What Jobs Are in High Demand in Belgium? 2026 Occupations & Salary Guide
What Jobs Are in High Demand in Belgium?
The Complete List of Shortage Occupations, Salaries, and Visa Rules for 2026
Looking for a job in Belgium? The work market in Belgium is growing every year—and certain occupations are facing critical worker shortages. Finding an in-demand profession offers foreign applicants a direct path to securing employment and obtaining a Belgian work permit.
The Labor Market Landscape
- 200,000+ Foreign Workers Needed: Belgium requires at least 200,000 workers by 2026 to support economic growth and offset demographic aging.
- 146,000 Unfilled Vacancies: Tens of thousands of positions remain open across Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels.
Work Permit Pathways in Belgium
Foreign economic migration in Belgium is managed through three distinct streams across regional employment offices (VDAB in Flanders, FOREM in Wallonia, and Actiris in Brussels):
| Permit Category | Target Skill Level | Labour Market Test Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Shortage Occupation Permit | Medium-Skilled (Vocational / Technical) | Exempt: Direct submission allowed. |
| EU Blue Card | Highly-Skilled (University Degree) | Exempt: Subject to regional salary floors. |
| Priority Occupations | Low-Skilled Work | Strictly Excluded in Flanders as of Jan 1, 2026. |
Highest Paying & Hiring Sectors
| Industry | % of Total Employment | Industry Vacancy Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative & Support Services | 12.0% | 9.0% |
| Information & Communication Technologies (ICT) | 7.0% | 7.0% |
| Construction Trades | 9.0% | 5.4% |
| Logistics & Transport | 7.5% | 3.5% |
| Health & Social Work | 15.0% | 3.0% |
| Manufacturing | 13.4% | N/A |
Top 5 Sectors & Regional Demand
1. Healthcare & Social Work
An aging populace makes healthcare the largest employer sector. Shortages span registered nurses, physicians, physiotherapists, medical secretaries, and childcare staff. Average gross salaries range from €2,800 to €4,200 per month.
2. Logistics, Transport & Warehousing
Heavy truck drivers, forklift operators, inventory controllers, and logistics managers are widely sought after. Forklift and warehouse staff earn around €44,373 gross per year, while logistics coordinators earn €35,000 to €50,000 per year.
3. Information & Communication Technology (ICT)
Driven by rapid enterprise digitization, software developers, cybersecurity analysts, data scientists, and IT project managers face massive deficits. Experienced IT personnel earn €4,000 to €6,500 gross per month.
4. Construction Trades
Electricians, plumbers, carpenters, bricklayers, and site supervisors earn €2,400 to €4,200 gross monthly. Certified vocational skills are typically sufficient to qualify without a university degree.
5. Manufacturing & Engineering
Covers mechanical/civil engineers, quality control technicians, and robotics specialists. Engineering roles yield €3,500 to €5,800 gross per month, with petrochemical engineers commanding up to €6,431 monthly.
Average Monthly Gross Salaries (2026)
| Occupation | Gross Monthly Salary (€) |
|---|---|
| IT / Software Developer | €4,000 – €6,500 |
| Engineer (Mechanical, Civil) | €3,500 – €5,800 |
| Logistic Coordinator | €3,500 – €5,000 |
| Healthcare Assistant / Nurse | €2,800 – €4,200 |
| Construction Trades (Electrician, Plumber) | €2,400 – €4,200 |
| Administrative & Support Services | €2,800 – €3,800 |
| Warehouse / Picker | €2,200 – €3,800 |
| Truck Driver / Transport Logistics | €2,500 – €3,500 |
| Sales Assistant | €2,700 – €3,200 |
2026 Minimum Salary Thresholds for Work Permits
| Permit Type | Flanders | Wallonia | Brussels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highly Skilled | €48,912 / year | €51,613 / year | €3,703.44 / month |
| EU Blue Card | €63,586 / year | €66,738 / year | ~€56,976 / year |
| Junior Highly Skilled (<30 yrs) | €39,129.60 / year | N/A | N/A |
Key Work Permit Changes for Foreign Workers in 2026
- Low-Skilled Work Excluded: Low-skilled job openings are no longer eligible for economic migration permits in Flanders.
- Federal Portal Migration: Work permit applications must be submitted via the official “Working in Belgium” portal.
- Application Fee: Flanders charges a mandatory €180 administrative fee for single permit filings.
- Impatriate Tax Threshold: The minimum salary requirement for the impatriate tax regime was lowered from €75,000 to €70,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a work permit for a shortage occupation without a degree?
Yes. If the role is listed under medium-skilled shortage occupations, a university degree is not required. Relevant work experience or certified vocational training will suffice.
What is the processing time for Belgian work permits?
Processing typically takes between 6 to 12 weeks. Shortage occupations are processed faster because the employer bypasses the labor market test.
Are temporary contracts valid for initial permits?
Yes. Temporary contracts (common in logistics and manufacturing) can secure your initial permit and frequently transition into permanent roles.
Next Steps to Secure Your Job in Belgium
- Target vacancies explicitly listed on regional shortage lists (VDAB, FOREM, or Actiris).
- Tailor your CV to emphasize relevant technical certifications or language capabilities (French, Dutch, German, or English).
- Ensure your salary offer meets or exceeds the regional statutory threshold for your permit tier.
