Belgium: Contract of Employment

This regional report examines recent labour law changes across the Americas, highlighting key developments in workforce planning, employment status classification, and regulatory reforms. From Argentina's new hiring incentives to working time reductions in Brazil and Mexico, discover how these legislative shifts are reshaping employment practices and compliance requirements throughout the region.

Starting September 1, 2026, employers in the Flemish Region will face a new EUR 180 fee for each single permit application, adding to the existing federal charge and bringing the total cost to EUR 332 per application. This regional retribution covers administrative processing costs and applies to both initial applications and renewals, with no refunds for refused applications. Employers planning to submit applications should consider doing so before the September deadline to avoid the additional expense.

As the FIFA World Cup captivates audiences worldwide, employers across Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg face a common challenge: maintaining workplace productivity while employees follow the tournament. This analysis examines how employment law in these three jurisdictions addresses World Cup-related workplace disruptions and explores practical strategies for balancing business continuity with employee engagement during major sporting events.

Global regulators are reshaping how digital platform workers are classified, introducing new legal frameworks that blur traditional employment boundaries.

Each year on 1 May, several countries mark International Labour Day, recognising the contributions of workers worldwide. While often linked to a statutory day of rest, its date, legal status and protections vary.

The question of employment classification continues to shape how countries regulate digital platform work. In responding to this challenge, jurisdictions are taking different paths.

Under the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation, a Data Protection Officer (DPO) cannot be dismissed or penalised for performing their duties.

On 31 January 2025, Prime Minister Bart De Wever concluded a coalition agreement with the Arizona parties. This agreement includes a number of significant changes to existing employment law.

On 31 January 2025, the new Federal Government ("De Wever I", also called "Arizona") reached a coalition agreement. The document contains a long list of measures that can directly and indirectly impact employment law.