Working in Belgium
Belgium is small but split into three regions, and each one sets its own rules and salary levels for work permits. Work out which region your job is in and the rest follows.
The short answer
| Main routes | Single permit for highly qualified workers, EU Blue Card, single permit for shortage occupations |
| Who decides | The region where you will work (work authorisation) and the federal Immigration Office (residence) |
| Language | French in Wallonia and Brussels, Dutch in Flanders, German in a small eastern area; English common in Brussels and international firms |
2026 salary thresholds by region
| Category | Brussels | Flanders | Wallonia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highly qualified single permit | €3,703.44 a month | €48,912 a year (€39,129.60 under 30) | €53,220 a year |
| EU Blue Card | €4,748 a month | €63,586 a year | €68,815 a year (€55,052 for juniors) |
Flanders was still applying its 2025 thresholds at the start of 2026 pending a new wage index, so check the regional site before you apply.
Where the opportunities are
- Brussels: EU institutions, consultancies, international organisations and tech.
- Flanders: logistics around Antwerp and Ghent, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, engineering. Antwerp also has a long-established Indian community linked to the diamond trade.
- Wallonia: pharmaceuticals and biotech, aerospace and engineering.
Shortage lists in all regions include engineers, technicians, nurses, IT staff and many skilled trades. For listed occupations, regions often waive the labour market test.
The single permit
Belgium combines the work and residence permits into a single permit. The employer applies to the regional authority. Once the region approves the work part, the federal Immigration Office handles residence. You then apply for a long-stay visa in India and register with your municipality after arrival.
Good to know
- Belgium has one of the highest tax and social security burdens in Europe, but also strong public services and family benefits.
- Rents are moderate compared with Paris or Amsterdam.
- Learning French or Dutch, depending on the region, makes daily life and career progression much easier.
Read next
- Belgium's 2026 work permit thresholds by regionBrussels, Flanders and Wallonia each set their own thresholds for highly qualified workers and the EU Blue Card. The 2026 figures, side by side.
- The EU Blue CardOne EU framework for graduates, with very different salary thresholds.
- Working in the NetherlandsEnglish-speaking workplaces and fast permits. Housing is the main challenge.
