Belgium Launches Digital Nomad Visa: 12-Month Stay for Non-EU Remote Workers
- Editorial Team
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
BRUSSELS, August 3, 2026 — Belgium has officially joined the ranks of countries competing for the global remote workforce, publishing a Royal Decree that creates a new "digital nomad visa" for non-EU citizens.
Announced on August 2, 2026 by State Secretary for Digitalisation Mathieu Michel, the scheme allows eligible remote workers to live and work from anywhere in Belgium for up to 12 months, renewable once — making it the first visa of its kind in the Benelux region.
Published: August 3, 2026 | By VisasUpdate.com Editorial Team
What the Royal Decree Establishes
The Belgian federal government has published a Royal Decree creating a brand-new "digital nomad visa", giving non‑EU remote workers the right to live and work from anywhere in Belgium for up to 12 months (renewable once).
Aspect | Details |
Official Name | Digital Nomad Visa (Residence sticker code: DNV-BE) |
Legal Basis | Royal Decree published August 2, 2026 |
Announced By | State Secretary for Digitalisation Mathieu Michel |
Maximum Stay | 12 months (renewable once) |
Eligibility | Non-EU remote workers |
Exemption | Standard single‑permit process waived |
Registration | You must register your address with the local commune within 8 calendar days |
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet three core criteria to qualify:
Requirement | Details |
Minimum Annual Income | €42,000 gross |
Health Insurance | Valid private health insurance covering Belgium |
Employment Status | Employment contract or company ownership allowing fully remote work |
The visa is aimed squarely at the booming cohort of highly‑skilled professionals who no longer need to be tied to a physical office.
Why Belgium Is Entering the Digital Nomad Market
Officials estimate Belgium loses out on between €60 million and €80 million annually in local spending by "foot‑loose" tech and creative workers who base themselves elsewhere in Europe.
By letting remote staff settle temporarily in Brussels, Antwerp, or Ghent, the government hopes to:
Boost co‑working hubs
Plug short‑term gaps in the country's tight residential rental market
What Holders Can and Cannot Do
Permitted Activities
Live and work remotely from anywhere in Belgium
Stay for up to 12 months (renewable once)
Bring dependants (derivative stay permit available)
Restrictions
Cannot take up salaried employment with a Belgian entity unless they convert to a single permit
Dependants do not receive automatic access to the Belgian labour market
Must register address with local commune within 8 calendar days.
Implementation Challenges
Legal advisers warn that the short processing window — files must be decided within 30 days — will put pressure on Belgian consulates already coping with high demand for student visas.
Employer Considerations
Tax specialists advise that employers hosting digital nomads should review:
Permanent‑establishment risks
Wage‑withholding obligations
Quick Reference
Aspect | Details |
Visa Name | Digital Nomad Visa (DNV-BE) |
Effective Date | August 2, 2026 |
Maximum Stay | 12 months (renewable once) |
Minimum Income | €42,000 gross/year |
Health Insurance | Mandatory |
Employment | Remote contract or company ownership |
Registration | Within 8 calendar days at local commune |
Processing Time | Within 30 days |
Dependants | Derivative stay permit available |
Related News
For more countries : visasupdate Digital Nomad Visas Page
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