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.

Single permit obtained but visa blocked? Here’s why… and what to do
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.
The single work permit in Belgium: a simplified procedure to live and work legally
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.
Change of status to a single permit: you can now apply from within Belgium
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.
Short stay in Belgium: essential steps to properly prepare your trip
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.
Grounds for refusal of Belgian nationality: what you absolutely need to know before applying
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.
Why come to Belgium?
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.
Family reunification with a Belgian citizen: what conditions to obtain a residence permit?
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.
Investing in Belgium: how to obtain a professional card to create or join a company
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.
Belgian nationality: what are the conditions to obtain it?
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.
Family reunification in Belgium: what are the rules?
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.
Stay extension after studies: 12 months to find a job or start a business
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.
Marriage or legal cohabitation in Belgium: what you need to know
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.
Child recognition: understanding the procedure and its implications for the right to stay
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.
Joining a family member with unlimited residence in Belgium
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.
Family reunification with an EU citizen: joining a relative who is an EU citizen established in Belgium
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.
Studying in Belgium: how to obtain a student visa?
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.
Settling in Belgium as a person of independent means
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.
Marriage and legal cohabitation: verification, refusal and appeals
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.
Podcast – Me Halabi guest on the « Investment Immigration Podcast » by Uglobal.com
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.
Single work permit in Belgium: everything you need to know
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.
The EU Blue Card: Exceptions
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.
Work Permit Exemptions
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.
Belgium: Long-Term Residents
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.
Recognition of Paternity: The New Law
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.
Au Pair in Belgium
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.
International Mobility: Why Choose Belgium?
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.
Working as an Employee in Belgium or Hiring Foreign Staff: 2024 Updates
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.
Medical Stay in Belgium: What the Law Says
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.
Humanitarian Stay in Belgium: Understanding Article 9bis
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.
Schengen Visa: Short Stay in Belgium
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.