Belgium Extends Maximum Stay for Visitors

April 29, 2011— Foreign Nationals can now enter Belgium for business visits of up to 20 consecutive calendar days without a work permit, and employment eligibility has been expanded for the dependents of work permit holders and foreign nationals residing in Belgium because of a serious medical condition. The Belgian federal government made these changes as part of a revision to the rules concerning the employment of foreign nationals. Business visitors are now permitted to enter Belgium with a cumulative maximum of 60 calendar days per calendar year. Previously, a work permit was required for business visits longer than five days.

Business visitors to Belgium are permitted to engage in the following activities:

 
  • Attending small, committee-style meetings where a knowledge transfer, such as training, occurs
  • Investigating and developing professional contacts
  • Making sales calls to potential Belgian clients
  • Attending fact-finding meetings
  • Participating in trade exhibitions or fairs
  • Visiting professional partners
    		•

    However, if a foreign national’s visit is billable or part of the provision of services, a work permit is required, regardless of the activity. Note that the 20-day maximum stay for business visitors in Belgium does not apply to foreign nationals visiting to attend scientific conferences. These visitors are now exempt from the work permit requirement for the duration of their conference.

    Additionally, family members who accompany work permit holders to Belgium may now obtain a Type C work permit incident to their dependent status under the new rules. The Type C permit allows the holder to take up employment with any employer in any occupation. Previously, accompanying family members had to qualify for a Type B work permit, which allowed employment with one sponsoring employer only. Foreign nationals who hold a residence permit based on serious medical grounds are now also eligible obtain a Type C work permit incident to their status.

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