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Unlimited single permit

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This is a work permit where the duration is not time limited. 

It allows the worker to change position within the company or change employer. 

  

For who? 

Foreign workers employed in Belgium who have worked under a valid residence permit and a work authorization in the form of a “single permit” or a work permit B (within a period of up to 10 years):

  • For at least 4 years;

  • For at least 3 years, if they are nationals of one of the following countries: Serbia, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Turkey, Morocco, Algeria, or Tunisia;

  • For at least 3 years if their spouse and/or children legally reside in Belgium;

  • For at least 2 years if their spouse and/or children legally reside in Belgium and if they are nationals of one of the following countries: Serbia, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Turkey, Morocco, Algeria, or Tunisia.

If the worker has been admitted to work as a long-term resident in another European Union Member State, they may apply for an unlimited work permit after having been effectively employed for more than 12 months in Belgium, and by submitting a copy of the residence document titled “Long-term resident – EU”.

PLEASE NOTE: The unlimited work permit does not grant unlimited residence rights. The right of residence must be renewed each year with your local municipal administration.

 

Duration 

Unlimited 

  

In which region should the application for a single permit be made? 

The application is submitted in the region where the worker is officially resident. The worker must be resident in French-speaking Wallonia (Wallonia except the nine municipalities of the German-speaking Community: Eupen, La Calamine, Lontzen, Rearen, Amblève, Bullange, Burg-Reuland, Butgenbach, Saint-Vith).  

  

Procedure 

The worker who wants an unlimited employment authorisation submits the application.   

  • The worker completes the online application form on the Working in Belgium portal. Or they can complete the paper application form (to be printed in A4 format)
  • The worker includes:
    • a copy of the type B employment authorisations or single permits previously received, including those obtained in another region
    • a copy of the payslips or payroll statements for the most recent full period
    • a copy of the current employment contract
  • The worker posts the completed electronic form with the requested downloaded documents, or sends the dated and signed paper application with the requested documents to permisdetravail.entreprises@spw.wallonie.be