Best Work Permit Lawyers in Herstal

1. About Work Permit Law in Herstal, Belgium

Herstal sits in Liège Province within the Wallonia region of Belgium. Non-EU nationals who want to work in Belgium generally need a work permit or a single permit that combines residence and employment. Since the major reforms around 2014, most non-EU workers apply for a single permit through Wallonia's regional authorities, with the employer typically coordinating the submission. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens may work in Belgium without a national work permit, subject to other immigration rules.

In practice, Belgians and foreign workers in Herstal rely on a system where work permits are tied to a specific job and employer, and the regional government validates the worker's eligibility. The process usually begins with the employer requesting authorization to hire a non-EU employee, after which the employee can apply for the single permit if approved. For the most accurate guidance, consult official sources because requirements can vary by sector and change over time.

According to the Belgian government, the single permit replaces separate residence and work permits for most non-EU workers.

Source: belgium.be

The Aliens Act governs entry and stay of foreigners and governs when work authorizations are required for non-EU nationals.

Source: dofi.ibz.be

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

• Your employer in Herstal needs to hire a non-EU worker but the labour market test or job advertising requirement is triggered and you want to ensure it is done correctly. A lawyer can verify advertising timelines and eligibility and help avoid delays.
• You are already in Belgium on a permit but plan to switch employers or roles. A legal counsel can determine whether a new single permit is required and guide the steps to minimize gaps in your status.
• Your initial work permit or single permit application was denied or later revoked. An attorney can assess the grounds of refusal and prepare a formal appeal or reconsideration strategy.
• You qualify for a highly skilled path such as the EU Blue Card or an intra-company transfer. A lawyer can map the exact category criteria, document requirements, and timelines to maximize approval chances.
• You face a complex family situation or residence changes that affect your ability to work in Belgium. A solicitor can advise on family reunification, dependent status, and how these interact with work authorizations.
• You are unsure whether your case falls under federal or regional rules in Wallonia. A legal counsel can interpret the applicable regime and coordinate between local officials and your employer.

3. Local Laws Overview

The Belgian framework for work permits involves federal immigration law and regional administration, with Wallonia handling many day-to-day permit processes for workers in its territory. The following laws and regulations are central to this area, and they are frequently amended as policy evolves.

1. Loi du 15 décembre 1980 relative à l'accès et au séjour des étrangers (Aliens Act) - governs entry, residence, and the general basis for requiring work authorization. Amended repeatedly to reflect changing immigration needs and labor market policies.
2. Loi du 30 avril 1999 relative à l'emploi des étrangers - addresses employment of foreign nationals, including when work permits are required and how employers must hire non-EU workers.
3. Code du travail (Belgian Labour Code) - sets out employment protections, conditions of work, and employer obligations in Belgium, including rules that apply to foreign workers and permit holders. The code interacts with permit regimes through employment relations and compliance requirements.

Recent trends in Belgium have focused on the single permit regime, which integrates residence and work authorization and is processed primarily by regional authorities in Wallonia. Updates often concern processing timelines, documentation requirements, and the scope of admissible employment categories. For precise, up-to-date details, refer to official government guidance and regional processing guidelines.

The single permit system consolidates residence and work permissions and is implemented through regional authorities in Wallonia.

Source: belgium.be

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is a work permit in Belgium?

A work permit authorizes a non-EU national to work in Belgium, typically linked to a specific employer and job. In Wallonia, many non-EU workers apply for a single permit that combines residence and employment.

How do I apply for a single permit in Herstal?

The employer usually initiates the process with the regional authorities. After the employer obtains confirmation, the employee may submit the single permit application with the required documents to the appropriate regional office.

What documents are required for a work permit application?