If you're eyeing the Belgium Seasonal Worker Permit, it's your chance to work and stay in Belgium, provided your employer establishes the unavailability of suitable Belgian workers for the seasonal job. Despite the majority of seasonal workers hailing from India, Ghana, Nepal, Bangladesh, Kosovo, Morocco, Nigeria, Mali, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, individuals from non-EU countries can apply.
Eligibility Criteria for Belgium Seasonal Work Permit:
Who Qualifies:
- Third-country nationals residing outside the European Union.
Duration of Permit:
- Short Stay: Up to 90 days.
- Long Stay: More than 90 days, with a maximum limit of 150/365 days.
Salary of a Seasonal Worker in Belgium:
In 2020, the minimum monthly salary in Belgium was €1,593 (based on a 38-hour week contract). Industry-specific hourly rates include:
- Agriculture Sector: €9.45/hour.
- Horticulture Sector: €9.26 to €11.33/hour.
Application Procedure for Belgium Seasonal Work Permit (Single Permit Application):
1. Employer Application:
- Your employer initiates the application for a seasonal work permit through the "Single Permit Application" with the competent regional authority.
- The single application covers both the authorization to stay ("residence") and the authorization to work ("work").
- Submission of necessary documents by your employer for work permit approval.
- The process takes 90 days for first-time seasonal workers in Belgium.
2. Decision and Single Permit:
- Upon approval by the regional authority and the Immigration Office, a decision is granted for a single permit.
Documents Required from Employer for Single Permit:
1. Completed and signed application form.
2. Employment evidence.
3. Identity document of the employer.
4. Employment contract.
5. International Passport copy for the employee.
6. Proof of financial resources.
7. Clean criminal record certificate.
8. Medical certificate.
9. Health insurance proof.
10. Accommodation proof.
11. Administration Fee.
Type D Visa Application:
- Once the single permit is approved, applicants must apply for the Type D visa (Visa D) at the Belgian diplomatic or consular post in their residing country.
- The long-stay visa marked "B36" is issued for more than 90 days.
Temporary Residence Permit in Belgium:
- Upon arrival, registration at the municipality of residence within 8 working days is mandatory.
- A temporary residence document is issued, and a seasonal worker permit (A-card), also known as a "single permit with a limited duration," is provided.
Resources for More Information:
I hope you now understand the process of a Belgium Seasonal Worker Permit. I have given some official resources below.
- Belgium Immigration Office on Seasonal Workers
- EU Immigration Portal
- Belgium Work Visa Process (Types of Work Permits)
Understanding this process sets you on the path to securing a Belgium Seasonal Worker Permit. For additional details, refer to the official resources provided above.
