Blog
Living, working, and settling in Belgium: legal advice for every step
A blog for students, self-employed, families and international businesses who want to understand, anticipate, and succeed their immigration to Belgium.
Permis de travail (EN)
09/12/2025
Single permit obtained but visa blocked? Here’s why… and what to do
Since the summer of 2023, hundreds of non-European workers have had their visa applications suspended after obtaining a single permit for Belgium. Discover why these blockages occur, which countries are affected, and how to respond if you are in this situation.
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Permis de travail (EN)
09/12/2025
The single work permit in Belgium: a simplified procedure to live and work legally
Since 2019, Belgium has simplified procedures for foreign workers: you can now apply for a right of residence and a right to work at the same time through the single permit. This guide explains in detail who it is for, how to obtain it, and what to do in case of refusal.
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Permis de travail (EN)
09/12/2025
Change of status to a single permit: you can now apply from within Belgium
You are already legally residing in Belgium and wish to change your status to work? Good news: the legislation has evolved. It is now possible, in certain cases, to apply for a single work permit from Belgium, without having to return to your country of origin.
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Visa et court séjour (EN)
09/12/2025
Short stay in Belgium: essential steps to properly prepare your trip
Are you planning to come to Belgium for a short stay (less than 90 days)? Whether it is for a family visit, a business meeting or tourism, certain steps are essential, particularly if you are not part of the Schengen area.
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Nationalité belge (EN)
09/12/2025
Grounds for refusal of Belgian nationality: what you absolutely need to know before applying
Are you considering applying for Belgian nationality? Before submitting your file at the municipality, it is essential to understand the criteria on which the authorities base their assessment, particularly the grounds that may lead to a refusal.
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S'installer en Belgique (EN)
09/12/2025
Why come to Belgium?
Quality of life, taxation, innovation, skilled workforce: discover why Belgium attracts thousands of investors, expatriates and highly qualified foreign professionals every year.
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Regroupement familial (EN)
09/12/2025
Family reunification with a Belgian citizen: what conditions to obtain a residence permit?
You are a family member of a Belgian citizen and wish to join them in Belgium? Discover the legal conditions, the evidence to provide, and the specific rules depending on whether you are already in Belgium or abroad.
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Investissement (EN)
09/12/2025
Investing in Belgium: how to obtain a professional card to create or join a company
Looking to invest in or create a company in Belgium? Discover whether you need a professional card, the conditions to meet, the documents to provide, and the steps to follow to obtain a residence permit.
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Nationalité belge (EN)
09/12/2025
Belgian nationality: what are the conditions to obtain it?
You have been legally residing in Belgium for several years and wish to become Belgian? Discover the conditions to meet, the different categories of declarations available, and what you need to know before submitting your application.
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Regroupement familial (EN)
09/12/2025
Family reunification in Belgium: what are the rules?
Do you wish to join a family member already established in Belgium? Belgian law and European law govern this process in order to preserve family unity. Discover the applicable principles and the conditions to be met according to your situation.
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Études (EN)
09/12/2025
Stay extension after studies: 12 months to find a job or start a business
Have you just completed your studies in Belgium? Since August 2021, the law allows you to extend your stay for 12 months to find a job or launch a self-employed activity.
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Mariage et famille (EN)
09/12/2025
Marriage or legal cohabitation in Belgium: what you need to know
Are you looking to get married or make a legal cohabitation declaration in Belgium? Our firm assists you at every stage, whether for preparing the file, submitting the residence application or providing assistance in case of refusal or appeal.
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Mariage et famille (EN)
09/12/2025
Child recognition: understanding the procedure and its implications for the right to stay
Are you a parent or future parent and wish to have a child recognised in Belgium in the context of a residence application? Since 2018, the legislation on child recognition has evolved. This procedure can have a direct impact on the right to stay of the foreign parent, but it is now subject to stricter controls.
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Regroupement familial (EN)
09/12/2025
Joining a family member with unlimited residence in Belgium
Family reunification allows certain family members of a third-country national, who has been granted unlimited residence or is settled in Belgium, to join them legally. The conditions are strictly governed by law, particularly regarding housing, income and required documents.
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Regroupement familial (EN)
09/12/2025
Family reunification with an EU citizen: joining a relative who is an EU citizen established in Belgium
European law provides enhanced protection for the family life of EU citizens. This allows a wider range of family members to join them in Belgium, up to the 4th degree of kinship, under certain conditions. This scheme also applies to Belgians returning to settle in Belgium after having exercised their freedom of movement in another Schengen Area member state.
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Études (EN)
09/12/2025
Studying in Belgium: how to obtain a student visa?
