Belgian authorities have announced a fundamental change in the work permit application processing system, making it mandatory to submit applications for short-term work permits and mobility permits via the digital government platform starting May 1, 2026. This new measure aims to fully digitize the administrative system, as applications sent via email, as was previously common practice, will no longer be accepted. This initiative is part of the country's efforts to streamline procedures and avoid delays resulting from data loss or incomplete documentation.
This step enhances the efficiency of file tracking and immediate identification of deficiencies, providing a more transparent environment for employers and foreign professionals alike. This change highlights Belgium's move towards modernizing immigration and labor laws in line with European digital standards, which will directly impact the mechanism for recruiting experts and staff for temporary projects and professional training within Belgian territory.
The new rules mandate employers or their legal representatives to use the official digital portal of Belgian social security to submit all applications related to non-European professionals planning to work on specific tasks typically not exceeding 90 days, such as technical assignments, repairs, meetings, or short projects. While the decision will enter into full effect next May, the Wallonia region has granted employers an exceptional transitional period allowing continued submission via email until August 31, 2026, at the latest. In contrast, companies operating in the Flanders and Brussels regions must prepare for the complete digital transformation from the first day of the decision, as similar grace periods have not yet been confirmed there.
Companies and accredited agents must immediately begin preparing digital credentials and the necessary authorizations to access the government platform to avoid any disruption in recruitment procedures, especially since obtaining these permits is a prerequisite for the entry of the non-EU workforce. The digital system is expected to contribute to reducing paperwork errors and providing a clearer timeline for processing applications, making the planning of temporary assignments more accurate and reliable for international operators.
In conclusion, this digital transformation represents an important milestone in modernizing the Belgian immigration system, with May 1, 2026, confirmed as the start date for the platform, and continued email acceptance in Wallonia exclusively until August 31, 2026. To ensure smooth transactions, employers are advised to consult technical details via the official portals of Belgian regional authorities to ensure their documents comply with the new digital requirements.
Official source of the news: Belgium Mandates Online Filing for Select Work Permits from May 1 – Fragomen