Residence rights, single permits, professional cards, family reunification and Belgian nationality. Throughout Belgium.
A future in Belgium starts with the right application. A missing certificate, inconsistent information or the wrong choice of procedure can delay your plans. We therefore begin by examining which route is open to you and what is needed to support your application.
People who come to Belgium to work, run a business or join family often have to deal with several authorities. Depending on the application, these may include the competent regional authority, the Immigration Office, the Belgian embassy or consulate, and the municipality. Each assesses a different aspect. DECKER LAW ensures that your plans, the applicable conditions and the documents you submit remain consistent.
Hiring a foreign employee
Do you want to employ someone from outside the European Economic Area and Switzerland in Belgium for more than 90 days? A combined work and residence permit, or single permit, is generally required. It combines authorisation to work and authorisation to reside in a single application procedure. For highly qualified employees, the EU Blue Card may also be an option.
We examine which scheme fits the role, salary, workplace and residence situation of the employee. We check for possible exemptions and align the preparation with your recruitment timeline. This makes clear in advance which steps and supporting documents are needed.
Self-employment in Belgium
Anyone from outside the European Economic Area and Switzerland who wishes to work in Belgium as a self-employed person generally needs a professional card, unless an exemption applies. The conditions vary according to the competent region.
A good idea must also be a well-supported business project. We help you align your business plan and supporting documents with the applicable conditions, while also examining what is needed for your residence in Belgium.
Family reunification
Living together in Belgium requires a file that fits your family situation. The applicable conditions depend, among other things, on the family relationship, nationality and residence rights of the person you are joining. In addition to proof of the family relationship, means of subsistence, accommodation and health insurance may be relevant.
We identify the required documents and check their content, validity and any translation or legalisation they need. We address uncertainties before filing, so that your application is carefully supported from the outset.
Becoming Belgian
There is no single checklist for a declaration of nationality. Depending on your situation, factors such as the length and nature of your lawful residence, knowledge of a national language, social integration and economic participation may be decisive.
We examine which option is open to you, reconstruct your residence and personal history, and check the evidence required. This makes clear whether you can already make a declaration and what you may still need to demonstrate.
How we guide you
We earn our fees from advice, not from proceedings. Our work therefore starts before filing: identifying the right route, checking the conditions and carefully preparing the file. You receive clear advice on the options, the obstacles and the steps to expect. After all, behind every application there is a new hire, a business or a family that wants to move forward.
We assist employers, entrepreneurs and private individuals throughout Belgium, from our offices in Berlaar and Hasselt, in Dutch, French and English.