Since 1 May 2026, applications for almost all work permits have been submitted via the digital platform ‘Working in Belgium‘. The change applies to short stays, among other things, and also directly affects cross-border commuters.
What is a work permits and who needs one?
A work permit is an official authorisation to work in Belgium for employees who are not nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA). The work permit is required in particular for non-EEA workers who work in Belgium for less than 90 days, cross-border workers and au pairs. For longer employment (more than 90 days), a combined (or single) permit must be applied for in most cases.
More information about the work permit and the single permit can be found on this website of the Flemish government.
Digital application almost always the norm
With the new regulation, almost all work permits will be centralised in a digital counter. New in the digital counter are work permits for employment of less than 90 days and work permits for cross-border workers.
Previously, these applications had to be submitted by e-mail to the relevant region. With the integration into the ‘Working in Belgium’ platform, this process will be fully digitalised. This should make the process simpler, faster and more transparent for employers.
Transition period until September 2026
A transitional arrangement applies in the Flemish Region. Applications for both work permits can still be submitted by email until 1 September 2026. After that, the digital counter will be the only way to apply for these work permits.
Other regions are switching to the new system more quickly. The Brussels-Capital Region, for example, has started without a transition period.
Connection to existing digital procedures
The transition to digitalisation is part of a broader development. For single permits for employment lasting longer than 90 days, applications can already be submitted via the digital platform ‘Working in Belgium’ since May 2021. With the expansion of the platform, short-term work permits and work permits for cross-border workers will now also be integrated into the same system.
Exceptions remain (for the time being)
Not all work permits can be applied for digitally, at least not yet. Certain categories therefore remain outside the platform. This applies in particular to au pairs and, especially for the Brussels-Capital Region, domestic workers. For these groups, applications will continue to be submitted by email and the work permit will continue to be delivered physically.
What does this mean for cross-border workers?
For cross-border workers who work in Belgium and are not EEA citizens, the main change will be the procedure. Applications will be submitted digitally via a central platform. This reduces the risk of administrative errors and makes it easier to track and process applications.
Employers would be well advised to register on the ‘Working in Belgium’ platform in good time and to take into account the end of the transition period for the Flemish region on 1 September 2026.
With the digitalisation of applications for work permits for employment of less than 90 days and work permits for cross-border workers, Belgium is taking a step towards simpler labour migration procedures. The material requirements for the issue of a labour card remain unchanged. Only the administrative threshold for employers and employees will be lowered.