Spouses who want to work

When a person has settled in Belgium to work, the following conditions (depending on nationality) apply to their spouse if he or she wants to work. There are three possible cases:

1. the first person who has settled in Belgium to work is an EU national (or a resident of Norway, Liechtenstein or Island):

   In that case, no further formalities are needed. The spouse is authorised to work without having to apply for a work permit or professional card, regardless of their nationality.

2. the person who came to join his or her spouse who settled in Belgium to work is an EU national:

   In that case, even if the first person is not an EU nationals, no further formalities are needed.

3. neither the resident nor the spouse is an EU national:

   In that case, the spouse wishing to work in Belgium must apply for a work permit, unless they hold a residence permit. The potential employer is responsible for applying for a work permit B (see Salaried employees). The work permit is granted only if no other jobseekers on the Brussels regional market are available to fill the post. A spouse wishing to start a self-employed activity must apply for a professional card (see Self-employed workers).