Work Permits in Belgium for Ukrainians: What You Need in 2026

You’ve got a job offer in Belgium, you’re excited - and then you start googling “work permit Belgium” and drown in terminology: single permit, arbeidskaart, permis unique, carte professionnelle. And then you find out the rules are different in Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels. Let’s figure out what Ukrainians actually need to work legally in Belgium in 2026 - and which documents you’ll need to translate.

Temporary protection = automatic right to work¶

Here’s the big one - if you have temporary protection, you don’t need a separate work permit. At all.

Here’s how it works: after registering at your commune, you get an Annexe 15, then a card A. Both documents carry the note “marché du travail: illimité” (or “arbeidsmarkt: onbeperkt” in Dutch) - “labour market: unlimited.” That note is your work permit.

What this means in practice:

• You can work for any employer in Belgium without additional permits
• Your employer doesn’t need to apply for a single permit for you
• You can work as an employee or as self-employed - no professional card (carte professionnelle / beroepskaart) needed
• You can switch employers without new paperwork
• You can work in any region - Flanders, Wallonia, or Brussels

Temporary protection for Ukrainians runs until March 4, 2027. As of February 2026, over 101,500 Ukrainians have already received this status in Belgium.

What the employer needs to do¶

The employer just needs to check that you have a card A or Annexe 15 marked “labour market: unlimited.” That’s it. No applications, no permits, no fees.

Standard hiring process applies: the employer files a DIMONA declaration (social security registration - mandatory for every new hire in Belgium), signs the employment contract, and you start working.

Documents you might need for employment¶

Even without needing a separate work permit, you may need some documents for the actual job:

Translation must be in the region’s language: Dutch in Flanders, French in Wallonia, either one in Brussels. More on choosing the right language for Belgium.

When you do need a single permit¶

There are situations where temporary protection won’t cover you and you need a full work permit - the single permit (permis unique / gecombineerde vergunning). It’s a single document combining work authorization and residence permission.

You need a single permit if you:

• Don’t have temporary protection (came to Belgium for other reasons)
• Want to switch from temporary protection to a “regular” worker status (so your years count toward permanent residence)
• Plan to stay after temporary protection ends in March 2027

Why switching to a single permit early makes sense¶

Here’s something most people miss: years worked under temporary protection don’t count toward a permanent residence permit. Years on a single permit do. So if you’re planning to stay in Belgium long-term, it makes sense to apply for a single permit now.

Another advantage - if you switch to a single permit and then lose your job, you can go back to temporary protection (as long as it’s still active). There’s no downside.

How the single permit application works¶

The employer files the application (not you personally). The process:

1. Employer gathers documents and submits to the regional employment service (VDAB in Flanders, Actiris in Brussels, Forem in Wallonia)
2. The region checks whether there’s a genuine need for a foreign worker (labour market test - is there a Belgian or EU citizen available?)
3. If the region approves - the application goes to DVZ (Dienst Vreemdelingenzaken - Immigration Office)
4. DVZ runs security checks and issues the single permit
5. You get a residence card with the right to work

Average processing time: 4-6 months. In Flanders, starting 2026, there’s a fast lane for highly qualified workers - up to 15 days.

Documents for a single permit and translation requirements¶

Here’s what you need to submit - and every document not in English, Dutch, French, or German must be translated.

From the employee¶

From the employer¶

2026 salary thresholds¶

Belgium raised minimum salaries for foreign workers from January 1, 2026. Thresholds vary by region and permit type:

Flanders also introduced a €200 fee per single permit application starting 2026 (on top of the federal fee).

Sworn translation: how it works in Belgium¶

For work-related documents, you’ll need a sworn translation (traduction jurée / beëdigde vertaling). Since December 2022, Belgium’s sworn translation system is fully digital.

A sworn translator is a professional with a VTI number (Vaste Tolknummer Identificatie) in the National Registry. Their translation is a PDF file with a qualified electronic signature. No stamps - just a digital signature.

