Job Seeker Visa in Belgium

Orientation / Search Year (Post-Graduation Job Search Permit)

A 12-month residence permit allowing third-country nationals who have completed higher education studies or a research project in Belgium to remain and seek employment or establish a business, with the goal of transitioning to an employment-based residence permit. Holders receive an A card marked 'job seeker' and have full, unrestricted access to the Belgian labour market during this period.

Processing time

90 days (statutory maximum); provisional certificate issued if deadline exceeded

Validity

12 months (A card, non-renewable)

Language requirement

None specified for the permit itself; integration obligations apply after transition to employment-based status

Permanent residence

Not directly; holder must first obtain employment-based permit, then accumulate 5 years of legal residence for EU long-term resident status

Citizenship

Not directly; citizenship requires 5 years of legal residence including periods under other permits

Requirements

• Third-country national (non-EEA/non-free-movement)
• Completed higher education studies at a recognised Belgian institution OR completed a research project in Belgium under a hosting agreement
• Valid passport or travel document
• Proof of diploma or completion of research project from Belgian institution
• Health insurance covering all risks in Belgium
• Sufficient means of subsistence (minimum equivalent to 12 months Belgian social integration income, held in personal bank account)
• Application submitted at least 15 days before current residence permit expires
• Must not burden Belgian public authorities during the search year

Required Documents

• Valid passport or equivalent travel document required
• Proof of Belgian higher education diploma or certificate of research project completion required
• Proof of health insurance covering Belgian risks required
• Bank statement proving sufficient means of subsistence (minimum 12 months RIS amount) required
• Proof of contribution fee payment required
• Proof of Belgian residence (for commune submission) required
• For EU-mobility graduates: proof of enrolment and Belgian study period under mobility programme

Official fees

• Federal contribution fee (researchers completing research to seek employment) 152 EUR

Process Steps

1. 1

   Obtain proof of study/research completion

   Obtain your Belgian higher education diploma or a formal certificate from your research institution confirming completion of the project.

2. 2

   Gather supporting documents

   Collect valid passport, health insurance proof, and a personal bank statement showing at least 12 months of Belgian social integration income (approx. €1,062/month).

3. 3

   Pay the contribution fee

   Pay the federal contribution fee (€152 for researchers; check the IBZ contribution fee page for the applicable category for study graduates) and obtain proof of payment.

4. 4

   Submit application to the commune

   Submit the complete application to the local authority (commune/municipality) of your Belgian place of residence, at least 15 days before your current A card expires. Overseas applicants submit via the Belgian consulate within 3 months of graduation.

5. 5

   Await decision

   The Immigration Office has 90 days to decide. If no decision is reached in time, a provisional certificate (45 days, renewable twice) is issued to maintain legal status while the decision is pending.

6. 6

   Collect A card

   Upon approval, collect your A card endorsed 'job seeker' at the commune. The card is valid for 12 months and gives unrestricted access to the Belgian labour market.

7. 7

   Apply for employment-based permit before expiry

   If you find a job or wish to start a business, apply for the appropriate work permit (single permit or professional card) before the search year expires to maintain uninterrupted legal status.

Official Sources

• Search year after higher studies | IBZ Official
• Orientation year after completion of research | IBZ Official
• Contribution fee | IBZ Official