Single permit and single permit extension

The single permit ("permis unique", en français) is the union of the residence permit and the work permit. The conditions for issuing a single permit are the same as for the work permit.

Situations requiring a single permit

In Belgium the current regulations state that any employer wishing to employ a foreign employee (non-EU nationals) in the country must first apply for and obtain a single permit for that employee.

There are different types of single permits available in Belgium:

Single permit type A

It is issued (provided all the required conditions are met) for an indefinite period and is valid for all employers on Belgian territory. It is granted to foreign nationals who can prove 4 working years that are covered by a single permit type B, during a maximum and uninterrupted residence period of 10 years.

Single permit type B

It is a temporary permit (it is valid for a maximum of 12 months but is renewable) and is strictly limited to one employer.

Single permit type C

It is valid for one year (but is renewable) for all salaried jobs and is granted to people with a specific residence status such as students, refugees, etc.

How to apply

The employer in Belgium is responsible for requesting the right to employ a foreign citizen and for the single permit type B application.

Over  30  single  permit  exemptions  exist  in  Belgium, some  of  which  are  applicable  towards researchers and students under specific conditions.

At the University of Namur, the Human Resources Department (contact person: Ms Anaïs Laurent) apply for the single permit to the Région wallonne administration. Once the Région wallonne has granted the work authorisation, it forwards the file to the Immigration Office, which must decide on the residence authorisation.

Single permit extension

Your  single  permit  has  to  be  renewed  each  year.  The  Human  Resources  Department  of  the University apply for and inform you as soon as it is available at the Town Hall.