Belgium Business Visa vs Work Permit: Difference

Going to Belgium with a purpose of work or business, you should be aware of the proper difference between a business visa and a work permit. While both allows you to enter Belgium for professional reasons, but  they are utilized in different circumstances.

What is a Belgium Business Visa?

Belgium Business Visa is a Belgium Schengen Business Visa (visa Type C) which allows people to stay in Belgium for up to 90 days or within a 180-day period.

Belgium Business Visa is for?

  1. UK residents those who are attending business meetings, conferences, seminars, or trade fairs.
  2. People who are exploring business opportunities.
  3. Company representatives or sales professionals visiting clients in Belgium.

Key Features of Belgium Visa:

  • Not for employment or earning a salary from a Belgian company.
  • You must prove your UK employment or business background.
  • Requires an invitation letter from a Belgian company or event organizer.

What is a Belgium Work Permit?

A Belgium work permit is required if you plan to work and live in Belgium long-term or earn an income from a Belgian employer.
There are several types, but the most common is the Single Permit (work + residence combined), for stays longer than 90 days.

Belgium Work Permit is for?

  1. Non-EU citizens (including UK residents post-Brexit) with a job offer in Belgium.
  2. People planning to move to Belgium for employment, internships, or freelance work.

Key Features of  :

  • You must have a Belgian employer or sponsor.
  • Application must be submitted before arriving in Belgium.
  • It usually takes a few weeks to a few months to process.
  • Allows you to live and work in Belgium legally.

 Quick Comparison Table

Feature

Business Visa

Work Permit

Purpose

Short-term business visit

Long-term employment

Duration

Up to 90 days

More than 90 days

Can I work?

No salary-based work

Yes, with a valid job offer

Requires employer sponsorship?

No

Yes

Visa Type

Schengen Visa (Type C)

National Visa (Type D) + Work Permit

Best for

Meetings, conferences, networking

Full-time jobs, internships, freelance work

Which One Do You Need?

  1. If you're attending a conference in Brussels for a few days → Get a Belgium Business Visa.
  2. If you've been offered a job in Antwerp or working remotely from Belgium → Apply for a Work Permit.
  3. If you're starting a business in Belgium → You may need both: a visa for entry and additional permits depending on your setup.

Important Notes for UK Residents

Since Brexit, UK citizens are now non-EU nationals, which means you must apply for the appropriate visa before travelling to Belgium for work or business.

You can visit Belgium visa-free for tourism or short business trips under 90 days, but working for pay still requires a permit.

Location: United Kingdom

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