Belgium’s three regional governments have unveiled new minimum salary requirements for foreign workers in 2026, introducing stricter income thresholds that directly affect work and single permit applications for non-European Economic Area nationals.
The changes, announced separately by Wallonia, Brussels-Capital Region, and Flanders, reflect inflation adjustments and updated wage data. Employers say the revisions will influence hiring strategies for international talent across sectors ranging from technology to sports and the arts.
International auditing and consulting firm KPMG described the update as “significant,” warning companies that compliance with the new benchmarks is essential to avoid rejected applications or legal penalties.
“These minimum salary requirements directly affect the employment of non-EEA nationals in Belgium,” the organisation said, noting that falling short could expose employers to administrative fines or even criminal sanctions.
Wallonia has introduced the most visible adjustments, publishing new annual gross salary thresholds that took effect in January. The minimum salary for highly qualified workers has risen to €53,220 per year, up from €51,613 last year.
For younger professionals under the age of 30, the required income now stands at €42,576 annually, while executives and managers must earn at least €88,790. Authorities said the increases were designed to reflect inflation and maintain parity with market wages.
Other specialised categories have also been revised upward. European Blue Card applicants must meet a minimum salary of €68,815, while junior workers with limited experience require €55,052. Intra-corporate transfer trainees need €34,408, experts €55,053, and managers €68,815.
Professional athletes, referees and coaches must now earn at least €53,220, while performing artists face a new threshold of €44,396. Regional officials argue the adjustments ensure fair pay while preventing social dumping.
In contrast, Brussels has opted to keep its 2025 monthly salary levels unchanged for 2026. The region bases its calculations on percentages of the average gross monthly wage published by Statbel.
Highly qualified employees must earn €3,703.44 per month before tax, equivalent to 78 percent of the regional average. Executive and management staff face a higher threshold of €6,647.20 per month, or 140 percent of the average.
Brussels has also defined specific requirements for certain professions. Performing artists must receive at least €3,086.20 monthly, while professional athletes need an annual income of €88,320.
For intra-corporate transfers, trainees require €2,611.40 per month, specialists more, and management positions at least €5,460.20. Applicants for an EU Blue Card must meet the full average monthly salary of €4,748.
Meanwhile, Flanders has not yet updated its figures. Authorities confirmed that 2025 annual thresholds will remain in place until new wage data is published. Within a month of that release, revised salary floors are expected.
Currently, highly skilled workers in Flanders must earn €48,912 per year, or €39,129.60 for those under 30. Blue Card holders require €63,586, while ICT specialists need €48,912 and managers €78,259.
Some categories in Flanders carry even steeper requirements. Professional athletes must earn more than €101,000 annually, while performing artists need €42,313.
Employers across Belgium say the differing regional standards add complexity to recruitment planning. Companies operating nationwide must tailor offers according to each region’s rules, particularly when transferring staff internally or sponsoring international hires.
KPMG cautioned that non-compliance could have serious consequences. Beyond rejected applications, employers may have to regularise unpaid salary components, taxes and social security contributions, with late payment interest added.
In severe cases, illegal employment could lead to administrative or penal sanctions, including potential prison sentences. The firm urged companies to review payroll structures and ensure contracts meet regional thresholds before filing permit requests.
For foreign professionals hoping to build careers in Belgium, the new rules underscore the importance of negotiating salaries carefully. For employers, they mark a tightening regulatory environment aimed at balancing competitiveness with worker protection.
As Belgium’s labour market remains dependent on international talent, the updated thresholds may reshape hiring patterns in 2026, making compliance and planning more critical than ever.
