Belgium, Unknown – January 16, 2026 — Brussels has introduced welcoming updates to its international employment framework, making it easier for skilled professionals from around the world to contribute to the nation’s vibrant economy. Effective from the start of 2026, these reforms lower the entry threshold for a special tax regime while expanding tax-free allowances, positioning the country as a prime destination for high-calibre workers.
Advisory firm Vandelanotte outlined the details in a briefing released on 13 January, highlighting how the minimum salary requirement for the expat tax scheme has dropped to €70,000. This adjustment opens doors for a broader pool of talented individuals, previously excluded by higher barriers. Complementing this, the tax-free allowance now reaches 35 percent of qualifying income, with no upper limit imposed. Such measures signal a forward-thinking approach to talent acquisition, fostering economic growth through diverse expertise.
These changes come at an opportune moment, as businesses across sectors seek to bolster their international teams. Compared to neighbouring nations like France and Germany, the revised package offers competitive edges, including streamlined liability provisions that provide clearer guidelines for employers. Companies now benefit from simplified compliance, reducing administrative burdens and encouraging investment in human capital.
A key pillar of the overhaul integrates European Union advancements, such as refined jurisprudence on the 25 percent rule for social security applicability. This ensures precise determination of governing laws for cross-border workers, minimising uncertainties. Looking ahead, the European Social Security Pass introduces digital, real-time sharing of A1 certificates, promising smoother transitions for mobile professionals. Employers are encouraged to review time-tracking practices early, paving the way for seamless adoption when the system activates.
Nicole Verstraete, employment policy specialist at Vandelanotte, praised the initiative during a virtual seminar on 14 January. “These reforms reflect a commitment to agility in a globalised workforce,” she noted. “By sweetening incentives and tightening rules thoughtfully, Belgium empowers businesses to thrive while supporting workers’ stability.”
The positive ripple effects extend to communities nationwide. In dynamic hubs like Ghent and Leuven, firms anticipate hiring surges in tech, engineering, and research fields. One logistics enterprise in the Flanders region reported plans to onboard 50 additional expats by March, crediting the lower salary threshold for enabling mid-career specialists to relocate with their families. Local training programmes, expanded in partnership with vocational institutes, will equip newcomers with language and integration skills, enhancing social cohesion.
This builds on broader employment momentum. Complementing the expat focus, federal efforts since 1 January have activated jobseekers through structured pathways, with initial groups of 21,500 participants—many from Wallonia—transitioning into supportive activation measures. Regional services in Brussels have proactively scaled up welfare integration, ensuring smooth support networks. By summer 2027, these initiatives aim to engage nearly 103,000 individuals, pairing opportunity with safeguards for sustainable progress.
European solidarity further amplifies these strides. On 9 January, the European Commission allocated €7.5 million to assist over 3,400 workers in the automotive sector, funding reskilling and redeployment programmes. Such investments underscore a collective drive towards resilient job markets, with Belgium at the forefront.
Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Prévot echoed this optimism in remarks on 6 January, emphasising transatlantic ties as a foundation for prosperity. “Strengthening our workforce through inclusive policies fortifies partnerships worldwide,” he stated during an Atlantic Council discussion. His vision aligns with a “whole-of-government” strategy, harmonising development cooperation with employment goals.
Stakeholders across the spectrum welcome the reforms’ humane balance. Business chambers in Antwerp and Liège hosted forums on 15 January, where executives shared success stories of past expat contributions to innovation. Community leaders highlighted family-friendly aspects, such as access to quality education and healthcare, which ease relocations and promote long-term retention.
As implementation unfolds, monitoring mechanisms promise adaptability. Quarterly reviews will assess employment gains and adjustment needs, ensuring benefits reach intended recipients. This proactive stance exemplifies effective governance, turning policy into tangible advancement.
By prioritising attraction and integration, these 2026 updates not only invigorate the economy but also enrich cultural fabrics. Belgium’s model offers a blueprint for nations navigating global talent flows, demonstrating how targeted enhancements yield widespread prosperity. With momentum building, the coming months hold promise for collaborative achievements that uplift all residents.
(Word count: 752)
—
Image Credit: Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels
