Guide to posting workers in Belgium

1) Posting declaration in Belgium

In Belgium, all temporary posting assignments must be declared before the start of the assignment. Each assignment must be declared separately, as the exact dates (and working hours) must be specified.

However, there are exemptions to this general obligation. These depend on the purpose and duration of the assignment in Belgium. Please note that exemptions listed by the authorities are interpreted very strictly in practice.

These exemptions do not apply to ongoing support or training activities.

➢ Installation and assembly of goods
Workers and self-employed individuals sent to Belgium for the initial assembly and/or first installation of goods are exempt. They must be qualified and/or specialised employees of the company supplying the goods or the self-employed provider. The duration must not exceed 8 days. This exemption does not apply to the construction sector.

➢ Urgent repair and maintenance work
Specialised technicians from foreign companies and self-employed individuals are exempt if they are sent to Belgium to carry out urgent repair or maintenance work on machines or equipment. These must have been supplied by their employer or by the self-employed worker. Their stay must not exceed 5 days per month in Belgium.

2) Compliance with local employment law

Even though the posted employee remains under their original employment contract, certain aspects of Belgian labour law must be complied with:

• Belgian minimum wage (sectoral collective agreements apply)
• Working time (maximum 38 hours/week)
• Daily and weekly rest periods
• Health and safety
• Leave (statutory and public holidays)
• Non-discrimination
• Trade union freedoms

The Belgian host company must ensure that posted workers benefit from these conditions.

3) Insurance and Social Protection obligations

• A1 certificate (issued in the country of origin)
• Compliance with health and safety obligations
• As in Italy, the general principle is that the Belgian host company is responsible for operational safety, while the sending employer (you) remains responsible for informing, training, and providing equipment to employees

4) Local representation for a posting in Belgium

A local representative in Belgium must be appointed to act as a liaison with local authorities in case of inspection. This person must be based in Belgium and speak French, Dutch, or German (depending on the region).

Through our European Posting Alliance, we can provide this service and ensure coordination with the relevant authorities if needed.

5) Documents and information to retain for a posting in Belgium

In Belgium, the local representative must be able to provide the following documents in the event of an inspection, during the assignment and up to 2 years after:

• Original employment contract
• Posting addendum
• Posting declaration
• A1 certificate
• Timesheets/work schedules clearly indicating daily working hours
• Payslips (proof of salary payment)

6) Summary of obligations by nationality and duration of posting in Belgium

a) Requirements for EU nationals employed within the EEA

EU nationals	Less than 3 months	More than 3 months	Comments
Visa	❌	❌
Single permit	❌	❌
Posting declaration	✅	✅	Must be submitted before the start of the assignment
A1 certificate	✅	✅	Issued in the country of origin (employment contract)
Compliance with employment law	✅	✅	Working conditions, safety, rest periods
Document retention	✅	✅	During the assignment and up to 2 years after
Local registration	❌	✅	Registration with the local municipality

b) Requirements for non-EU nationals employed and residing in the EEA

A non-EU national holding a European residence permit may travel within Europe for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Beyond this threshold, Belgian law does not provide for a Van der Elst visa (unlike Germany). A single permit must be obtained (average processing time: 3 months).

We recommend using the European Union online tool to ensure that the 90/180-day allowance has not been exceeded. Please note that personal travel must also be taken into account.

Non-EU (EU & Switzerland)	Less than 3 months	More than 3 months	Comments
Visa	❌	❌
Single permit	❌	✅	Does not assess employment law compliance, only confirms right of residence
Posting declaration	✅	✅	Must be submitted before the start of the assignment
A1 certificate	✅	✅	Issued in the country of origin (employment contract)
Compliance with employment law	✅	✅	Working conditions, safety, rest periods
Document retention	✅	✅	During the assignment and up to 2 years after
Local registration	❌	✅	Registration with the local municipality

c) Requirements for UK nationals

UK nationals do not require a visa to enter Belgium for stays of less than 90 days within a 180-day period. Use of the Schengen calculator is essential.

In this case:

• A work authorisation is required
• A single permit is not required
• The posting declaration and obtaining a CoC remain mandatory

For postings exceeding 90 days within a 180-day period, a full procedure applies (timelines vary depending on municipalities):

1. Single permit application – 3 to 4 months
2. D visa application – 2 to 4 weeks
3. Posting declaration
4. Arrival in Belgium
5. Registration with the municipality to obtain the residence card
6. Issuance of residence card – 4 to 8 weeks

Overall, procedures should be anticipated at least 5 months in advance (including approximately 1 month for document preparation).

UK nationals residing in the UK

UK nationals	Less than 3 months	More than 3 months	Comments
Visa	❌	✅	D visa
Work authorisation	✅	❌
Single permit	❌	✅	Includes work and residence authorisation
Posting declaration	✅	✅	Must be submitted before the start of the assignment
A1 certificate	✅	✅	Issued in the country of origin (employment contract)
Compliance with employment law	✅	✅	Working conditions, safety, rest periods
Document retention	✅	✅	During the assignment and up to 2 years after
Local registration	❌	✅	Registration with the local municipality