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Exceptions

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Most of the time, foreign workers need authorisation to work in Wallonia. However, some workers are exempt from requiring a permit. 

If the worker is exempt, the employer can hire them without any action with Wallonia and the worker can start working in the company immediately. 

Please note: Even if the worker is exempt from a permit, some procedures must be completed: 

  • The worker must apply for a residence permit from the municipal administration where he resides. 

  • The employer must make a DIMONA declaration, as for any other worker 

Who is exempt?

Exceptions related to nationality or the residence situation

Workers are exempt from requiring a work permit if they are: 

  • Nationals from the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, along with their spouse and child(ren) living with them in Belgium; 

  • British nationals, along with their spouse and child(ren) living with them in Belgium, resident in Belgium before 1 January 2021 and beneficiaries of the withdrawal agreement. Click here for more information regarding British nationals; 

  • They have indefinite leave to remain (they have an identity card valid for a period of 5 or 10 years); 

  • Recognised refugees; 

  • Asylum seekers; 

  • Foreign students residing in Belgium and studying in Belgium (max 20 hours of work per week); 

  • Foreigners whose application for family reunification has been accepted, as well as during the family reunification application or appeal procedures. 

For more information view the full list of exceptions related to nationality or residence situation by clicking here. 

Exceptions related to the work situation

Workers are exempt from requiring a work permit if they are: 

  • Foreign workers, from the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland or other, seconded from a European company in application of the "Services Directive"; 

  • Seconded workers, not requiring a prior LIMOSA declaration, provided that their stay in Belgium does not exceed 3 consecutive months. In particular:  

  • Driver or pilot for international transport 

  • Member of a diplomatic or consular delegation 

  • In Belgium for a scientific conference or a meeting in a limited circle 

  • sportsmen , coach or referee or their companion, coming to participate in an international event 

  • Seconded workers subject to a prior LIMOSA declaration in certain cases. In particular:  

  • Seconded ICT personnel exercising their right to short-term mobility 

  • Foreign journalists currently seconded to Belgium for less than three months 

  • Foreign sales representatives seconded to Belgium for less than three months 

  • Seconded foreign workers in training (in certain cases) 

  • Seconded foreign workers who come to take delivery in Belgium for less than three months 

If the worker is not exempt, choose the kind of permit you need by clicking here.