Professional Card 鈥� What after my A-card expires?

Professional Card – What after my A-card expires?

NomadResearcher · 2025-10-11T15:01:55+02:00

Explore answers for non-EU nationals in Belgium about staying legally after A-card expiration and transitioning to self-employment with a Professional Card.

NomadResearcher New member

Member since 11 October 2025

NomadResearcherNew member11 October 2025 13:01:55

Hi everyone,

I鈥檓 a non-EU national living in Flanders. I completed my PhD here and recently applied for a Professional Card (beroepskaart) on October 1, 2025 to start self-employment in my field (engineering/R&D).

My current A-card, based on the orientation year visa, will expire on December 31, 2025.

Since the professional-card decision can take several months, I鈥檇 like to ask:

1.聽聽 Am I legally allowed to stay in Belgium while waiting for the decision?

2.聽聽 Will the gemeente issue an Annex 15 (Bijlage 15) or another temporary document after my A-card expires?

3.聽聽 Has anyone here gone through a similar status change (orientation year 鈫� self-employed)?

I already received confirmation of payment from the Economic Migration Department.

Any advice or first-hand experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

maharaji1984 Serial expat

Member since 30 September 2022

maharaji1984Serial expat13 October 2025 04:47:21

454

@NomadResearcher

Welcome to world of most expatlanders

1-Yes you will

2-Yes don't worry your legal stay will be cover by an annex given from Municipality.

Most important key fact is : Patience

Eline Paul Active member

Member since 16 June 2025

Eline PaulActive memberYesterday 17:57:07

@NomadResearcher

I switched from orientation year to single permit. Once my orientation year card expired the commune refused to give me any sort of annex. I was just told to wait until I get a decision. But my stay remains legal as i had an ongoing application