Change status from 'Highly Skilled' to 'Dependant'

Member since 17 May 2021

Bhargavi SubramanyamNew member24 May 2021 17:52:58

Hello,
Thanks for the community.
I want to know what is the procedure to change from 'Highly skilled' single permit to 'Dependant visa'.
How long it takes and can I do it while being in Belgium. I'm in Brussels for last 4years. I ask this because when I want to change jobs, I have to renew the single permit which is kinda troublesome with some companies. 'Dependant' status allows us to work unlimited with any employer. My husband has 'Highly skilled' single permit as well.

See also

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Process to change Dependent status to Independent - 11 Replies

dambett Member

Member since 25 August 2020

dambettMember26 May 2021 12:28:35

When you say getting a dependent visa, do you mean a family reunion residency application? Btw visas are something you need when entering the country and residency cards is what you'll get associated with an 'annex' which is the application to get the card within Belgium.

Since you're here for 4 years I'd wait a next year until you can apply for permanent residency by applying for a D card. Good info about the D card here: https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=856211

The problem with getting a dependent visa is that they may cancel your 'Highly skilled' single permit card and give you the dreaded "orange card". When you would apply for citizenship that card does not count as a form of "legal residency". The required 5 years needed restarts from when you get the residency card associated with a "dependent" residency card. Only when the family reunification was with a non-Belgian EU partner then this period counts as a 'legal stay' since EU rules apply (and not for a Belgian in Belgium). This too as been discussed on this forum if you search citizenship and orange card.

Bhargavi Subramanyam New member

Member since 17 May 2021

Bhargavi SubramanyamNew member02 July 2021 21:24:29

Thank you

Adeyola Serial expat

Member since 12 May 2021

AdeyolaSerial expat03 July 2021 13:18:20

241

Hi Dambett,

talking about family reunification, is it necessary for a new student to wait for 6months ( in order to be able to show salary statement for 6months) before inviting his family? Non EU.

The student being joined and the family being invited are financially under the care of the other spouse.

Thank you in anticipation of your kind response.