Are you looking to hire non-EU workers in Belgium?

The first question is not: “which candidate?”

It is: is this position on the 2026 shortage occupation lists?

Without that answer, you can lose 6 to 12 months of process— for a case that may be refused from the outset.

But more importantly:👉 this is not the only pathway.

Many employers overlook key alternatives:

• Shortage occupations→ faster procedure, lighter requirements

• Highly qualified profiles→ based on a minimum salary threshold, regardless of shortage lists

• Executive / management roles→ more flexible, strategy-driven assessment

• Labour market test exemptions→ including:

• EU long-term residents (e.g. Art. 40 Walloon Decree of 6 June 2024)

• intra-company transfers

• specific or niche roles

• Standard procedure (if no exemption applies)→ mandatory job posting (VDAB / FOREm / Actiris + EURES)→ approx. 5 to 9 weeks of recruitment efforts→ strict labour market assessment

The reality:

Two employers hire the same foreign candidate→ one gets approval within weeks→ the other gets a refusal after months

The difference? Legal strategy.

We built a free simulator to give you a clear answer in 3 minutes:

✅ Official 2026 lists (Actiris, FOREm, VDAB)

✅ Exact procedure based on your region

✅ Realistic timelines and next steps

No sign-up.

No sales pitch.

Just a clear, actionable answer.

👉 lexpat-connect.be/simulateur-eligibilite

Feel free to share with your HR teams.

It’s free, fast… and prevents costly mistakes.

#InternationalRecruitment #SinglePermit #Belgium #HR #Immigration