Where to find a translator¶

1. JustSearch - the official Ministry of Justice registry: justsearch.just.fgov.be. Select the language pair “Ukrainian - Dutch” (or French) and you’ll see all registered translators
2. CBTI-BKVT - Belgian Chamber of Translators and Interpreters: cbti-bkvt.org
3. Ukrainian communities in Belgium - often recommend trusted translators in Facebook groups

Location doesn’t matter - a translator in Antwerp can do a translation for an application in Wallonia. Everything works online: you send a scan, you get a signed PDF back.

How much it costs¶

Pricing depends on document length and language pair:

• Standard rate: €0.13-0.16 per word
• Minimum order value: €30-40
• One typical document (diploma, certificate): €40-80
• Rush translation (24-48 hours): +30-50% on the base price

Prices for rare language pairs (Ukrainian-Dutch) tend to be higher than for common ones (French-English). Several translators on forums recommend always asking for a quote upfront - the difference between translators can be 2x.

ChatsControl can help you prepare a draft translation or understand the content of a document before ordering from a sworn translator - it saves time and helps avoid surprises.

Self-employment: no professional card needed¶

If you’re under temporary protection and want to work as self-employed (freelancer) - you don’t need a professional card (carte professionnelle / beroepskaart). This exemption has been in place since August 20, 2022, based on the Royal Decree of July 30, 2022.

For “regular” non-EU foreigners, the professional card is mandatory. It’s a separate procedure that takes months and requires a business plan, financial projections, and translated incorporation documents. Ukrainians under temporary protection skip all of that.

What you need to start self-employment:

1. Register with Banque-Carrefour des Entreprises (BCE) / Kruispuntbank van Ondernemingen (KBO)
2. Get an enterprise number
3. Register with a social security fund for the self-employed
4. Open a professional bank account
5. In some cases - register for VAT

Registration documents (passport, diploma, proof of address) may need translation into the region’s language.

What happens after temporary protection ends¶

Temporary protection runs until March 4, 2027. The EU is already discussing a transition period - protection might be extended, or there might be a gradual transition to other statuses.

Options available right now:

• Single permit - if you have a job and the employer is willing to apply
• EU Blue Card - for highly skilled workers earning at least €4,748/month
• Family reunification - if your spouse has Belgian citizenship or permanent residence
• Study - if you’re enrolling in a Belgian university

The most important thing: don’t wait until the last day. The single permit process takes 4-6 months, Blue Card about the same. Start preparing documents and translations now.

FAQ¶

Do Ukrainians need a work permit in Belgium?¶

If you have temporary protection (card A or Annexe 15 marked “labour market: unlimited”) - no, you don’t need a separate work permit. You have unlimited access to the labour market both as an employee and as self-employed. Without temporary protection, you need a single permit, which the employer applies for.

Which documents need to be translated for employment in Belgium?¶

For work under temporary protection, you’ll typically need a sworn translation of your diploma (if the position requires qualifications), criminal record certificate (for certain sectors), and medical certificate. For a single permit, the list is longer - diploma with apostille, criminal record certificate, medical certificate, CV. All translations must be in the region’s language: Dutch in Flanders, French in Wallonia.

How much does a sworn translation cost for work documents in Belgium?¶

A single document (diploma, certificate) typically costs €40-80 from a sworn translator with a VTI number. Rates run €0.13-0.16 per word with a minimum order of €30-40. Rush translations (24-48 hours) add 30-50% to the base price.

Does work under temporary protection count toward permanent residence?¶

No - years worked under temporary protection don’t count toward a permanent residence permit. You need to switch to a single permit or another “regular” status for that. If you’re planning to stay in Belgium long-term, it’s worth applying for a single permit now, even while temporary protection is still active.

Can an employer refuse to hire someone because of temporary protection status?¶

No - legally, a card A marked “labour market: unlimited” gives you the same employment rights as any other work permit. It’s actually easier for employers - they don’t need to apply for a single permit. If you’re refused specifically because of your status, that’s discrimination, and you can contact Unia (the equality body).