Flanders has introduced a series of to achieve faster single permit processing times while modernizing the overall application process.
Although employers should currently still allow several months for many single permit applications, the direction is clear: faster decisions, increased digitalization and a more efficient immigration system for employers and foreign workers alike.
A single permit (gecombineerde vergunning) combines work authorization and residence permission into one application for non-EEA and non-Swiss nationals who will work in Belgium for more than 90 days. Once approved, the employee can legally live and work in Belgium for the duration of the permit. [workinginb...um.fgov.be]
The application involves both the regional employment authorities and the federal Immigration Office (DVZ), which historically has contributed to lengthy processing times. [workinginb...um.fgov.be]
One of the most significant recent developments is the acceleration of single permit processing for highly skilled talent.
Although it has already improved, the overall process nowadays is still relatively long because applications require two reviews, one by the Flemish and one by the federal Immigration Office [vlaanderen.be]
Current (July 2026) immigration permit processing times are approximately:
As a result, employers should currently continue to plan for an overall timeline of roughly three to four months for many cases. [vlaanderen.be]
The most important change for employers is still ahead.
Today, the different authorities review applications sequentially. First, the regional authority assesses the employment component. Only after a positive decision is the file transferred to the Immigration Office for the residence assessment. [vlaanderen.be]
Under the planned reforms, regional and federal authorities will move towards parallel processing, allowing both parts of the application to be assessed simultaneously. This is expected to significantly reduce total processing times.
In addition, Flanders aims to reduce processing times across other permit categories, with a target maximum regional processing period of approximately 30 days for many applications that currently take considerably longer.
For employers, this means that the current three-to-four-month timeline should gradually become shorter and more predictable as the reforms are fully implemented.
The Flemish government is also investing heavily in digital processes through the Working in Belgium platform and the Uniek Loket. Employers can submit, track and manage applications electronically, reducing administrative burdens and helping authorities process files more efficiently.
This digital transformation forms an important part of the government's strategy to speed up economic migration procedures and improve the employer experience. [vlaanderen.be]
Until now, the regional review was free of charge. From September 1, 2026, Flanders will introduce a regional fee of €180 for single permit applications. This fee applies to both initial applications and renewals and will be collected through the Uniek Loket platform. It is separate from the federal immigration fee for the residence application, which is €152 in 2026.
The purpose of this fee is to strengthen administrative capacity, improve processing efficiency and maintain robust compliance controls while reducing waiting times for immigration procedures in Flanders.
In other words, employers are not simply paying more for the same process. The fee is part of a broader investment in faster and more predictable economic migration procedures.
Despite the positive developments, employers should continue to:
For many years, lengthy processing times have been one of the biggest challenges when hiring non-EU talent in Belgium. The recent Flemish reforms demonstrate a strong commitment to change that reality. Processing times for highly skilled workers have already fallen, additional resources are being invested through the new application fees, and upcoming parallel processing between regional and federal authorities is expected to further accelerate approvals.
For HR, talent acquisition and global mobility teams, the outlook is encouraging: Belgium's single permit process is becoming faster, more digital and increasingly aligned with the needs of employers competing for international talent.
Anywr Belgium supports companies and their employees with immigration management and relocation services. Our immigration coordinators have in-depth knowledge of the different application processes across all regions. We monitor the expiry dates of employees’ permits to ensure extension procedures are initiated on time. Together, we help keep your company fully compliant.
Would you like to receive more information on how Anywr Belgium can help you stay compliant, or on any other relocation-related topic?
Please contact us at hello.belgium@anywr-group.com and you’ll receive our reaction within one working day.