Rights and obligations
What rules do I have to follow? Can I already start working during the orientation year? What is an Annex 15?
We'll answers these questions and more below!
Orientation year residence card and annex 15
The orientation year residence permit is a type of residence card called an A card. This card (which serves as your ID card) is valid for 12 months and cannot be extended.
When your application has been submitted to the government (your municipality if you apply using a Belgian degree), you will receive an Annex 15. This document shows that your application for an orientation year is ongoing. You can only receive this Annex 15 once your student residence permit has expired.
Your orientation year period starts when your application has been filed and you receive your Annex 15. This means that you can already start looking for work using this document. Note that the period under Annex 15 is combined with the validity period of the orientation year residence permit card (type A card) so your access to the Belgian labour market amounts to 12 months.
An Annex 15 is not a confirmation that your orientation year permit has been approved but a confirmation that your application is ongoing! The government will let you know once your application has been approved and when you may pick up your A card at your municipality.
During your orientation year period
As soon as you have your Annex 15, you have unlimited access to the Belgian labour market. That means that you can already start working fulltime with your Annex 15 document while waiting for the approval of the application and the issuance of the actual permit (A card).
You must be making true attempts to find work or 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 the temporary residence permit.
You have no right to 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.
Finding a job or starting your own business
Eager to get started? Have a look at our available resources to help you find work in Belgium or create your own business.
Looking for inspiration?
Watch the videos of our international alumni and check what they say about their career in one of the strong sectors of the Flemish economy.