Currently, transitional measures in respect of work permit requirements are still in force for nationals of the Member States that joined the EU in May 2004 (except for Malta and Cyprus). It has been decided by the government that upon expiry of the second transition period on 30 April 2009, the transitional measures will be abolished. The nationals of these Member States will thus as of 1 May 2009 no longer need to carry a Belgian work permit in order to legally work in Belgium and will thus be able to benefit from the principle of free movement of workers as do other EU nationals.

This in principle will also imply that nationals of these EU Member States no longer have to be in possession of a visa D for long stays in order to enter/stay in Belgium for more than 90 days. They can legally enter Belgium with their national passports and register at the municipality of their place of residence without visa, which was often the case already in practice.

Please note that for Bulgaria and Rumania, which joined in January 2007, transitional measures have been extended until 31 December 2011, as published in the Belgian Official Gazette of 30 December 2008.