Shortage occupations in Belgium,region by region

It is an occupation for which employers cannot find enough candidates on the local labour market. Each Region publishes its own list. For an employer hiring a worker from outside the European Union, being on the list makes the single permit application much simpler, because the employer no longer has to prove, in principle, that no local candidate was available.

In Brussels, the list is drawn up by Actiris. In Wallonia, SPW Emploi publishes a list specific to foreign workers, which is separate from Le Forem's general list of critical functions. In Flanders, VDAB publishes the knelpuntberoepen, supplemented by a list of medium-skilled functions set by ministerial decree. LEXPAT Connect brings the three lists together on a single page.

What matters is the Region where the worker will be employed, not their nationality or where they live today. A job in Brussels falls under the Actiris list, a job in Liège or Charleroi under the Walloon list, and a job in Antwerp or Ghent under the Flemish lists. The same occupation can be in shortage in one Region and not in another.

Not automatically. The list does not by itself give a right to stay or work: you need an employer established in Belgium who hires you and applies for a single permit on your behalf. The other conditions still apply, in particular salary, qualifications and the employment contract.

No. The application is submitted by the employer or its representative. The worker provides the required documents (passport, diplomas, proof of experience, etc.). That is why finding an employer is the first step: the LEXPAT Connect candidate database and job offers are designed to put both sides in touch.

Outside the list, the employer must in principle prove that no suitable candidate could be found in Belgium or the European Union. For a shortage occupation, this requirement is reduced or removed. In Brussels, the employer no longer has to advertise the vacancy for several weeks. In Flanders, medium-skilled functions are fully exempt, while VDAB shortage occupations still require the vacancy to be advertised for 9 weeks on VDAB and EURES.

No, other routes exist: highly qualified worker, EU Blue Card, executive staff, researcher, or the standard procedure with a labour market test, depending on the Region. Each route has its own conditions, especially regarding salary. The LEXPAT Connect eligibility simulator gives a first indication.

It is a common reason for refusal. The authorities look at the tasks actually performed, the qualification level and the contract, not just the job title. A similar title is not always enough. If in doubt, it is better to have the match checked before filing the application.

You must be able to show the qualification required for the position, through a diploma, training or professional experience depending on the case. In Flanders, shortage occupations target level 3 or 4 qualifications. Requirements and accepted evidence vary between Regions and categories.

The list does not exempt the employer from salary conditions. The salary must at least meet the pay scale of the applicable joint committee and the guaranteed average minimum monthly income. Higher thresholds, indexed every year, apply to highly qualified profiles and the EU Blue Card.

It depends on the Region, the category and above all the quality of the file. An incomplete file is the main cause of delay. Expect several weeks between filing and decision, plus the time needed for the visa and the worker's arrival. It is best to start as soon as the job offer is agreed.

It depends on your residence situation. Some people already have access to the labour market and need no authorisation (for example with certain residence permits or statuses). Others, such as students or people on temporary stay, can in some cases change status from within Belgium. A person without legal residence cannot, in principle, apply from Belgium. Each situation requires an individual check.

No. Nationals of the European Union, the European Economic Area and Switzerland can work in Belgium without a work authorisation. Shortage occupation lists concern the recruitment of third-country nationals from outside the European Union.

They are reviewed regularly, generally every year. The Walloon list covers a period running from 1 October to 30 September, the Brussels Actiris list was updated on 1 July 2026 and the 2026 Flemish list was published in February. An occupation can be added or removed: the list in force at the time of the application is the one that counts. LEXPAT Connect updates this page with each new publication.

An appeal is possible, but the deadlines are short. Read the grounds for refusal carefully and consult a lawyer quickly to decide whether to challenge the decision or to correct the file and submit a new application.

The LEXPAT law firm, specialised in immigration law and economic migration, checks the eligibility of the position and the candidate, identifies the applicable Region and category, prepares the single permit application and acts in the event of a refusal. The aim: avoid mistakes that delay the worker's arrival by several months.