Belgium Internship and Trainee Visa

Flanders lists four routes: trainee during or after training (full-time, up to six months, renewable once, during studies or at the latest two years after the diploma); compulsory internship needed for a further diploma, for holders of a university degree; traineeship with a public authority or international institution, or in a programme approved by one; and intra-corporate transferee trainees moved within a group.

Brussels and Wallonia set their own trainee rules and forms. Check the region where the traineeship takes place.

The host organisation, as employer, applies for the work authorisation with the region. Once it is granted, you apply in your country of residence for a type D visa with your passport, the authorisation, a criminal record extract and a medical certificate. Short traineeships of up to 90 days still need a work authorisation unless exempt, and a Schengen C visa if your nationality requires one.

Report to the municipality of your place of residence within eight days of arrival to register in the foreigners' register. After a positive residence check (a local officer verifies that you live at the address) you receive a residence document (A card) limited to the traineeship period. Book the municipal appointment early, as waiting times can be long.

Refusals by the Immigration Office can be challenged before the Council for Alien Law Litigation (CCE/RvV), as a rule within 30 days of notification, by the person concerned or their lawyer. Decisions of the regional employment authority on the work component have their own appeal route stated in the decision. A new application with the missing evidence is also possible.