Belgium · Freelance visa · Open
Belgium Professional Card for Self-Employed Non-EU Nationals
The professional card is what non-EU nationals need to work as self-employed people or run a business in Belgium. You apply through a Belgian consulate, in French or Dutch, with a business plan of up to 20 pages, and you must show that your project brings an economic benefit to the region, such as jobs, investment, innovation or meeting an unmet need.
In Brussels, the card is valid for up to five years, the first one is usually probationary for two years, and the fee is €140 plus €90 for each year of validity. Read the official Brussels page before you apply.
At a glance
Belgium Professional Card (Self-Employed) (Carte professionnelle / Beroepskaart)
- Who it’s for
- Non-EU nationals who want to work as self-employed or run a business in Belgium
- How it’s calculated
- No fixed income figure; the project must show an economic benefit to the region (jobs, investment, innovation or meeting an unmet need).
- Initial stay
- Up to 5 years; a first card is usually probationary for 2 years
- Renewal
- Yes
- Path to permanent residence
- Permanent residence after 5 years
- Family can join
- Yes
- Can work for local employers
- Yes
- Health insurance required
- No
- Processing time
- Not stated
- Fees
- In Brussels: EUR 140 application fee plus EUR 90 for each year of validity (Brussels Economy and Employment).
- Tax
- Self-employed income is taxed at progressive rates up to 50% plus social contributions.
Key requirements
- Application form filed at a Belgian consulate (French or Dutch only)
- Business plan or summary of up to 20 pages
- Basic management knowledge and any professional qualifications for your activity
- Criminal record certificate, ID copy and two photos
- Economic benefit to the region
Checked against the official page · Last checked Oct 19, 2026. Rule changes. Rules change: confirm with the consulate or a qualified advisor. Not legal advice.
Who qualifies
Non-EU nationals who want to work for themselves or run a company in Belgium. Flanders and Wallonia run their own professional card offices with similar rules. Americans, Canadians, Brits and Australians all need the card.
Money requirement
There is no fixed income figure. Your project must show an economic benefit to the region.
Documents you'll need
- The application form, in French or Dutch.
- A business plan or summary of up to 20 pages.
- Proof of basic management knowledge and any professional qualifications for your activity.
- A criminal record certificate.
- A copy of your ID and two photos.
Step-by-step application
- Prepare your business plan and documents.
- File the application at a Belgian consulate.
- The regional authority assesses the economic benefit.
- If approved, apply for a D visa if you need one.
- Travel to Belgium, register at your commune and register your business.
Costs and timeline
In Brussels: €140 for the application plus €90 for each year of validity. Processing time is not stated on the official page.
Taxes once you're resident
Self-employed income is taxed at progressive rates up to 50%, and you pay self-employed social contributions. See our Belgium guide.
Family members
Your spouse or partner and children can usually join you through family reunification.
Renewal and permanent residence
The card can be renewed while your business continues. Permanent residence is possible after 5 years.
Alternatives
If you have a job offer, the single permit or Blue Card is simpler. For founder routes elsewhere, compare the Luxembourg self-employed permit and the Finland start-up permit.
| Route | Country | Type | Status | Headline requirement | Initial stay | Path to PR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belgium Professional Card (Self-Employed) | Belgium | Freelance visa | Open | - | Up to 5 years; a first card is usually probationary for 2 y… | Permanent residence after 5 years |
| Czech Freelance / Business Visa (Zivno Trade Licence) | Czechia | Freelance visa | Open | - | Long-term visa for up to 1 year | Permanent residence generally follows f… |
| France Freelance and Entrepreneur Visa (Profession Libérale) | France | Freelance visa | Open | €1,867/mo income | Long-stay visa valid as a residence permit for 1 year; vali… | About 5 years of residence; conditions … |
| Germany Freelance Visa (Freiberufler) | Germany | Freelance visa | Open | - | Up to 3 years | A settlement permit can be applied for … |
| Luxembourg Residence Permit for Self-Employed Workers | Luxembourg | Freelance visa | Open | - | Up to 3 years | Long-term residence after 5 years |
| Portugal D2 Visa (Independent Worker and Entrepreneur) | Portugal | Freelance visa | Open | - | Residence visa valid 120 days, then a 2-year residence perm… | 5 years of legal residence; citizenship… |
| Sweden Self-Employed Permit | Sweden | Freelance visa | Open | €17,819 investment | Up to 2 years, never beyond passport validity | Permanent residence permits are general… |
Thresholds and rules change often. Each route links to its official government page: confirm there before you apply. Not legal advice.
Other freelance visas in Europe
| Route | Country | Type | Status | Headline requirement | Initial stay | Path to PR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belgium Professional Card (Self-Employed) | Belgium | Freelance visa | Open | - | Up to 5 years; a first card is usually probationary for 2 y… | Permanent residence after 5 years |
| Czech Freelance / Business Visa (Zivno Trade Licence) | Czechia | Freelance visa | Open | - | Long-term visa for up to 1 year | Permanent residence generally follows f… |
| France Freelance and Entrepreneur Visa (Profession Libérale) | France | Freelance visa | Open | €1,867/mo income | Long-stay visa valid as a residence permit for 1 year; vali… | About 5 years of residence; conditions … |
| Germany Freelance Visa (Freiberufler) | Germany | Freelance visa | Open | - | Up to 3 years | A settlement permit can be applied for … |
| Luxembourg Residence Permit for Self-Employed Workers | Luxembourg | Freelance visa | Open | - | Up to 3 years | Long-term residence after 5 years |
| Portugal D2 Visa (Independent Worker and Entrepreneur) | Portugal | Freelance visa | Open | - | Residence visa valid 120 days, then a 2-year residence perm… | 5 years of legal residence; citizenship… |
| Sweden Self-Employed Permit | Sweden | Freelance visa | Open | €17,819 investment | Up to 2 years, never beyond passport validity | Permanent residence permits are general… |
Thresholds and rules change often. Each route links to its official government page: confirm there before you apply. Not legal advice.
Other ways to live in Belgium
Moving to Belgium: the complete guide →
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a professional card to freelance in Belgium?
Yes, if you are a non-EU national. The professional card is the permit that lets you work as self-employed.
How much does a Belgian professional card cost?
In Brussels, €140 for the application plus €90 for each year of validity, according to Brussels Economy and Employment.
How long is the professional card valid?
Up to five years. The first card is usually probationary for two years.
Can I apply in English?
No. The application must be in French or Dutch, according to the Brussels page.
Sources and last checked · Oct 19, 2026
Notes: Brussels rules; Flanders and Wallonia run their own professional card offices.
Figures are our research estimates from the sources above; rules and prices change. Not legal, tax or immigration advice. Spot something out of date? Tell us.