Digital nomad visa launched by popular European nation

A brand-new digital nomad visa was announced by the Belgium’s federal government on 2 August 2026, allowing non-EU remote workers to live and work in the country for up to 12 months.

State Secretary for Digitalisation Mathieu Michel unveiled the scheme to lure highly-skilled professionals and stop the country from losing between €60 million (R1.2 billion) and €80 million (R1.6 billion) annually in local spending.

This welcoming policy stands in stark contrast to other European countries that are actively tightening immigration rules, as reported by SA People. For instance, France implemented a 43% hike in student visa financial requirements on 1 August 2026, raising the monthly subsistence threshold to €877.50 (R17 550) from €615 (R12 300).

Similarly, Australia recently hiked its student visa fee to A$2 000 (R23 604) from A$710 (R8 378).

Who Qualifies For Belgium Digital Nomad Visa?

Under Belgium’s new decree, holders of the digital nomad visa can live in Brussels, Antwerp or Ghent for up to 12 months, renewable once.

Applicants must demonstrate a gross annual income of €42 000 (R840 000), show an employment contract or company ownership, and carry private health insurance.

While holders are exempt from the standard single-permit process, they must register their address with the local commune within eight calendar days.

Existing Belgian Ties And Travel Disruptions

This visa further strengthens the bilateral relationship between South Africa and Belgium. The Department of Employment and Labour recently facilitated direct recruitment of qualified South Africans to work in the country, where over 4 000 expats already reside.

This community includes highly-skilled professionals filling critical vacancies across the local healthcare, engineering and IT sectors.