Who can work without a permit in Belgium?

European nationals and assimilated persons

Nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA) and the Swiss Confederation are authorised to work without a permit.

Persons holding a residence permit authorising employment

• Holders of a residence document linked to the exercise of a specific function, pursuant to the Royal Decree of 30/10/1991.
• Spouses and children of nationals referred to in Art. 5, if a reciprocity agreement is in place.

Apprentices and students

• Learners under 18 years of age under an approved apprenticeship contract.
• Foreign students completing a compulsory internship linked to their studies.
• Students authorised to work:
  • During school holidays
  • Outside holidays, up to 20 hours/week if compatible with their studies

Refugees, protected persons and asylum seekers

• Recognised refugees.
• Beneficiaries of:
  • Subsidiary protection
  • Temporary protection
  • MENA status (unaccompanied foreign minor)
• Asylum seekers who may work after 4 months without a response.
• Asylum seekers awaiting a decision during an appeal.

Families and spouses

• Spouses/children of nationals referred to in Art. 5.
• Spouses of Belgian or EEA citizens holding a valid frontier worker document.

Special cases

Other statuses: protection against trafficking, family reunification (Art. 10/10bis), etc.

Holders of:

• Certificate of registration in the register (unlimited)
• Foreigner’s identity card (Annex 7)
• « Long-term resident – EC » card

Also concerned are:

• Family members of EU citizens and other persons with residence rights.
• Persons whose right of residence is under examination or who are victims of trafficking.
• Persons appealing a refusal of their right of residence.
• Persons awaiting their definitive residence document (temporary document – Annex 15).