Belgium to Digitise Work Permit Applications from May 2026 in Major Reform

By Folarin Adeyemi Aluko

Belgium has announced a major overhaul of its work permit application system, set to take effect from May 1, 2026, as part of efforts to modernise its immigration and labour processes.

In a joint communiqué released on April 17, 2026, the Federal Immigration Office confirmed that all applications for short-term work permits and commuter permits will now be processed exclusively through an official online portal. This marks the end of the long-standing email-based submission system.

The reform will primarily affect non-EU professionals applying for short-term assignments in Belgium, including roles in technical support, business visits, training programmes, and equipment installation—typically lasting up to 90 days.

Authorities say the shift to a fully digital platform is aimed at improving efficiency, reducing administrative errors, and speeding up processing times. By centralising submissions, officials will be able to better track applications, verify documents more quickly, and minimise delays often caused by incomplete or misplaced email entries.

Under the new system, employers and authorised representatives will be required to register on the government portal and obtain valid digital credentials before submitting applications. Officials have cautioned that failure to complete this process ahead of the deadline could result in delays once the system becomes mandatory.

While the transition will be immediate in most regions, a temporary grace period has been introduced in Wallonia, where email submissions will still be accepted until August 31, 2026. However, no such extension has been announced for Flanders or the Brussels-Capital Region, where full compliance is expected from May.

The move is part of Belgium’s broader push to digitise public services and align with wider European trends in modern governance and administrative efficiency.

Once implemented, the policy will mark a significant shift in how foreign workers and employers navigate the country’s permit system, with digital access and compliance becoming central to the application process.