Belgium is advancing the digital transformation of its immigration procedures by requiring all applications for short-term work permits and commuter permits to be submitted exclusively through an official online platform starting in May 2026.
Employers will no longer be able to submit these requests via email or other traditional methods in most regions.
The change applies across the country’s three regions — Flanders, Brussels-Capital, and Wallonia — with a transitional arrangement in Wallonia extending email submissions until the end of August 2026.
The new system utilises the secure “Working in Belgium” portal, a centralised digital platform developed to streamline the processing of work authorisations.
This initiative aims to enhance efficiency, improve application tracking, reduce administrative errors, and ensure greater transparency in handling immigration-related requests.
Employers and authorised representatives are advised to register on the portal and obtain the necessary digital credentials well in advance to facilitate a smooth transition.
The reform forms part of a broader effort by Belgian authorities to modernise immigration case management and align procedures with contemporary digital standards.
By centralising submissions, the government expects to accelerate processing times and minimise issues associated with manual handling. Affected businesses are encouraged to prepare accordingly to avoid disruptions when the mandatory online requirement takes full effect.
