Belgium EU-Blue-Card: Overview

The Belgium EU-Blue-Card scheme is designed to facilitate the entry of highly-skilled foreign nationals to work in Belgium. The program combines elements of two other immigration programs, the Belgium Single Permit and the Blue-Card initiative, to make the process of transferring to Belgium easier for highly-skilled workers. This scheme is a great option for those wishing to work in Belgium, providing you with several privileges, such as the right to remain for long-term periods, as well as access to permanent residence and citizenship.

In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive overview of the Belgium EU-Blue-Card scheme and the advantages it offers for those looking to move to Belgium.

What is the Belgium EU-Blue Card (EUC) scheme?

The Belgium EU-Blue-Card scheme is an immigration program designed to attract highly-skilled foreign workers to Belgium by providing them with a number of benefits. The program combines two other immigration initiatives, the Belgium Single Permit and the Blue Card initiative, to make it easier for highly-skilled workers to transfer to Belgium.

Under the program, eligible applicants are granted a residence permit which allows them to live and work in Belgium for up to two years. If they wish, they can apply for a permanent residence permit, or the EU Blue Card, which allows them to live and work in Belgium indefinitely and grants them additional rights and privileges, such as access to healthcare benefits and the ability to apply for Belgian citizenship.

Who is eligible for the Belgium EU-Blue Card?

The Belgium EU-Blue-Card scheme is open to non-EU nationals who meet certain criteria. Specifically, applicants must:

• Be aged 18 and over.
• Hold a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a specific field.
• Have an employment offer in Belgium in a qualified, skilled occupation.
• Be employed in an occupation which is in demand in Belgium and has a positive prognosis for the future.
• Have a valid passport.

In addition to these criteria, applicants must also be able to provide evidence of their qualifications, work experience and employment offer. They must also be able to demonstrate to the authorities that they are able to support themselves during their stay in Belgium.

What are the Benefits of the Belgium EU-Blue-Card Scheme?

The Belgium EU-Blue-Card scheme offers a number of benefits for those looking to move to Belgium, including the following:

• Right to remain in Belgium for up totwo years.
• Access to permanent residence in Belgium and the option to apply for citizenship.
• The right to bring family members to Belgium.
• Access to healthcare benefits and social security.
• The right to take part in job-training programs and further education.
• The right to travel within the Schengen area without a visa.
• The right to work in other Schengen countries.
• The ability to apply for long-term residence in other EU countries.

The Belgium EU-Blue-Card scheme makes it easier for highly-skilled workers to come to Belgium and contribute to the country’s economic and social development. By providing them with access to both permanent residence and citizenship, it also eliminates the need for them to live in constant uncertainty about their future.

How to Apply for the Belgium EU-Blue-Card?

Applying for the Belgium EU-Blue-Card scheme is a straightforward process. The first step is to obtain the application form from the Belgian Immigration website. Once the form is completed and submitted with the supporting documentation, it will be assessed by immigration authorities. The application process can take up to eight weeks.

Applicants who are approved for the program will be issued with a residence permit, which is valid for up to two years. At the end of the two-year period, applicants may apply for a permanent residence permit, or the EU Blue Card, which will allow them to stay in Belgium indefinitely and grant them additional rights and privileges.

Conclusion

The Belgium EU-Blue-Card scheme is an excellent option for those looking to move to Belgium to work in a highly-skilled occupation. The program provides foreign nationals with the right to remain in Belgium for up to two years, and gives them the opportunity to apply for permanent residence and citizenship.

In addition, the scheme also provides access to healthcare benefits, job-training programs and the right to travel throughout the Schengen area without a visa. For those looking to move to Belgium for work, the Belgium EU-Blue-Card scheme makes the process easier and more straightforward.

What are the benefits of the Belgium EU Blue Card?

1. Easier Access to the Belgian Workplace: The EU Blue Card provides holders with a fast-track path for applying for permanent residence and employment in Belgium. This makes it easier for highly-skilled non-EU citizens to access the Belgian workforce.

2. Visa-Free Travel to Other EU Member States: The EU Blue Card provides holders with visa-free travel to other EU Member States for up to 90 days in any 180 day period. This allows holders of the EU Blue Card to easily travel and work in other European countries.

3. Access to Better Working Conditions: The EU Blue Card provides access to better working conditions than other permits. For example, holders of the EU Blue Card are entitled to a minimum salary threshold which is typically higher than the minimum wage in Belgium.

4. Better Job Security: EU Blue Card holders are provided with greater job security as they are only required to change their employment upon receiving permission from the Belgian government. This provides peace of mind for those working in Belgium.

5. Access to Belgian Social Security System: Holders of the EU Blue Card are entitled to access the Belgian social security system which provides access to healthcare, pensions, and unemployment benefits.

What is the process of applying for the Belgium EU Blue Card?

1. Prepare the requisite documents: Before applying for the Blue Card, applicants must ensure that they have all the necessary documents to prove their eligibility. This includes a valid passport, a valid work contract with a Belgian employer for at least one year, proof of qualification, a valid residence permit, a valid criminal record check, and proof of financial means.

2. Submit the application: Applicants can submit the complete application in person or by post to the respective regional authority that oversees their residence. A fee of €180 is charged for the Blue Card application.

3. Receive the decision: The regional authority will assess the application and issue a decision within 90 days. If the decision is favorable, the applicant will receive the EU Blue Card and can begin working.

4. Report any changes: If there are any changes in the applicant’s qualifications or financial status, the regional authority must be notified immediately.

5. Renew the Blue Card: The Blue Card is valid for a maximum of four years and must be renewed after this period to maintain legal status.

What documents are required for a Belgium EU Blue Card application?

1. A passport or identity card

2. A valid residence permit from the Schengen State

3. Proof of degree/proof of professional qualifications

4. A signed and completed EU Blue Card application form

5. A recent passport-sized photograph

6. Proof of medical insurance

7. Proof of sufficient financial resources

8. A valid criminal background check

9. Proof of knowledge of the language of the host country

10. A signed and completed D-1 employment contract form.