The Flemish Government in Belgium has approved new regulations for foreign workers as part of a stricter labor migration policy. The changes, which are set to take effect on January 1, 2026, aim to focus on attracting skilled professionals and combating abuse and fraud. The new policy will prioritize “knowledge migration” and medium-skilled workers in shortage occupations who bring value to the Flemish economy and society.
The proposed reforms follow a trend of more selective and integrated labor migration policies in the region. The government has also indicated that certain sectors can be temporarily excluded from the list of medium-skilled occupations with presumed shortages.
Details of the new regulations
The approved regulations include a “concentric approach” with stricter grounds for refusing applications, designed to prevent abuse and fraud. In line with this, the government is excluding low-skilled labor from economic migration, though it will be making temporary seasonal work more flexible.
Additionally, a fee, or “retribution,” will be introduced for each application for a combined permit. This fee is expected to be €200 and will be implemented at a later, unspecified date. It will apply to both initial and renewal applications.
Applications submitted before the January 1, 2026, effective date will still be processed under the current regulations. The draft legislation will now be submitted to the Social and Economic Council of Flanders (SERV) and the Council of State for advice.
What this means for skilled workers
For foreign professionals seeking to work in Flanders, the new policy emphasizes the importance of skills and knowledge that are in demand. The focus on “knowledge migration” and medium-skilled shortage occupations means that workers with specialized expertise will be prioritized.
While the new regulations aim to streamline the process for these workers, they also signal a stricter environment for those in low-skilled roles, who will now be excluded from economic migration pathways. Workers who have already submitted their applications before January 1, 2026, will have their cases handled under the current, less strict, rules.
What it means for employers
The new regulations present a mix of opportunities and challenges for employers in Belgium. On one hand, the policy’s focus on attracting high-value talent may provide a clearer and faster pathway for hiring the skilled professionals needed to address labor shortages. The Flemish government is prioritizing highly educated individuals, and applications for these workers are already being processed more quickly.
On the other hand, employers will face stricter requirements and a new application fee for combined permits. The exclusion of low-skilled workers from the economic migration policy may also make it more difficult for some sectors to fill positions. Navigating these changes requires a deep understanding of the new rules and a commitment to compliance.
This is where a global employment platform like Multiplier can be an invaluable asset. By partnering with an Employer of Record (EOR), Belgian companies can simplify the process of hiring foreign workers without the complexities of navigating evolving labor laws, immigration policies, and administrative burdens on their own. Multiplier’s EOR services can manage payroll, benefits, and compliance for international employees, ensuring that businesses can access the global talent they need while remaining fully compliant with all local regulations.
Conclusion
The Flemish Government’s new labor migration policy reflects a strategic shift towards attracting specific, in-demand talent. While this offers new opportunities for both skilled workers and employers, it also creates a more rigorous framework that requires careful compliance.
By leveraging a global employment platform like Multiplier, companies can overcome these complexities and continue to expand their teams with top international talent seamlessly.
Book a demo today.
FAQs
What is the new fee for a combined permit application in Flanders?
The Flemish Government is introducing a new fee, or "retribution," of €200 for each application for a combined work and residence permit. This fee is not yet in effect but is scheduled to be implemented at a later date. The fee will apply to both new applications and renewals.
Which types of workers are prioritized under the new regulations in Belgium?
The new regulations prioritize "knowledge migration" and medium-skilled workers in shortage occupations that are deemed to add value to the Flemish economy. This includes highly-educated individuals who are considered a priority for a streamlined application process. Low-skilled labor will be excluded from economic migration.
When will the new labor migration regulations take effect in Belgium?
The new regulations for the employment of foreign workers in the Flemish region of Belgium will take effect on January 1, 2026. However, applications that are submitted before this date will be processed under the existing, current regulations.
What is a combined permit in Belgium?
A combined permit, also known as a single permit, is a document that grants a non-EU/EEA national the right to both live and work in Belgium for a period longer than 90 days. It combines a work permit and a residence permit into a single application and document.
How can Multiplier help a Belgian company with the labor migration rule changes?
A global employment platform like Multiplier can help Belgian companies navigate these new regulations by acting as an Employer of Record (EOR). Multiplier manages the entire process of hiring, onboarding, and paying foreign workers while ensuring full compliance with local laws, including the new rules in Flanders. This approach allows companies to hire skilled international talent without the administrative burden and legal risks of setting up a local entity. Book a demo today.
