Researchers who have recently finished their research at the university can apply for the orientation year as researcher to look for a job in Belgium or to start a business.
Have you recently finished your employment as researcher at the University of Antwerp? Do you wish to find a job here or start your own business in Belgium? The orientation year for researchers is applicable to all non EEA+ international staff who have finished their employment as researcher and have a valid Belgian residence permit as researcher with host agreement.
The official communication by the Belgian Immigration Office can be found here.
How to apply
You need to submit your application at the municipality where you have your main residence, at the latest 15 days before the expiry of your residence permit.
The following documents must be submitted with the application:
- a colour copy of a valid international passport
- proof that the research project has been completed (will be issued by the university)
- proof of current Belgian health insurance coverage (recent certificate of insurance)
- proof of sufficient financial means. The minimum living wages apply as referral amount.
- proof of payment of the administrative fee
Rights and obligations
The orientation year residence permit (A card) is valid for 12 months and cannot be extended.
During the orientation year:
- You have unlimited access to the Belgian labour market.
- You are not eligible to apply for Belgian unemployment benefits; applying for any kind of financial support from the Belgian government might result in an earlier and forced ending of your orientation year.
- You must make effective attempts to find work or in the case of setting up your own business, take the necessary steps to comply with all legal obligations in order to exercise an independent professional activity. The government might ask for proof of you either looking for work or setting up a business. In case you are not able to provide any proof, the government may end this temporary residence permit.
- When you have found an employer who wants to employ you, they should submit an application for a single permit for you as soon as possible.
In case you want to start your own business, you will need to apply for a professional card. Information about the professional card for foreigners and the steps to take to start a business in Belgium:
- Professional card for foreigners (Flanders)
- Professional card for foreigners (Brussels)
- Steps to follow when starting a business
Assistance offered by the International Staff Office
If you reside in the city of Antwerp or one of its districts, the International Staff Office can assist in submitting your orientation year request to the Immigration Office in Antwerp. Please send all the requested documents to residencepermit.staff@uantwerpen.be.
Frequently asked questions
Can I start working full time after my application for the orientation year?
The unlimited access to the Belgian labour market will be granted as soon as your application has been filed. This means that you can start working full time with your Annexe 15 document while waiting for the approval of the application and the issuance of the orientation year residence permit. Note however, that the Annexe 15 document will only be issued after expiry of your current research residence card.
Can I receive an Annexe 15 document (with unlimited access to the labour market) immediately after my application for the orientation year has been submitted to the immigration office?
An Annexe 15 document will only be issued after expiry of your residence card as researcher.
Can I work in a neighbouring country of Belgium with the orientation year for researchers?
With a Belgian residence permit for the orientation year, you can only reside, look for a job and/or work in Belgium.
Can I still apply for the orientation year for researchers if I have already found a job?
Yes, that is possible. When your employer requests a single permit for you, it may take 3 months or longer for the single permit to be issued. In the meantime, if you apply for orientation year, you will have a valid document for residence (the Annexe 15 document or the orientation year residence permit) until you have received your single permit.
Can family members who are here based on family reunification also apply for extension of their residence for one year when their person of reference applies for the orientation year?
Yes, this is possible. The requirements are the same as for family reunification with researchers. Family members must apply at least one month before expiry date of their current residence permit. The family member (spouse or partner) has unlimited access to the labour market.
Is it possible to present an employee contract as proof of financial means for the orientation year?
It appears that the Immigration Office also accepts a valid employee contract as long as the financial amount covers the minimum required amount for the orientation year period of 12 months.
Do I have to inform my Belgian health insurance provider?
In case you are unemployed and looking for a new job during the orientation year, you have to contact your Belgian health insurance provider to change your status.
Can I apply for a long term residency (L card) during the orientation year?
No, this is not possible.