Belgium Seasonal Work Permit 2023 (D-Visa)

If you’re a non-European individual interested in engaging in Belgium Seasonal Work Permit, this article caters to your needs. Gain insights into the 2023 process for obtaining a Belgium Seasonal Work Permit. In Europe, the “Seasonal Worker” Visa stands out as a widely favored option for third-country nationals, with numerous European countries like Italy, Portugal, France, Spain, the Netherlands, and, notably, Belgium, extending Seasonal Work Permit opportunities.

In order to engage in seasonal employment, your employer is required to secure a “Single Permit.” This Single Permit combines both a Work Permit and a Residence Permit. With a Belgium Seasonal Work Permit, you’re permitted to stay for a maximum of 5 months within a 365-day period, and if needed, you can apply for a renewal prior to the expiration of your work permit. Additional information regarding the process for obtaining a Belgium Seasonal Work Permit in 2023 is elaborated below.

Belgium Seasonal Work Permit Conditions:

You are eligible to apply for authorization to live and work in Belgium as a seasonal employee, provided that your Belgian employer can demonstrate the unavailability of qualified seasonal workers in a reasonable timeframe on the labor market. Notably, Wallonia does not impose a labor market examination for seasonal workers.

Your intended seasonal work should fall into one of the following categories:

1. Agricultural sector (applicable in any region)
2. Horticultural sector (specifically in Flanders and Wallonia)
3. Catering sector (for both Flanders, Wallonia, and the German-speaking Community)

If you meet the necessary criteria, you will be granted a seasonal worker permit along with a long-stay visa, categorized as type D.

Also Read: France Work Visa Update 2023 (Specification, Cost)

Earnings of Seasonal Workers in Belgium

• In 2020, the minimum monthly wage in Belgium amounted to €1593.
• In the agricultural sector during that year, the minimum hourly wage for all workers, including those engaged in seasonal work, stood at €9.45.
• Within the horticultural sector, the minimum hourly wage for 2020 ranged between €9.26 and €11.33, depending on the specific sub-sector. For instance, it was €9.26 in fruit growing, €10.12 in floriculture, €11.25 in silviculture, and €11.33 in tree nurseries.
• In the hospitality sector during 2020, seasonal workers with one year of experience had a varying minimum hourly wage, falling between €12.1504 and €18.0369.

Belgium Seasonal Work Permit Process Time:

A verdict must be reached by both regional and federal authorities within a 90-day timeframe. However, if you have prior experience as a seasonal worker in Belgium within the past 5 years and have adhered to the associated conditions, the processing period can be expedited to 60 days.

Belgium Seasonal Work Permit Cost:

The expense associated with obtaining a seasonal work permit in Belgium amounts to €180. It’s important to note that your employer covers this fee when they submit your visa application to the Belgian Immigration Office.

Belgium Seasonal Work Permit Process 2023 (Procedure)

Get a Single Permit

• When the regional authority provides approval for work and the Immigration Office grants permission for residence, you will be issued a notification for the issuance of a single permit (annex 46) by the Immigration Office.
• However, if either of these authorities, or both, does not reach a decision, you will be issued a certificate for the issuance of a single permit (annex 47) from the Immigration Office.
• In cases where one or both of the authorities decline your application, you will receive a notification of the rejection of your right of residence (annex 48).

Visa D

In order to secure a visa D for your journey to Belgium, it is required that you provide either annex 46 or annex 47 along with your international passport. You must then proceed to submit a visa application at the Belgian diplomatic or consular office located in your place of residence.

The authorities will capture your fingerprints and a digital photograph during this process. Additionally, you can conveniently track the progress of your visa application online by entering your reference number and specifying the diplomatic or consular office location.

Belgium Seasonal Work Permit Document Requirement:

To apply for an authorisation to work and stay, your employer must submit:

• the completed and signed application form.
• documentary evidence related to the employment.
• a copy of the identity document of your employer.
• a copy of the employment contract.
• a copy of your international passport.
• proof of sufficient means of subsistence (if required).
• a certificate attesting to the lack of any convictions for crimes or offences under common law.
• a standard medical certificate.
• proof of health insurance.
• proof of sufficient housing.
• proof of payment of the administrative fee.

Further requirements

• Following your arrival in Belgium, you are required to complete your registration at the municipality of your designated residence within 8 business days.
• Subsequently, you will be provided with a temporary residence document (annex 49) while the authorities conduct a thorough assessment of your residence status.
• If this residence evaluation yields a favorable outcome, the municipality will issue a single permit, valid for a specific duration (referred to as an A-card).

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