Companies│Union Citizens: Free Access to the Belgian Labor Market
UNION CITIZENS│FREE ACCESS TO THE BELGIAN LABOR MARKET. HOW TO RECRUIT FOREIGN EU CITIZENS
Employees from the EU member states, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland have free access to the Belgian labor market. They do not need a work permit and are allowed to work in Belgium without you as an employer having to apply for one.
This applies to all types of jobs and with any employer.
The only condition is that the employee proves their Union citizenship at the municipality where they reside.
As an employer, you must still comply with all standard obligations, such as the Dimona declaration and registration with social security.
More info about working without a permit
Always check the employee’s residence document to be sure of their work rights.
EMPLOYEE FROM THE NETHERLANDS OR SWITZERLAND? This is what you need to do for stays longer than 90 days
Is an employee coming from a country in the European Economic Area (EEA) or from Switzerland to Belgium to work and live for more than 90 days? Then no work permit or combined permit is required. However, there are some important steps you must follow:
Registration with the municipality
The employee must register with the municipality where he or she resides within 10 days of arrival. After checking the residency requirements, the employee will receive a residence card.
Notification of employment
As an employer, you must submit a Dimona declaration. This is a mandatory electronic notification of the start of employment to the NSSO (National Social Security Office).
Social security and health insurance
The employee must be registered with the Belgian social security system and choose a health insurance fund (mutuality) for reimbursement of medical expenses.
Other practical matters
- Open a bank account
- Arrange housing
- Register with a general practitioner
- Optionally apply for child benefits
Source: Vlaanderen.be