Belgium - Researcher - European Commission

Where and how to apply	Decision You can introduce a request for a single permit for residence and work through your host institution. The application must be submitted to the department of economic migration of the region where the institution is based: Flanders, Wallonia, Brussels Capital Region or the German-speaking Community. To apply for a single permit your host institution needs to submit a number of documents, including proof of payment of the administrative fee (see ‘Documents required’). Your application is assessed by the competent regional authority and the federal Immigration Office. The regional and federal authorities need to take a decision within 60 days. If the regional authority grants an authorisation to work and the Immigration Office grants an authorisation to stay, you receive a decision to be granted a single permit (annex 46) from the Immigration Office. If one or both of the authorities fail to take a decision, you receive a certificate to be granted a single permit (annex 47) from the Immigration Office. If one or both of the authorities reject your application, you receive a decision rejecting your right of residence (annex 48). D Visa (long-stay visa) To obtain a D visa to travel to Belgium, you need to present your annex 46 or 47 and international passport and submit a visa application to the Belgian diplomatic or consular post of your place of residence. The authorities take your fingerprints and a digital photo.
Documents required	To apply for an authorisation to work and stay, your host institution must submit: the completed and signed application form; the completed standard hosting agreement; a copy of the identity document of your host; a copy of your international passport; proof of sufficient means of subsistence; 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 payment of the administrative fee.
Further requirements	Single permit After your arrival in Belgium, you need to register at the municipality of your place of residence within 8 working days. You receive a temporary residence document (annex 49) pending the residence check to be executed by the authorities. If the residence check is positive, the municipality issues a single permit for a limited period of time (A-card).
Duration of validity of permit	The single permit for researchers is valid for the duration of the research project, for a maximum period of 3 years. The permit is renewable.
Conditions for renewal	You need to apply for renewal at the latest 2 months before your single permit expires. If your authorisation to work has been granted for a limited period of time, you need to apply for renewal of the single permit to the regional authority. If your authorisation to work has been granted for an unlimited period of time, you need to apply for renewal of the permit to your municipality. In the first 5 years, you receive a single permit for a limited period of time if you fulfil the required conditions (A-card). After 5 years, you receive a single permit for an unlimited period of time (B-card).
Appeals	If your application for an authorisation to work has been rejected by the regional authority, your host institution can appeal this decision before the competent appeal body within 30 days after you received the decision. You can lodge an appeal against this decision before the Council of State within 60 days after you received the decision. If your application for an authorisation to stay has been rejected by the Immigration Office, you can appeal this decision before the Council for Alien Law Litigation (CALL) within 30 days after you received the decision.
Further information	Coming to work in Belgium Authorisation to work in Flanders Authorisation to work in Wallonia Authorisation to work in Brussels Capital Region Authorisation to work in German-speaking Community Authorisation to stay Visa application Your visa application