Non-EEA students: working in Belgium after graduation

This information is for non-EEA students with a right of temporary residence in Belgium based on their studies who want to work in Belgium after their graduation. They will need a single permit, work permit or professional card. After their graduation, they can apply for a 12-months residence permit for a 'search year' in order to look for a job or start a self-employed activity in Belgium. EEA students and non-EEA students with a permanent residence in Belgium can look for employment in Belgium and work as a self-employed person in the same way as Belgian citizens.