After completing their studies in Belgium, third country nationals may ask to be authorised to extend their stay for maximum 12 months to look for work.

If you have applied for the search year in time and you have received an “A” card for the search year or an annex 15, you do not need to await the approval of the single permit before starting to work for your employer. You can already start to work on the basis of your “A” card for the search year or your annex 15, while awaiting the issuance of your single permit.

For more information, keep reading the next question...

The application can be summarized as below:

1. Obtain a diploma of at least level 5 qualification in or outside of Belgium.
2. Submit application at least 15 days before expiration of A card or within 3 months after the acquisition of a foreign diploma.
3. Application verified by the municipality or embassy. (Receive Annex 33 once completed)
4. Final decision made by DVZ Immigration Office within 90 days (or more)

For more information and details, contact us or make an online consultation with us.

• A valid passport
• Proof of health insurance
• Proof of sufficient means of substience
• Proof that you have obtained a diploma of at least qualification level 5 (associate degree)

Yes, you can generally stay in a kot (student room) during Belgium's "search year" (orientation year) for non-EU graduates.

It's a valid address to register your permit, but ensure your rental agreement allows this use and that you meet financial proof requirements, often via a blocked account. 

In short, yes, foreigners can do flexi-jobs in Belgium, but they must meet specific conditions, primarily holding a single permit and having worked at least 4/5ths of a full-time job for their main employer in the prior quarter.

A flexi-job allows people who already work at least 4/5ths of a full-time job, or are retired, to take on extra work in specific sectors (like hospitality, retail, education, healthcare) with very favorable tax and social security conditions, meaning gross pay often equals net pay, with employers paying reduced contributions and workers building social rights without personal tax. 

Who Can Do a Flexi-Job?

• 
  Employees: Working at least 4/5ths (80%) of a full-time job with another employer.
• Retirees: Pensioners can work as many hours as they like. 
   

Key Advantages

• Tax-Free Earnings: No income tax or social security contributions on flexi-job wages for the worker; gross equals net.
• Low Employer Costs: Employers pay a reduced social security contribution (around 28%).
• Build Social Rights: Workers still accrue rights for pension, holidays, and unemployment benefits.
• Flexibility: Work additional hours as needed, especially during busy periods. 

Grounds for refusal includes:

1. The conditions are not met.
2. You are considered to be a threat to public order, national security, or public health
3. You are asked to demonstrate that you have a reasonable chance of being hired by an employer or starting a business abd fail to provide this proof within a period of 15 days.

The job search year is limited to a maximum of 12 months

✓
If, during your job search year or after it has ended, you are granted permission to study in Belgium again, you can apply for another job search year after obtaining your diploma.

✓
The application for a second job search year is only possible if you hold an A card as a third-country student. If you obtain a new diploma during your job search year, an extension of your job search year or a second job search year is not possible.

In short, yes, but internships are most likely not paid in Belgium.

International students and graduates can do internships in Belgium, but rules vary by your home country (EU/non-EU), visa status, and internship type (curricular/non-curricular), often requiring an employer-sponsored work/trainee permit for non-EU nationals.

For Non-EEA/Third-Country Nationals:

• 
  Curricular (Obligatory): If part of your study program in Belgium, usually no work permit needed, but check your residence permit.

• Non-Curricular/Voluntary:

  
  -Permit Needed: Generally requires a single permit (combining work and residence) or trainee authorization, applied for by the employer.

  -Conditions: Often requires a diploma, age limits (e.g., under 30 for some Flemish programs), and the internship to be a continuation of studies.
   

  -Flanders Trainee Programme: A specific route for non-EEA graduates to do traineeships with international organizations.

  
  -Study Visa Holders: Can do non-curricular internships (max 20 hrs/week, more during holidays) if studying is the main activity. 

Blue collar workers receive single and double holiday money for the days they are taking their holidays. 

The single holiday money is supposed to cover the normal wage you would receive when you work.

The double holiday money is a supplement to cover holiday expenses. 

Single and double holiday money equals 15.38% of your gross annual salary in the year preceding the holiday year.