Exemptions
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 the Walloon Region and the worker can begin work in the company immediately.
Please note: Even if the worker is exempt from a permit, certain procedures must be completed:
- The worker must apply for a residence permit from the municipal administration of the municipality in which they reside
- The employer must make a DIMONA declaration, as for any other worker
- For seconded workers, the employer must make a LIMOSA declaration
Who is exempt?
Many foreign nationals are exempt from the requirement to obtain a work permit in Belgium ("Automatically authorised to work").
There are two types of exemptions:
Exemptions 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 five or ten 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.
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 three 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
- Athlete, 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
For more information on work-related exemptions, view the full list by clicking here (Article 65).
For more information on individuals who do not have to make a LIMOSA declaration, click here.
If your worker does not meet the requirements for the exemption, choose the permit that is right for you.