The Flemish Regional Authority will begin charging an additional retribution fee of €180 for every combined Work and Residence permit application (including first‑time submissions and renewals) starting 1 September 2026. The fee does not apply to short‑term work permits.
Scope and purpose
- The €180 fee covers the administrative costs of the Work Authorization portion of the application, which is processed by the Flemish Regional Authority.
- It is separate from the federal retribution fee that funds the Residence permit component.
Payment procedure
- Applications will be blocked until the fee is paid.
- Payment can be made:
- Immediately in the One Stop Shop after completing the application form, or
- Within a short post‑submission window; a notification will be sent via the applicant’s e‑Box.
- Once the payment is confirmed, the application status changes to “Retribution paid” and the file is forwarded to the regional authority for further processing.
Practical implications
- Employers and prospective employees must budget the extra €180 when filing combined permits.
- Failure to pay the fee will result in the application being rejected or delayed, as the regional authority will not handle it.
- The fee is intended to maintain current processing times while preserving the region’s tightened control measures.
Related updates (Belgium)
- Mandatory digital filing through the “Working in Belgium” portal becomes compulsory from May 2026.
- A mandatory integration program for non‑EU labor migrants to Flanders is being introduced.
- A new salary threshold has been set for ex‑officio family reunification visas.
Source article: newlandchase.com