Every year, thousands of students choose Belgium for the quality of its higher education. To settle and study legally, it is essential to fully understand the conditions for obtaining a student visa and to prepare a complete application. Whether you are aiming for a bachelor's, master's or doctorate, our firm helps you maximise your chances of a favourable response.
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Investissement (EN)
09/12/2025
Settling in Belgium as a person of independent means
Do you have significant financial assets and wish to live in Belgium without engaging in professional activity? Although no specific legal framework officially governs the private income earner visa, this procedure is regularly accepted by the Belgian authorities provided that a solid application is submitted.
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Mariage et famille (EN)
09/12/2025
Marriage and legal cohabitation: verification, refusal and appeals
When a couple wishes to get married or make a legal cohabitation declaration in Belgium, the administration may verify that the union is genuine and not solely motivated by an advantage in terms of residence. This process aims to combat simulated marriages and sham cohabitations.
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Actualités (EN)
09/12/2025
Podcast – Me Halabi guest on the « Investment Immigration Podcast » by Uglobal.com
Are you active in the field of investment immigration? Are you involved in cross-border transactions or considering investing in Belgium to obtain residence? In this international podcast, Me Emmanuelle Halabi, a lawyer at the Brussels Bar and a recognised specialist in immigration law, shares her expertise and analyses the opportunities for settling in Belgium through investment.
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Permis de travail (EN)
09/12/2025
Single work permit in Belgium: everything you need to know
Working in Belgium as a foreign national requires a thorough understanding of the single permit rules. This comprehensive guide explains the conditions, procedure, profiles concerned (highly qualified, shortage occupations, management, etc.) as well as possible appeals in case of refusal.
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Permis de travail (EN)
09/12/2025
The EU Blue Card: Exceptions
Not every highly qualified third-country national can claim the EU Blue Card. Certain categories are expressly excluded by Belgian legislation. Here is an overview of who is affected.
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Permis de travail (EN)
09/12/2025
Work Permit Exemptions
Certain persons can work in Belgium without a work permit, under Articles 4 to 20 of the Royal Decree of 2 September 2018. Discover the most common exemption cases below according to your personal situation.
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Séjour longue durée (EN)
09/12/2025
Belgium: Long-Term Residents
Have you been legally residing in Belgium for more than 5 years? You may be eligible for long-term resident status, an enhanced right of residence offering you greater security and stability. Here are the conditions, procedures and tips to maximise your chances of obtaining it.
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Mariage et famille (EN)
09/12/2025
Recognition of Paternity: The New Law
Are you in an irregular situation but have a child recognised by a Belgian national or legal resident? Since 2018, recognition of paternity can open a right to residence... but it is now strictly regulated to prevent fraud. Here is everything you need to know.
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Catégories spéciales (EN)
09/12/2025
Au Pair in Belgium
Would you like to experience a cultural and linguistic immersion in Belgium while sharing the daily life of a host family? The au pair stay allows young foreigners to discover the country while being housed, fed and supervised. However, this procedure is strictly regulated.
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S'installer en Belgique (EN)
09/12/2025
International Mobility: Why Choose Belgium?
Are you looking to settle, invest or launch an economic project in Belgium? Thanks to its strategic location and attractive business environment, Belgium offers many economic migration opportunities — provided you are properly supported.
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Permis de travail (EN)
09/12/2025
Working as an Employee in Belgium or Hiring Foreign Staff: 2024 Updates
What you need to know if you are recruiting or applying for a job in Belgium. Since May 2024, the conditions for granting work permits and single permits have been thoroughly reformed. These changes aim to better meet market needs while simplifying procedures for employers and foreign workers. Here is a comprehensive overview, Region by Region.
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Régularisation (EN)
09/12/2025
Medical Stay in Belgium: What the Law Says
Are you suffering from a serious medical condition and would returning to your country of origin jeopardise your health? It is possible to submit an application for a medical stay. This regularization procedure allows you to remain legally on Belgian territory if your state of health warrants it.
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Régularisation (EN)
09/12/2025
Humanitarian Stay in Belgium: Understanding Article 9bis
Are you in a precarious situation or unable to return to your country of origin? Belgium allows, in certain exceptional cases, an application for residence on humanitarian grounds. This procedure is strictly regulated but can prove to be a solution if your situation requires it.
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Visa et court séjour (EN)
09/12/2025
Schengen Visa: Short Stay in Belgium
Are you planning to visit Belgium or to make a short professional or personal stay? For many nationalities, obtaining a Schengen visa is mandatory. Discover the essential steps, eligibility conditions and how our firm can assist you.
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