Deloitte immigration studies

Every two years, the study compares the migration formalities for third-country nationals in 26 European countries. The objective is to compare to immigration schemes for highly-skilled foreigners.

Deloitte immigration study 2013-2014

The study, which is the result of cooperation between Deloitte Belgium and over 20 other Deloitte Member firms throughout Europe, inter alia shows that:

• Speed is a deciding factor: On average, a work permit is issued in Belgium within two to three weeks (only Finland and Portugal are faster, while in Austria, Spain and Italy, the procedure can take up to four months). Moreover a work permit for a highly skilled international worker is issued about as quickly in Flanders as it is in Brussels or Wallonia.
• Minimum salary and level of education: Belgium is cited as being very accessible (in comparison with other western European countries where knowledge workers must meet stricter conditions to enter into the labour market). It remains to be seen what the impact of the regionalisation of the labour market will be on these conditions.

The study also  includes information on the impact of Europe on national legislation in the area of knowledge migration. Since last year, the Blue Card has been introduced in most European countries following the implementation of a European directive. The impact of this card has proven to be very limited.

Please find the English version of the Deloitte immigration study 2013-2014.
More information in the Deloitte press release.