Can I bring my family to Belgium while studying

Studying in Belgium can offer exciting opportunities for international students. Many students often wonder if they can work in Belgium while holding a student visa. In this article, we will explore the possibilities and guidelines for working in Belgium with a student visa. Whether you want to gain work experience, support your studies financially, or explore the local job market, understanding the regulations and requirements is crucial. Let’s dive in and answer the question, “Can I work in Belgium with a student visa?”

Understanding the Student Visa in Belgium

To work in Belgium as a student, you must fulfill several documentation requirements. Additionally, these documents are crucial for obtaining work authorization and ensuring compliance with Belgian regulations. Therefore, to work in Belgium as a student, you must fulfill several documentation requirements.

Valid Student Visa: A crucial requirement for working in Belgium as a student is a current and valid student visa issued by Belgian authorities. This visa authorises your stay for educational purposes and is a prerequisite for legal employment.
Proof of Enrolment: You need official documentation confirming your enrolment in a recognized Belgian educational institution. This provides evidence that you are a legitimate student actively pursuing your education.
Proof of Academic Standing: Documents indicating your academic performance and standing at the institution are necessary. This ensures that you are meeting the academic requirements set by your educational program.
Health Insurance: Maintaining adequate health insurance coverage for the entire duration of your stay in Belgium is mandatory. This coverage ensures that you have access to medical services and fulfils the health requirements for student employment.
Employment Contract: A signed and valid employment contract is a fundamental document outlining the terms of your employment. This includes details such as working hours, conditions, and other pertinent information related to your job.
No Objection Certificate (NOC): Obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your educational institution is essential. This certificate states that the institution has no objections to you engaging in employment alongside your studies.
Proof of Financial Means: Providing evidence of sufficient financial means to support yourself during your stay in Belgium is crucial. This ensures that you can cover your living expenses without relying solely on income from employment.
Residence Permit: In addition to the student visa, Belgian authorities may require you to have a valid residence permit.This document further legitimizes your stay and is important for legal employment.

Bank Statements: Recent bank statements are necessary to demonstrate your financial stability and ability to cover living expenses. This documentation provides insights into your financial capacity.
Tax Identification Number: Obtaining a tax identification number is a prerequisite for legal employment in Belgium.
This unique identifier ensures that authorities properly document and tax your income.
Passport Copies: Submitting copies of the biographical page and any other relevant pages of your passport is mandatory. This provides essential information about your identity and travel history.
You are required to include recent passport-sized photographs meeting the specifications of Belgian authorities. These photographs are often necessary for identification purposes in various official processes.

Permitted Work Hours

As an international student with a valid student visa, you are generally allowed to work part-time in Belgium. The number of permitted work hours may vary based on the type of student visa you hold. Here are the general guidelines:

Short-Term Student Visa (Type C): Belgium generally does not permit you to work..
Long-Term Student Visa (Type D): If you possess a long-term student visa, you can work part-time during the academic year or full-time during holidays, subject to certain conditions.

Work Restrictions

While you can work with a student visa, there are some restrictions to keep in mind:

Work Contracts: As a student, you can only work under a labour contract, not as a self-employed individual.
Maximum Work Hours: During the academic year, you can work a maximum of 20 hours per week. However, during holidays or between academic years, you can work full-time.
Work Authorization: It’s important to note that you don’t need a separate work permit if you have a valid long-term student visa. The visa itself grants you permission to work under the specified conditions.

Internships and Professional Training

Belgium recognizes the importance of internships and professional training for students. If your program requires an internship or practical training component, you may be allowed to work full-time, even during the academic year. However, it’s crucial to ensure that the internship or training is an integral part of your studies and is approved by your educational institution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work in Belgium with a short-term student visa?

No, the short-term student visa (Type C) does not permit you to work in Belgium.

It is designed for individuals who undertake short-term studies or language courses.

How many hours can I work with a long-term student visa?

With a long-term student visa (Type D), you can work a maximum of 20 hours per week during the academic year. However, during holidays or between academic years, you can work full-time.

Do I need a separate work permit to work with a student visa?

No, if you have a valid long-term student visa, you don’t need a separate work permit. The visa itself grants you permission to work under the specified conditions.

Can I undertake an internship or professional training while studying in Belgium?

Yes, Belgium encourages internships and professional training for students. Moreover, if your program requires an internship or practical training component, your educational institution may approve you to work full-time, even during the academic year.

Can I work as a self-employed individual with a student visa?

No, as a student, you can only work under a labour contract. Working as a self-employed individual is not permitted with a student visa.

In Conclusion, While studying in Belgium, having the opportunity to work can provide valuable experiences and financial support.
With a long-term student visa, authorities generally allow you to work part-time during the academic year and full-time during holidays. However, it’s important to adhere to the work hour restrictions and follow the guidelines set by Belgian immigration authorities. Additionally, internships and professional training opportunities can further enhance your skillset and employability. Always consult with your educational institution and stay updated on the regulations to ensure compliance and make the most of your student experience in Belgium.

Do you need a Student visa to Belgium?

Contact our team of skilled immigration lawyers to discuss your visa and immigration needs.

Call us on +234 812 5505 986 or WhatsApp us at +234 818 1547 085 for immediate assistance with your situation. We are available to assist you in person, over the phone, or online.