Corporate Immgration update — Novelties in work permit regulations in the Brussels Capital Region and the Walloon Region
The Economic Migration Departments of the Brussels Capital and the Walloon Employment Ministries have announced several updates in the work permit regulations for third country nationals, working for an employer in their respective regions.
Affected parties
Employers intending to employ or are already employing third-country nationals in the Brussels Capital Region, the Walloon Region, and the third-country nationals in question.
Background
The Brussels Capital Region and the Walloon Region are 2 of the 3 regions in Belgium (together with the Flemish Region) competent for the issuance of work permits. When a work permit for >90 days is applied for (i.e. a single permit), they make the first decision (employment) and the Immigration Office the second decision (residency).
Impact
Amongst the announced updates, the following 5 require special attention.
- Change in salary thresholds for specific job categories, incl. highly skilled, blue card, and ICT. (Brussels Capital Region)
- Lower salary thresholds for single permit and blue card applications <30 years until they turn 30. (Walloon Region)
- Sending of yearly documents for single permit holders no longer required (Brussels Capital Region)
- Additional documents such as jobs description and company organisation chart required for certain categories (yet to be confirmed for which) (Brussels Capital Region)
- Blue Card: Higher education qualifications no longer required in the field of information and communications technology (minimum of professional experience is required) (Brussels Region)
Implementation date
Walloon Region: 1 September 2024
Brussels Capital Region: 1 October 2024
Santa Fe’s recommendation
We advise contacting your designated Santa Fe Immigration Consultant in Belgium, utilising the contact information provided below, for a comprehensive, case-specific assessment and anticipate on the situation mentioned above.
Kevin van Hove
Senior Immigration Consultant, BeNeLux
Santa Fe Relocation
Brussels, Belgium
beimmigration@staging.santaferelo.com
Anique Borchert
Immigration Manager, BeNeLux
Santa Fe Relocation
Amsterdam, the Netherlands
anique.borchert@staging.santaferelo.com
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