Are you planning to take the next big step in your career by moving to the heart of Europe? Entering the Belgian job market is an exciting prospect, but navigating the administrative maze can be daunting. As of January 1, 2026, Belgium has introduced significant reforms to its immigration policy, particularly within the Flanders region.
Whether you are a software engineer eyeing a tech role in Antwerp or a project manager headed to Brussels, understanding the Belgium Single Permit Process 2026 is vital. This guide breaks down the new “Reform Era” rules, salary benchmarks, and the digital tools designed to get you working faster.
The 2026 “Reform Era”: What Has Changed?
The January 1, 2026 Flemish Reform represents a major shift in how labor migration is handled. The goal is simple: prioritize high-value talent and address genuine structural gaps.
- No More Level 2 Jobs Flanders stopped Level 2 jobs. These were simple jobs that did not need high skills. Now, if your job is not a high-skill job or a special medium-skill job, it is very hard to get a work permit.
- Harder Rules for Jobs in Shortage Belgium has a list of jobs that are hard to find local people for. We call these “shortage jobs” or “bottleneck jobs”. In 2026, the government checks this list very carefully. Only jobs that really have a big shortage stay on the fast list. For example, chemical operators or computer network technicians are on the list.
- You Must Pay a Fee Now you pay €200 for the permit. This money goes to the region and the national government. The fee can go up a little every year because prices change.
These new rules help Belgium get the best workers for the country.
Regional Authorities & Salary Benchmarks
In Belgium, the rules are different in each part of the country. There are three main regions: Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels. Each region has its own office and its own minimum salary.
Minimum Salaries for 2026
If you want a Single Permit as a high-skill worker, your yearly salary (before tax) must be at least this much:
| Region | Normal High-Skill Minimum | EU Blue Card Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| Flanders | €48,912 | €63,586 |
| Wallonia | €53,220 | €63,586 |
| Brussels | €47,529 | €60,998 |
If you start work in the middle of the year, they can change the number a little. Always check the newest numbers because they can be different. These salary rules make sure foreign workers get good pay. They do not take cheap jobs from Belgian people.
Speed & Efficiency: The 90-Day Guarantee
One of the best changes in 2026 is that things are much faster now. Belgium made new online websites to help. The MAHIS portal and the “Working in Belgium” site make the application easy.
- Decision in 90 Days If you give all the correct papers, the government will give an answer in 90 days or sooner.
- Very Fast in Flanders If you have high skills and your company is already known and trusted, the first part can take only 15 days.
- The 9-Week Rule For jobs that are not on the shortage list, your boss must show they tried to find a Belgian or EU worker first. They must put the job advert on special websites (like VDAB or EURES) for 9 weeks. This must be done in the 4 months before they ask for your permit.
These rules make everything fair and quick.
Automatic Extensions and the “Indefinite” Shortcut
From May 2026, Belgium follows a new EU law for Single Permits. This is very good news for people who stay a long time.
- You Can Keep Working When You Renew If you ask to renew your permit before it ends, you can stay in Belgium and keep your job while you wait. Before, people had to stop working and wait. That was very stressful. Now there is no waiting problem.
- Permit with No End Date If you live and work in Belgium for 4 years in the last 5 years, you can ask for a permit that never ends. With this permit, you can change jobs easily. You do not need to do the job search test again. This is perfect for people who want to stay in Belgium forever.
These changes make life better for people who love Belgium.
Required Documentation Checklist
To get your permit fast, you need all the right papers. If papers are missing, it takes much longer. After they say yes, you get a paper called Annex 46 or 47. Then you get your real card called the A Card.
Papers You Must Have
- Proof that you have good health insurance.
- A paper from the police in your home country that says you have no big crimes. This paper must be new, official, and translated.
- For medium-skill jobs: Proof of your school or training (EQF Level 3 or 4).
- Your job contract that you and your boss signed. The salary must be high enough for your region.
- Copy of your passport and passport photos.
- Sometimes proof that you have a place to live in Belgium.
Tips to Make It Easy
- Start getting papers many months before.
- Look at the official list on the government website.
- Big companies often help their new workers with this.
If you prepare well, you avoid big problems.
Interactive: Is Your Job a “Bottleneck” Profession?
Some jobs are on the special shortage list. These jobs get the permit faster.
Jobs That Are Usually on the List
- Data Network Technician → Yes, fast way.
- Chemical Operator → Yes, fast way.
- Some nursing jobs → Sometimes yes.
Jobs That Are Not on the List
- Normal office worker → No, you need the 9-week test.
- Shop worker → Usually no.
The list changes every year. Always look at the new list on the region’s website.
Call to Action (CTA)
Do you want to start your new job and life in Belgium soon? The 2026 rules are stricter for some people, but better and faster for skilled workers. If you have questions about the online MAHIS system, how to get a BSN number, or anything else, write a comment below. I will try to help you!
Please share this guide with your friends who also want to move to Belgium. It can help them a lot. If you want news every month about work permits in Europe, sign up for our newsletter.
Last Words
Moving to a new country is exciting. It is also a big step. Good planning is very important. The new 2026 rules help Belgium find the workers it needs most. If you have good skills and the right salary, the process can be easy and quick.
Disclaimer This guide is only to give information. It is not official help or advice. Rules can change fast. Please always check the official “Working in Belgium” website or speak to a real immigration expert before you do anything important. Every person’s situation is different.