Immigration update Belgium: Change of status to single permit as employee is possible again

Change of status to single permit as employee is possible again for individuals with family reunification status

Since 1 September 2020, it was only possible to apply for a single permit while being present in Belgium based on: a legal short stay, a stay as a student or a stay as a researcher – in addition of course to the situation of (an extension of) an existing single permit. It was no longer possible to apply for a change of status to labour migrant from any long stay – such as family reunification.

In view of a recent law proposal that is currently being drafted and that provides that people with a family reunification status may also submit an application for a single permit, the Immigration Office has become more flexible in recent months and allows the single permit if the person concerned had a status under family reunification.  The Immigration Office has also informed the Regional Employment Authorities and they will declare the application admissible when someone with the status of family reunification submits an application for a single permit.

When the Region gives the green light for the authorisation to work, the Immigration Office will confirm the change of status to single permit unless there are negative indications regarding the residence status.

Can we help you?

Contact us at the nearest Expat Management Group office or submit a contactform.