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🇧🇪 Belgium

Professional Card (Self-Employed) Visa

The Professional Card is Belgium's authorization for non-EU nationals to work as self-employed professionals, freelancers, or entrepreneurs. Issued by regional authorities (Flanders, Brussels, or Wallonia), it requires demonstrating economic utility of the business or profession. Applicants must submit a detailed business plan showing market analysis, financial projections, and economic benefit to Belgium (job creation, innovation, investment). Professional qualifications and experience must be documented. Initial validity is 2 years, extendable to 5 years after the probation period. Registration with a social insurance fund is mandatory. Freelancers pay social security at 20.5% initially. Can serve as Belgium's de facto option for digital nomads seeking long-term residence. Application fee of €90 at the enterprise counter.

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Processing Time

Up to 120 days

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Cost

€90 (enterprise counter) + D visa fees

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Duration

2 years initially

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Work Rights

Self-employed work only

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Renewability

Extendable to 5 years after probation period

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Path to Permanent Residence

Yes

Requirements

  • 1Detailed business plan demonstrating economic benefit
  • 2Professional qualifications and experience documentation
  • 3Valid passport
  • 4Medical certificate
  • 5Criminal record clearance (issued within 6 months)
  • 6Proof of financial means
  • 7Right of residence or concurrent D visa application
  • 8Compliance with regulatory obligations for the activity

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