Belgium Seasonal Worker Permit offers international workers a valuable opportunity to gain short-term employment in Belgium while experiencing its rich culture and vibrant work environment. Salaries for seasonal positions typically range from €11 to €15 per hour, depending on the industry, location, and level of experience. While prior experience in agriculture, hospitality, or manual labor can be helpful, many employers welcome enthusiastic newcomers and provide on-the-job training.
The work is primarily on-site and physical, involving tasks such as harvesting, packing, food processing, or assisting in hotels and restaurants, though administrative seasonal roles may occasionally include remote components. Most opportunities are full-time for the season, providing a structured work schedule and the chance to earn income while living abroad. With practical work experience, fair compensation, and cultural immersion, the Belgium Seasonal Worker Permit is an ideal pathway for motivated international workers.
Who is Eligible for the Belgium Seasonal Work Permit?
Third-country nationals (outside Europe) whose main residence stays outside of the European Union.
Duration of a Permit
- Short Stay (up to 90 days)
- Long stay (more than 90 days, but maximum 150/365 days).
Salary of a Seasonal Worker in Belgium
- Based on a 38-hour work week, Belgium’s minimum wage in 2020 will be €1,593 per month.
- In the Agriculture sector: €9.45/hour
- Horticulture Sector: €9.26 and €11.33/hour
Application Procedure for a Belgium Seasonal Work Permit (Single Permit Application)
- If you want to work as a summer worker for a long time, you need a seasonal worker permit. Your boss needs to fill out the “Single Permit Application” in this case.
- Your boss uses the single permit application to ask the right regional authority for a summer work permit.
- Both the permission to stay (component “residence”) and the permission to work (component “work”) are part of the same application process.
- For your work pass to be approved, your boss needs to send in some paperwork. If this is your first time working as a contract worker in Belgium, it will take 90 days.
- Once both the regional authority and the immigration office agree that you can work and stay, you will be given a choice to grant a single permit.
List of Belgium Seasonal Worker Permit:
Seasonal Worker Permit for Agriculture:
Belgium Seasonal Worker Permit for Agriculture allows international workers to legally work on farms and agricultural enterprises during peak seasons. Applicants typically need basic experience in farm work or agriculture and must meet health and safety requirements. Seasonal agricultural workers in Belgium can earn between €11 and €14 per hour, depending on the type of work and region. This permit is ideal for individuals seeking short-term employment in planting, harvesting, or general farm maintenance.
Worker Permit for Hospitality:
Worker Permit for Hospitality in Belgium is designed for professionals in hotels, restaurants, and catering services. Candidates usually require 1 to 3 years of experience in hospitality or customer service, depending on the role. Hospitality workers in Belgium earn between €12 and €16 per hour, with additional benefits like tips, meals, or accommodation sometimes provided. This permit allows workers to legally work in Belgium’s growing hospitality sector, particularly during peak tourist seasons.
Worker Permit for Food Processing:
Worker Permit for Food Processing in Belgium targets individuals working in factories, production lines, and packaging of food products. Applicants typically need 1 to 3 years of relevant experience and the ability to follow strict hygiene and safety standards. Salaries for food processing workers range from €11 to €15 per hour, depending on the employer and shift timings. This permit is suitable for workers looking for legal employment in Belgium’s industrial and food production sector.
Worker Permit for Tourism:
Worker Permit for Tourism in Belgium is designed for roles in travel agencies, tour operations, and entertainment venues. Candidates usually require 1 to 3 years of experience in tourism, travel, or customer service. Tourism workers can earn between €12 and €17 per hour, depending on position and experience. This permit allows international professionals to work legally in Belgium’s vibrant tourism industry, especially during high season.
Benefits of Belgium Seasonal Worker Permit:
- Employment Opportunities: The permit enables foreign workers to engage in seasonal employment in Belgium, notably in sectors such as agriculture, horticulture, and tourism, where there is a high demand for seasonal labor.
- Legal Employment: The permit ensures the lawful employment of workers, granting them the right to work in Belgium for a specified period and providing them with legal protections.
- Competitive Wages: Seasonal laborers in Belgium frequently receive competitive wages that are significantly higher than those in numerous other countries, enabling them to make substantial savings.
- Social Security Benefits: Workers are entitled to specific social security benefits, such as health insurance and pension contributions, which offer financial and medical security.
- Safe Working Conditions: Belgium’s labor regulations are rigorous, ensuring that workers are safeguarded from exploitation and unsafe practices.
- Cultural Experience: Working in Belgium provides an opportunity to immerse oneself in the culture, traditions, and languages of Europe, which can significantly enhance one’s personal and professional life.
- Skill Development: Seasonal employment can be advantageous for future employment by fostering the development of a variety of skills, including time management, collaboration, and job-specific abilities.
- Networking Opportunities: Seasonal laborers have the potential to establish professional networks and relationships that could result in future job opportunities or permanent positions in Belgium or other countries.
Documents that need to be submitted by your employer:
- Completed and signed application form.
- Employment evidence.
- Identity document of your employer.
- Employment contract.
- International passport copy for the employee.
- Proof of financial resources.
- Clean criminal record certificate.
- Medical certificate.
- Health insurance proof.
- Accommodation proof.
- Administration Fee.
Check Also: UK Seasonal Worker Visa – Temporary Work Visa
Apply for the Type D Visa:
Once the applicant hears back about the work permit, they need to get a visa to fly to Belgium. Once your request for a single permit has been accepted, he or she can then make the visa request.
The seasonal worker must apply for this visa (Visa D) at the Belgian foreign or consular post in the country where they live. A long-stay visa with the number “B36” on it will be given to you. This visa is good for more than 90 days.
- The list of consulates and offices in other countries.
- Note: Most embassies and consulates work with a third-party service provider like VFS Global or TLS Contact.
Get a Temporary Residence Permit:
When you get to Belgium, you have eight working days to register with the town where you will be living. You get a paper for temporary residence. Get your A-card, which is a seasonal worker pass. The A-Card, which is also called a “single permit with a limited duration,”
Conclusion:
Find out how to get a Belgium Seasonal Worker Permit as a person who is not from the EU. This guide gives a step-by-step overview of everything needed to get a job in Belgium’s farming, gardening, or catering industries, from the requirements to the application process. If you know how long the job will last, how much you can expect to be paid, and what paperwork you need, you can start looking for casual work in Belgium.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who is eligible for a Belgium Seasonal Worker Permit?
People from third countries who live outside the European Union are qualified. The pass is good for people who want to work seasonally in farming, gardening, or catering in Belgium.
What is the salary range for seasonal workers in Belgium?
The minimum wage in Belgium for 2020, based on a 38-hour work week, is €1,593 per month. Different rates apply in the agriculture (€9.45/hour) and horticulture (€9.26 to €11.33/hour) sectors.
What is a seasonal work permit in Belgium?
You can only use the seasonal worker permit with a specific employer. If you want to change jobs, your future employer must apply for a new permit. If you or your employer do not respect the conditions related to your authorization to work, your seasonal worker permit can be withdrawn.
