A refused Belgian work visa or single permit is not final, but the appeal deadline is short, so read your decision letter and act within 30 days.

In short: a refused residence or visa decision is challenged before the Council for Alien Law Litigation within 30 days, while the work authorisation side has its own regional appeal.

Who Decides a Single Permit

The single permit combines work and residence. The region handles the work authorisation, while the Immigration Office, under the federal Home Affairs, handles the residence and visa aspects. Because two authorities are involved, check which part of the decision was refused before choosing your course of action.

Appealing the Residence or Visa Refusal

A refused residence or visa decision is challenged before the Council for Alien Law Litigation (CALL), an administrative court for migration cases, within 30 calendar days of notification. The appeal is filed by petition, by registered mail, and you can also request a suspension of the decision. Legal help is advisable, as the procedure is formal.

Appealing the Work-Authorisation Refusal

If the regional work-authorisation part was refused, there is a separate regional administrative appeal to the competent regional authority. Coordinate with your employer, who is closely involved in the work authorisation process.

After the Council for Alien Law Litigation

If the CALL rules against you, a further administrative cassation appeal to the Council of State is possible, but only on points of law, not a fresh review of the facts.

Reapplying

You can also reapply with a corrected, stronger file. Where the cause was a missing document, this can be quicker than litigation, but never run an appeal and a new application without understanding how they interact.

Common Reasons Belgian Applications Are Refused

• Incomplete or inconsistent documents.
• Doubts about the job offer or the purpose of the stay.
• Weak proof of funds or accommodation.
• Problems on the work-authorisation side.
• Earlier immigration breaches.

Official Sources

Always confirm the current process and your deadline with the Belgian Immigration Office and the Council for Alien Law Litigation, and follow the instructions in your decision letter.