Europe
Belgium, located at the heart of Europe and home to the European Union headquarters, offers digital nomads excellent connectivity, multilingual environments, and easy access to neighboring countries. While Belgium does not have a dedicated digital nomad visa, the Professional Card for self-employed workers provides a viable long-term option. As a Schengen member, Belgium allows visa-free access for 90 days to citizens from many countries. The country is known for its high quality of life, excellent healthcare, and vibrant expat communities in Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent.
Visa requirements vary by nationality
Short-stay visa for tourism, business visits, or family visits. Valid throughout the entire Schengen area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
The Schengen Type C visa does not authorise any form of paid work in Belgium, including remote work for foreign employers. Even digital freelancing or laptop-based work is considered illegal. Belgium has no digital nomad visa. Those wishing to work remotely as self-employed must apply for a Professional Card and a Type D visa instead.
Short stays (max 90 days) generally do not trigger Belgian tax residency, which is determined by domicile or centre of economic interests — not by a 183-day rule. Non-residents are taxed only on Belgian-source income. Progressive federal rates: 25% (0–16,320 EUR), 40% (16,320–28,800 EUR), 45% (28,800–49,840 EUR), 50% (above 49,840 EUR), plus ~7% municipal surcharge. Since paid work is not permitted on this visa, tax implications should be minimal for regular visitors.
Authorization for non-EU nationals to conduct self-employed or freelance activities in Belgium. The closest equivalent to a digital nomad visa, suitable for entrepreneurs, consultants, and independent professionals.
Minimum $2,173.88/per_month
Alternative: The income requirement is approximately 120% of the Belgian social assistance level (leefloon). For 2026, this is approximately EUR 2,174 net per month for a family. Can demonstrate through existing client contracts, bank statements, or business projections.
The Professional Card explicitly authorises self-employed activities in Belgium, including freelancing, consulting, and remote work for international clients. It covers work as a sole proprietor, agent, partner, or managing director. This is the recommended legal pathway for non-EU digital nomads. Initial validity is typically 2 years (probationary), renewable up to 5 years. A Type D long-stay visa is also required for stays exceeding 90 days.
Extension: 1825 days (max x)
Cost: €140
Process: Apply for renewal at least 2 months before expiry at an enterprise counter. Must demonstrate continued economic activity and compliance with tax, social security, and regulatory obligations. Renewal application fee is EUR 140.
Renewal: Initial card is typically granted for 2 years (probationary). Renewed cards can be valid for up to 5 years. Can be renewed indefinitely as long as conditions are met. After 5 years of uninterrupted legal residence, eligible for permanent residence application.
Holders who establish domicile or centre of economic interests in Belgium become tax residents, taxed on worldwide income. Progressive federal rates: 25% (0–16,320 EUR), 40% (16,320–28,800 EUR), 45% (28,800–49,840 EUR), 50% (above 49,840 EUR), plus ~7% municipal surcharge. Self-employed pay social contributions (~20.5% of net income). The Inpatriate Tax Regime (ISTS) may apply if recruited from abroad: minimum salary 70,000 EUR, 35% of gross salary exempt as expatriation costs (no cap since 2025), available for 5+3 years. Annual tax return and quarterly advance payments required.
Combined work and residence permit for non-EU nationals employed by a Belgian company. Introduced in 2019 to streamline the work authorization process. The employer must initiate the application.
The Single Permit is a combined work-and-residence permit tied to a specific employer based in Belgium (or with a legal representative resident in Belgium). The application must be filed by the Belgian employer. It does not allow remote work for a foreign employer without a legal presence in Belgium. Changing employers requires a new permit application. For self-employed remote work, a Professional Card is needed instead.
Holders become Belgian tax residents (domicile and economic centre in Belgium), taxed on worldwide income. Progressive federal rates: 25% (0–16,320 EUR), 40% (16,320–28,800 EUR), 45% (28,800–49,840 EUR), 50% (above 49,840 EUR), plus ~7% municipal surcharge. Employee social contributions of 13.07% of gross salary. The Inpatriate Tax Regime (ISTS) may apply if recruited from abroad with minimum salary of 70,000 EUR: 35% of gross exempt as expatriation costs (no cap since 2025), for 5+3 years. The employer withholds income tax at source.
Long-stay visa for non-EU students enrolled in Belgian higher education institutions. Allows part-time work during studies and job-seeking opportunities after graduation.
Non-EU students on a Type D visa may work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official academic holidays, provided work does not interfere with studies. This applies to traditional employment. Freelance or self-employed remote work for foreign clients is not specifically covered by student status and may require a separate Professional Card. Since 2025, the annual quota is 650 hours at reduced social contributions. Work must not be the primary purpose of the stay.
Students who establish domicile in Belgium may be considered tax residents. Employment income is subject to standard progressive rates (25%–50%), but most students fall below the personal exemption threshold (10,910 EUR for tax year 2025) or in the lowest bracket. The 650 annual hours of student work benefit from reduced social contributions (2.71% student + 5.42% employer, instead of the normal 13.07% + ~25%). Income from foreign employment may be taxable if Belgium is the country of fiscal residence.
Long-stay visa allowing family members to join a Belgian resident, EU citizen, or recognized refugee in Belgium. Covers spouses, registered partners, and dependent children. From August 2025, sponsors must earn at least 120% of the living wage and both spouses must be at least 21.
Adult family members of a migrant worker gain immediate access to the Belgian labour market once they obtain their residence permit (A-card). They may accept any employment without needing a separate work permit, and changing employers is permitted. For self-employed or freelance remote work, an additional Professional Card may be required. Exception: family members of students do not have automatic work access and need a separate Single Permit requested by the prospective employer.
Family reunification visa holders who settle in Belgium become tax residents, taxed on worldwide income. Progressive federal rates: 25% (0–16,320 EUR), 40% (16,320–28,800 EUR), 45% (28,800–49,840 EUR), 50% (above 49,840 EUR), plus ~7% municipal surcharge. If employed, social contributions of 13.07% apply. Tax residency for spouses/cohabitants is determined by the family's location. The ISTS inpatriate regime is generally not available to family members unless they themselves are recruited from abroad meeting the eligibility criteria. Personal exemption of 10,910 EUR for tax year 2025.
Visa requirements can change frequently. This information is provided for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or immigration authorities before making travel plans. Last updated: December 1, 2025