Belgium
Upcoming changes to work authorisation rules in Brussels region
From 1 October 2024, the regulations governing work permits and professional cards will change for non-European nationals in the Brussels Capital Region. The changes mainly concern work permits for salaried workers, but also to the self-employed.
- Simplified calculation of remuneration:From 1 October 2024, the salary thresholds for specific categories of occupation will be calculated based on a percentage of the average gross monthly salary in the Brussels Capital Region, which is EUR 4604. Only the basic monthly remuneration (corresponding to Code 1 of the DMFA declaration) will be taken into account.
For these specific categories, it will amount to at least the following:
| Category | Gross amount per month |
| Senior management | EUR 6445.60 (140 %) |
| Highly qualified personnel | EUR 3591.12 (78 %) |
| Performing artist | EUR 2992.60 (65 %) |
| European Blue Card | EUR 4604.00 (100 %) |
| ICT manager | EUR 5294.60 (115 %) |
| ICT expert | EUR 4373.80 (95 %) |
| ICT trainee | EUR 2532.20 (55 %) |
| Average gross monthly salary in the Brussels Capital Region | EUR 4604.00 |
These amounts will be updated every 1 January based on the latest amounts published each September.
The calculation method for athletes, and the determination of the guaranteed average minimum monthly income, are unchanged and will remain in force.
| Athlete | EUR 6873.15 |
| Guaranteed average minimum monthly income | EUR 2070.48 |
- End of work permit B:Work permit B will now be called either a “short-term work authorisation” or a “long-term work authorisation”. The work authorisation will now be sent directly to the employer, who must pass it on to the worker so that they can apply for a visa if necessary. The procedure for au pairs will remain unchanged.
- Fewer formalities for work authorisations valid for more than one year:When a work authorisation for more than one year has been granted, the employer will no longer have to send documents for the annual check. This check will remain but will be automated. The administration reserves the right to request additional information if necessary.
- Unlimited work authorisation granted after 30 months’ residence and occupation in the Brussels Capital Region:To qualify for an unlimited work authorisation, an employee domiciled in the Brussels Capital Region must have resided in Belgium for at least 30 months without interruption and provide proof of 30 months’ employment attested by a single permit or work authorisation obtained in the Brussels Capital Region.
Where time-limited work authorisations have been issued by another Region, the period is extended to four years.
- Additional appendices to be provided:For some categories, additional documents will be required, such as a job description and a company organisation chart. This should enable a better analysis of the application. No additional job market analysis will be carried out for critical functions as published by Actiris (the regional employment office).
Actiris will continue to carry out job market analyses for other “non-category” functions, provided that the job offer has been published with Actiris for at least five weeks and the result of this search is provided.
- Transposition of the new Blue Card Directive:The regulations will also include new provisions concerning the blue card. It will be easier to change employer.
Higher education qualifications will no longer be required in the field of information and communications technology. Professional qualifications can be demonstrated by proof of professional experience.
Short-term work authorisation
If the working period in Belgium is a maximum of 90 days out of 180 (in the case of successive employment without interruption, previous periods are taken into account in the calculation of the 90 days), the employer or their agent must apply for a short-term work authorisation.
This also applies to cross-border workers or workers teleworking from abroad for a Brussels-based employer, for up to 90 days.
Long-term work authorisation
If the worker is a cross-border worker, or teleworks from abroad for an employer in the Brussels Capital Region, for more than 90 days, the employer or their agent must apply for a long-term work authorisation.
This authorisation may be granted for three years, depending on the duration of the employment contract, for workers belonging to one of the following categories:
- highly skilled workers
- intra-group transferees (with the exception of trainee employees);
- workers holding a European Blue Card
- researchers
Single permit
The single permit procedure remains unchanged if the worker stays in Belgium for more than 90 days.
Information sessions will take place in September, during which more details on these changes will be provided.
Germany
New “sufficient financial means” requirement for students
From 1 September 2024, there will be a change in the necessary amount to show sufficient financial means for students applying for a German national visa.
Applications on and after 01 September 2024 will most likely have to show proof of at least 11,904 euros for the first year, with a maximum withdrawal amount of 992 euros per month.
Currently, sufficient financial means can be demonstrated with one of the following documents:
- confirmation of a German / EU scholarship / stipend; or
- “Verpflichtungserklärung” (formal obligation letter) by sponsor living in Germany; or
- A blocked bank account (sperrkonto) for the first year of the stay, amounting to 11,208 euros.
Currently, holders cannot withdraw more than 934 euros per month from a blocked bank account.
Italy
New visa application centre in Indonesia
Italy has opened a new visa application centre in Jakarta, Indonesia.
All Indonesian and foreign nationals, residing in Indonesia or in East Timor who need to obtain a visa for Italy, must submit their application in person, upon requesting an appointment, Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 3.00pm at the new Italy Visa Application Centre (PT VFS Services Indonesia).
Any information on how to book appointments and requirements for submitting applications can be retrieved through:
- VFS website: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/idn/en/ita
- VFS call centre: +62 21 30058877
- VFS e-mail: info.italyid@vfshelpline.com
The Embassy’s appointment system Prenot@mi is no longer active.
