■ Travel, Work and Residency Permits

· Do I need a visa to enter Belgium ?

A Korean citizen does not need a 'visa' to visit Belgium for business or for pleasure. A valid passport is sufficient to enter the country for a period no longer than 90 days.

· From what point on do I need a residence permit?

A residence permit is required for all stays exceeding 90 days. An application must be filed with the Embassy of Belgium. Within eight days of arrival in Belgium the visa holder and the accompanying family members must register at the local town hall. The first employee of a Korean company expanding into Belgium to set up local operations can benefit from an accelerated procedure to obtain a temporary residence permit.

· Who needs a work permit and how do I obtain it?

Every non-EU citizen to be employed in Belgium needs a work permit, which must be applied for and obtained by the employer at the Belgian Regional Employment Departments. The first employee of a Korean company to go to Belgium to set up a ranch office applies him/herself for the work permit.

· Who needs a professional card and how to obtain it?

Every non-EU citizen who wants to establish himself or herself as an independent or who will be a Managing Director of a business operation in Belgium needs a professional card.

However, if the Managing Director has an employee status (i.e. receives a fixed salary from the foreign parent company), he/she should apply for the work permit. Professionals, such as lawyers and consultants, should apply for the professional card. The application must be filed through the Belgian Embassy.