that publishes shortage occupation information and offers labor market services.

FPS Employment, Labour and Social Dialogue - Federal labor authority providing guidance on Belgian labor standards and inspections.

NSSO and Limosa helpdesk - Social security information and the notification system for posted workers.

Recognized Enterprise Counters in Flanders - Assist with professional cards for self-employed and business registrations.

Trade unions such as ACV, ABVV, and ACLVB - Guidance on employment rights, collective agreements, and workplace issues.

Employer organizations such as Voka Limburg and UNIZO - Information for companies hiring international staff.

Balie Limburg and Bureau voor Juridische Bijstand - Local bar association and legal aid information for residents of Limburg province.

Next Steps

Identify the correct category for your situation, such as highly skilled worker, EU Blue Card, researcher, intracompany transferee, shortage occupation, posted worker, student, or self-employed with a professional card. Your eligibility and document list will depend on this choice.

Speak with your prospective employer in Hasselt about who will apply, the timeline, and any salary threshold or contract requirements. Confirm whether you must obtain a visa before traveling and whether you can begin work only after the permit is issued.

Collect documents early. Many items require legalization or an apostille in the country of origin and a sworn translation. Keep copies of everything you submit. Check passport validity and arrange for health insurance coverage.

If you are already in Belgium, maintain lawful stay during any transition, keep your municipal registration up to date in Hasselt, and respect the scope and validity dates of your current authorization. Do not change employer or role without approval.

If your case is complex or time sensitive, consult a lawyer who practices Belgian work and immigration law in Flanders. Ask for a document checklist, a review of eligibility and risks, and a plan for possible appeals. Clarify fees and expected timelines upfront.

In case of a refusal or unexpected delay, act quickly. Appeal periods are short, and some corrections can only be made within strict deadlines. A focused legal strategy can preserve your options and reduce disruption to your employment in Hasselt.