Flanders introduces retribution for single permit applications
An employer who wishes to employ a worker with a nationality from outside the European Economic Area or Switzerland on Belgian territory for more than 90 days must, in principle, apply for a combined permit (single permit) prior to employment.
The granting of such a single permit is the Regions’ competency and each Region has set its own conditions for granting it. While these already differ regarding the salary conditions, Flanders has just gone a step further by introducing a new retribution, that amounts to 180 EUR (subject to annual indexation).
As of 1 September 2026, an employer who applies for a single permit (for the first time or to renew a single permit) in Flanders will have to pay this retribution at the moment the application is submitted. The retribution aims to cover the Flemish Region’s administrative costs and will enable them to handle the application files faster.
Please keep in mind that this retribution comes on top of the one required by the Belgian Immigration Office. It is not a replacement of the Belgian Immigration Office’s administrative costs.
Flanders is currently the only Region who has introduced such a retribution. The Brussels and the Walloon Regions have not taken this step yet. We will of course keep you informed if they decide to adopt a similar measure.
Pro-Pay is at your disposal for all your immigration questions related to the employment of foreign workers and can handle the single permit applications on behalf of your company. For more information, you can contact legal@pro-pay.be.
