Flanders Expands Foreign Work Permit Options in 2026

The Flemish Department of Work, Science, Innovation and Social Economy in Belgium has updated its economic migration rules, adding seven new occupations to the shortage list for foreign workers. Among the newly eligible roles are asbestos remover and diamond cutter, while ten positions, including truck driver, baker, and butcher, have been removed from the list.

The mid-skilled shortage list allows employers to bypass a full individual labor market assessment, facilitating quicker hiring of foreign workers. Additionally, low-skilled positions classified at VKS level 1-2 are no longer eligible for economic migration.

Employers must now provide proof of a candidate's qualifications through diplomas, certificates, or verifiable work experience. Job advertisements must be posted through the VDAB, the Flemish public employment service, for a minimum of nine weeks.

A worker shortage is recognized only if the VDAB's tension indicator falls below twelve in at least one of the four months prior to application. Seasonal workers in agriculture, horticulture, and hospitality benefit from a simplified process, and a new fee for work permit applicants will be introduced in 2026.