Belgium is a lovely country with lots of history, culture, and food. It’s also a great place for people from outside of Europe to go if they want to find seasonal work that fits their skills and hobbies. As a Seasonal Worker Visa holder, someone from India, Ghana, Nepal, or another country can work in Belgium during certain times of the year for up to five months in a 365-day term.
If you want to work in agriculture, tourism, hospitality, or any other field that needs extra help during busy times, this visa can help you get there. This detailed guide will walk you through the Belgium Seasonal Work Permit Process for 2024. It includes information on the types of seasonal work you can do, the areas where you can work, the wages you can expect, how long your permit is good for, how to renew it, and the most important things you need to do to get your Seasonal Work Visa.
Belgium Seasonal Work Permit Process 2024 Details
Eligible Sectors for Seasonal Work
Belgium offers seasonal work opportunities in three main sectors:
1. Agricultural Sector:
Available all over Belgium, offering a wide range of farming activities. Planting, gathering, pruning, or packing crops are some of the things you can do.
2. Horticultural Sector:
Work is only available in Flanders and Wallonia, where the scenery is beautiful. You can do things like sell flowers, plants, or trees, grow them, or take care of them.
3. Catering Sector:
It is easy to get to in Flanders, Wallonia, and the German-speaking Community, and it offers a variety of culinary experiences. In hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops, you can do things like cook, serve, clean, or run the place.
Earnings Expectations
Belgium offers fair wages to get seasonal workers and keep them there. The lowest wage in Belgium in 2020 was €1593 a month. The hourly wage for summer workers was different depending on the job:
- Agriculture: €9.45
- Horticulture: Ranged from €9.26 to €11.33, depending on the specific sub-sector.
- Hospitality: Varied from €12.1504 to €18.0369 for seasonal workers with one year of experience.
Permit Duration
Seasonal workers can stay in Belgium for up to 150 days out of every 365 days. You can get the most out of your seasonal work because of this freedom.
Renewal Criteria
Is it possible to renew your seasonal work pass? Start the process of renewing your pass at least one month before it runs out to make sure you can keep working.
Essential Requirements for a Belgium Seasonal Work Visa
To get a Belgium Seasonal Work Visa, you need to meet certain conditions:
- Job Offer: Get a job offer from a company in Belgium.
- Single Permit Approval: Your boss needs to apply for a Single Permit, which is a work pass and permission to stay.
- Long Stay D Visa: If you want to go to Belgium, you need to apply for a Long Stay D Visa.
Processing Time
Keep in mind that it could take up to 90 days to process your application for a Seasonal Work Permit and Visa. Make sure you plan your application well so that you are ready for your casual job.
Cost of the Belgium Seasonal Work Visa
In Belgium, a seasonal work permit costs €180. Your company will pay this fee when they apply for your visa at the Belgian Immigration Office.
Navigating the Belgium Seasonal Work Permit Process
To get a Belgium Seasonal Work Permit in 2024, you can start by doing the following:
- Single Permit Application: Your Belgian employer starts the process by applying for a “Single Permit” that lets you live and work in the area of your choice, which could be Flanders, Wallonia, the Brussels Capital area, or the German-speaking Community.
- Visa D Application: The Visa D is what lets you stay in Belgium for a long time. You need to send your passport, Single Permit, and visa application to the Belgian Embassy or a VFS center in your home country. Biometric information will be gathered, such as fingerprints and pictures.
- Residence Permit Card: Once you get to Belgium, you need to register with your local government within 8 business days. A residence permit card (A-card) will be given out by the town.
Required Documents from Your Belgian Employer
Your Belgian boss is very important for getting you permission to work and stay in Belgium. They need to show important papers like the work permit application, proof of employment, an ID, an employment contract, an international passport, proof of enough money to live on (if needed), a clean criminal record, proof of health insurance, and proof of enough housing.
Job Hunting Websites in Belgium
To kickstart your job search in Belgium, you can explore these job-hunting websites:
Conclusion
The Belgium Seasonal Work Permit Process for 2024 is a great chance for people who are not from Europe to work in Belgium during the summer. It’s easy to apply, there are many sectors to choose from, and the pay is competitive. It’s a great way to get foreign work experience and enjoy Belgium’s culture and beauty.
Send in your application for a seasonal work pass and visa as soon as possible if you want to work in Belgium during the summer. You will get paid, learn new things, and meet new people.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the Belgium Seasonal Work Permit
Non-EU citizens can work in Belgium for up to five months in a 365-day time with a Belgium Seasonal Work Permit in fields like gardening, horticulture, and hospitality.
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Can I renew my Seasonal Work Permit?
Yes, you can renew your permit. Start the renewal process at least one month before your current permit expires to ensure continuous employment.
