Single Permit Timeline (Job switch/status change)

I am live in the Flander region since February 2020 and work as a post-doctoral researcher. My residence permit A and the post-doctoral contract expire on 31st January 2023. So I am switching to a pharmaceutical company in Flanders as a Salaried employee. I have two questions.


  1. How long it takes to get a single permit if applied by the company in mid-January 2023, annexe 46/49 and residence permit?
  2. Can I join the company before receiving a work permit?

Thanks :)

@Expat151989



  1. I think 30-45 days
  2. Absolutely not! Because joining without a permit=working illegally