EUOPEAN CITIZENSHIP / EU BLUE CARD

Although we do not like to divide people to categories and apply different rules and procedures, this is the case when it comes to international students because we have to make the division between EU and non-EU. This is the case also when it comes to residence and of course the job market.
Have you ever heard of the European Citizenship? “Citizenship of the Union is hereby established. Every person holding the nationality of a Member State shall be citizen of the Union. Citizenship of the Union shall complement and not replace national citizenship” as stated in the founding Treaties.
And what about the 4 freedoms? People, goods, services and capital can move freely in the EU area according to the rules established by the Treaties. Thanks to the free movement of people, without any special formality or procedure we can move all around EU doing the same things as we are used to, in our country of origin. There are equal opportunities in the job market for all EU citizens and when it comes to the new member states there is a transitional period of 2-3 years which is being applied under certain conditions. EU and EEA citizens do not need a work permit. Although a residence permit for a national of an EU Member State is needed as soon as  somebody has found a job and no later than three months after arriving, no other formalities, visas or passports are needed. Of course, do not forget your ID card! For more information visit:
http://ec.europa.eu/youreurope.

NON-EU
There are certain formalities you have to follow. Most of the procedures are known to you, that is why you are here now. But if you would like to find a job then you should have a working permit. The working permit should be obtained according to the rules laid down by each member state and your country. Visa, passport, health insurance are required. There are equal opportunities in the job market for EU and non-EU citizens but there is certain paperwork and extra effort needed by the non-EU.

But have you heard the latest news? The Council adopted the “EU Blue Card” which means more advantages for high-skilled foreign workers. The Council on the 25th of May adopted a directive aimed at facilitating conditions of entry and residence in the EU of third-country citizens for the purpose of highly qualified employment. As soon as the directive is published in the Official Journal of the EU, the member states will have two years to incorporate the new provisions into their domestic legislation. That means that new opportunities are opened and in case that you are interested in staying in Belgium or any other EU country you have to consult EU directive but also your embassy. Stay tuned! We wish luck to all!