SITE CURRENTLY UNDER REVISION. Some information on this website may be outdated and no longer accurate. We’re currently updating our content to better reflect the current situation. Thank you for your understanding.
Applicants for international protection can legally work in Belgium four months after submitting their application, provided that the CGRS has not yet taken a decision on their application. When you renew your orange card at the municipality, it will automatically state: “Labour market: unlimited.” This means that you can work in any profession in Belgium.
Your right to work remains valid until the CGRS has taken a decision on your application. If you appeal the CGRS decision, your right to work remains valid until the CALL has taken a decision in your appeal procedure.
Recognised refugees and people granted subsidiary protection have unlimited access to the labour market.
In Belgium, four regional employment services are the main resources for finding a job:
If you live in Brussels, you can register with Actiris as a jobseeker. Actiris is the regional employment service for Brussels. It can help you look for a job, find training or an internship, take French or Dutch language courses, write your CV and cover letter, and prepare for a job interview.
You can register and find more information on the Actiris website: https://www.actiris.brussels/.
If you live in Wallonia, you can register with Le Forem as a jobseeker. Le Forem can support you in your job search, help you find training or an internship, identify your skills and prepare your application.
You can register with Le Forem and find more information at: https://www.leforem.be/.
If you live in Flanders, you can register with VDAB as a jobseeker. VDAB can help you look for a job, find training or an internship, and take Dutch language courses.
You can register with VDAB at: https://www.vdab.be/.
If you live in the German-speaking Community, you can register with Arbeitsamt, the employment service of the German-speaking Community. It can support you in your job search and professional development.
You can find more information at: https://www.adg.be/.
If four months have passed since you submitted your application for international protection and the CGRS has not yet communicated a decision, you can register as a jobseeker with the regional employment service of your place of residence.
To register, you will need, among other things, a residence document. If you have an orange card, it must state that you have limited or unlimited access to the labour market.