BelgiumStudy and training

Belgium Researcher Visa and Single Permit

Single permit for researchers with a hosting agreement

In short

Non-EU researchers coming for more than 90 days to a research institution recognised by the Belgian Science Policy Office (BELSPO) need a single permit based on a hosting agreement, followed by a type D visa. The institution applies; the Immigration Office contribution fee is EUR 152.

Apply on Working in Belgium – single permit one-stop counter checked 23 October 2026

Key facts

Maximum stay
For the duration of the research project
Validity
Equal to the length of the research covered by the hosting agreement
Fee
€152Immigration Office contribution fee (2026) for researchers under a hosting agreement; waived for holders of an official scholarship.
Processing time
In Flanders the decision is due within 60 days after the region declares the application admissible; the D visa follows the positive decision.
Work
Yes, research for the host institution, plus teaching at universities and university colleges without a separate permit.
Family
Family members can follow through family reunification with a sponsor holding limited residence.
Path to permanent residence
Residence as a researcher counts towards the five years required for EU long-term resident status. After the research, a permit to look for work or start a business can be requested (EUR 152).
Where to apply
The host institution files the single permit application in Belgium; you then apply for the D visa through Visa on Web at the Belgian mission responsible for your country of residence.

Conditions

The research organisation must be recognised by BELSPO and located in the region that handles the file, and it signs a hosting agreement with you describing the project. Since 1 March 2023 researchers staying more than 90 days need this single permit; research of up to 90 days in any 180-day period at a recognised institution is exempt from work authorisation. Pay must at least match the minimum wage for a skilled worker in the relevant joint committee.

How the procedure runs

The institution applies to the competent region, which examines the work component, while the Immigration Office examines residence. After a positive decision you receive a decision letter, then apply for a type D visa in your country of residence with your passport and that letter.

  1. Agree the project with a BELSPO-recognised institution and sign the hosting agreement.
  2. Send the institution your passport copy, diploma, medical certificate, criminal record and proof of the EUR 152 fee.
  3. The institution files the single permit application through the Working in Belgium one-stop counter.
  4. After the positive decision, complete the D visa form on Visa on Web and lodge it at the competent Belgian mission or its service provider.
  5. Travel and register with the municipality within eight days.

After arrival in Belgium

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 an A card covering residence and work for the research period. Book the municipal appointment early, as waiting times can be long.

Mobility within the EU

Researchers holding a researcher permit from another EU state can carry out part of their project in Belgium: up to 180 days within 360 days (short-term mobility) without a Belgian work permit, after notifying the authorities, or longer under long-term mobility.

Refusal and appeal

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.

Documents

Required documents

Identity

  • Criminal record extract issued within six months, apostilled or legalised depending on the issuing country, with sworn translation if not in Dutch, French, German or English

Travel

  • Valid passport and copy of the data page

Money

  • Proof of payment of the Immigration Office contribution fee (bank transfer with name, nationality and date of birth in the reference), unless exempt

Work

  • Hosting agreement signed with the BELSPO-recognised research institution
  • Positive decision letter on the single permit (for the visa stage)

Study

  • Doctorate or master's degree giving access to doctoral programmes

Insurance

  • Health insurance covering Belgium

Other

  • Medical certificate on the official Belgian form, issued within six months by a doctor accredited by the Belgian mission (otherwise with legalised signature), in Dutch, French or English

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit for a three-month research stay?

No work permit is needed for research of up to 90 days in any 180-day period at a recognised Belgian research institution, but you still need a Schengen C visa if your nationality requires one.

Can I teach as well as do research?

Yes. The authorisation for researchers with a hosting agreement also covers teaching at universities and university colleges.

What happens when my project ends?

You can apply for a residence permit to look for work or set up a business after completing the research; the contribution fee for this is EUR 152.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for Belgium

Visits and short stays

  • Tourist visa Maximum stay: Up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period across the Schengen area
  • Family and friends visit visa Maximum stay: Up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period across the Schengen area
  • Transit visa Maximum stay: Transit only: the days needed to cross the Schengen area to the next destination
  • Medical treatment visa Maximum stay: Up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period across the Schengen area
  • Culture, sports and events visa Maximum stay: Up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period across the Schengen area

Business and self-employment

Study and training

  • Student visa Maximum stay: Residence for the length of studies, renewed yearly
  • Internship and trainee visa Maximum stay: Up to six months, renewable once, in the Flemish "trainee in or after training" category
  • Au pair visa Maximum stay: One year at most, including a single possible renewal

Work

  • Work visa Maximum stay: Tied to the employment contract; Flanders can grant up to three years at once for highly skilled workers
  • EU Blue Card Maximum stay: For the contract period; after 24 months of Blue Card employment a three-year card is issued
  • Intra-company transfer visa Maximum stay: For the duration of the transfer authorised by the region
  • Seasonal work visa Maximum stay: 150 days within any 365-day period
  • Job seeker visa Maximum stay: Up to 12 months

Family

Residence

Protection

  • Asylum and international protection Maximum stay: Right to stay during the procedure; recognised refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection receive residence permits

Belgium visa guide