Volunteer (European Directive 2016/801)

This authorisation must be requested for the activity of a volunteer, if this volunteer is linked to a host organisation by a programme approved as part of the European Voluntary Service for a maximum period of twelve months.

Seconded worker or not?

The volunteer (European Directive 2016/801) can not be a seconded worker.

If you want to employ a volunteer (European Directive 2016/801) for more than 90 days: apply for a single permit

Where is the application submitted?

For the single permit, the application must be entered online and the supporting documents submitted on the Working in Belgium federal portal.

Take care to select the " volunteer (European Directive 2016/801) " criteria on the application and to prepare the corresponding documents indicated in the tables below in advance.

How long does it take to process my file?

The application must legally be processed within 4 months by the administrations.

The timeframe is generally less for files that are complete and comply with the regulations.

How can I submit a renewal application?

The application to renew a fixed-term single permit must be made at most 3 months and at least 2 months before the end of the current permit.

Documents required for the residence section

	First application	Renewal application
Payment of the fee	Yes	No
Extract of the worker's criminal record	Yes	No
Copy of a medical certificate dated within 6 months	Yes	No
Proof of health insurance	Yes	Yes

You can find the information and document templates by clicking here.

Documents required for the work section

	First application	Renewal application
Single permit application form	Yes (1)	Yes (1)
A copy of a valid passport for the worker	Yes	Yes
A copy of the worker’s Belgian residence document	Yes, if existing	No
A copy of the applicant's identity card (employer or representative)	Yes	Yes
A copy of the volunteering agreement	Yes	(1)
A copy of the certificate from the National Agency for implementing the European Voluntary Service confirming the volunteer's placement	Yes	No
A copy of the proof of access to the regulated profession	Yes if employment requested in a regulated profession	No

(1) : for the single permit application, the form must be completed and signed electronically online by the applicant (the employer or their representative). No scanned application document is to be attached. The signature of the electronic form isn’t needed for the worker/intern/volunteer/.... He gives his consent by signing the contract/letter of secondment/training agreement/volunteer agreement/..

(2): Yes, if the document sent for the first application does not cover the renewal period for which you are applying

Other procedures to be completed

Foreign workers employed on a Belgian employment contract must be subject to a DIMONA declaration. Click here for more information on the DIMONA.

Foreign workers who continue to be employed by a foreign employer and are temporarily seconded to Belgium must be subject to a LIMOSA declaration. Click here for more information on the LIMOSA.