European Union: Work Visas

Schengen visa applications follow strict rules about which country must process your file—rules determined by your itinerary, not your preference. Misunderstanding these requirements can undermine an otherwise strong application, and a single-entry visa won't grant you access to Cyprus despite common assumptions about pan-European travel documents.

Starting September 1, 2026, employers in the Flemish Region will face a new EUR 180 fee for each single permit application, adding to the existing federal charge and bringing the total cost to EUR 332 per application. This regional retribution covers administrative processing costs and applies to both initial applications and renewals, with no refunds for refused applications. Employers planning to submit applications should consider doing so before the September deadline to avoid the additional expense.

Malta has introduced a mandatory integration course for third-country nationals working in the country, covering Maltese culture, language, and civic participation.