2023-01-19-KPMG_Global-Belgium_–_Increase_in_Administrative_Fee_Starting_1_January_4页_351kb

GMS Flash Alert Summary: Belgium - Increase in Administrative Fee

Core Content

The GMS Flash Alert from January 19, 2023, provides information on the increase in administrative fees for non-European Economic Area (EEA) nationals applying for residence permits or long-term visa D in Belgium, effective from 1 January 2023. This change is part of an annual indexation process that aims to align the fees with the actual administrative costs incurred by the Belgian federal immigration authority.

Main Points

• Fee Increase: The administrative fee for non-EEA nationals applying for residence permits or long-term visa D in Belgium has increased starting from 1 January 2023.
• Fee Per Person: The fee is charged per person and per application, depending on the purpose of the application.
• Exemptions: Certain categories of applicants are exempt from the administrative fee, including Turkish nationals and family reunification applications for children under 18.
• Indexation: The fee is indexed annually on 1 January. The previous indexation was effective from 26 May 2022.
• Processing Requirement: Proof of full and correct payment is required for the application to be admissible. Failure to pay results in the application being considered inadmissible and not processed.
• Change of Status: If a third-country resident applies for a change of status (e.g., from student to employee), a new administrative fee must be paid for the new application.

Key Information

• Effective Date: 1 January 2023
• Applicable to: Non-EEA nationals applying for residence permits or long-term visa D for stays longer than 90 days
• Exempt Categories:
  • Turkish nationals (based on the 1963 agreement)
  • Family reunification applications for children under 18
• Fee Changes:
  • Single Permit (employee), seasonal worker: €126 → €138
  • Researcher, Intra-Corporate Transferee (ICT): Fee details not specified
  • Professional Card (self-employed): €201 → €220
  • Family reunification: €181 → €198
  • Student residence permit: €208 → €228
  • EU Blue Card: €126 → €138

KPMG Insights

• Companies must obtain a Belgian work permit or Single Permit for non-EEA employees.
• The conditions for obtaining these permits are strict, and a labour market investigation is generally required.
• This investigation can be time-consuming and may lead to the rejection of the permit application.
• For questions regarding eligibility, application procedures, required documentation, and fees, individuals should consult qualified immigration counsel or KPMG professionals in Belgium.

Contact Information

• Ferdy Foubert - Partner
  Tel: +32 2708 3817
  Email: ferdyfoubert@kpmg.com

• Nele Godefroid - Director
  Tel: +32 27083846
  Email: ngodefroid@kpmg.com

Note: KPMG LLP (U.S.) does not offer immigration services, but KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist with U.S. immigration matters.

Related Resources

• Article 1/1 of the Law of 15 December 1980: https://www.ejustice.just.fgov.be/eli/loi/1980/12/15/1980121550/justel
• Official Fee Information: https://dofi.ibz.be/en/themes/faq/fee

Disclaimer

The information in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Belgium. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct entity. For further details, please visit www.kpmg.com.