On 23 February 2026, global immigration firm Fragomen published Belgium’s official 2026 salary thresholds for the most common work-authorisation categories. The figures—indexed annually to Belgian wage inflation—affect new applications, renewals and pending files for Highly Skilled Permits, EU Blue Cards and Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) permits across all three regions.
• **Wallonia** leads with the steepest hikes: the EU Blue Card threshold rises to €68,815 (up 3.1 %) and executive-level Highly Skilled Permits now require €88,790. The region also clarified a lower band (€42,576) for employees under 30 and certain nurse categories.
• **Flanders** retains 2025 values for now (e.g., €63,586 for the Blue Card) because the regional government has not yet enacted its 2026 indexation decree; employers should budget for a mid-year catch-up once figures are finalised.
• **Brussels-Capital Region** continues to publish monthly rather than annual amounts: a Highly Skilled worker must earn at least €3,703.44 per month, while Blue Card holders need €4,748. The capital has confirmed these levels remain valid for 2026 pending political formation of a new regional cabinet.
If you’re unsure how to translate these updated thresholds into a successful work-permit application, VisaHQ can step in to help. Their specialists track regional changes in real time, prepare the necessary forms and supporting documents, and even arrange courier submission when required. Explore their Belgium services at https://www.visahq.com/belgium/
![Belgium Updates 2026 Minimum-Salary Thresholds for Work Permits and EU Blue Card]()
Why this matters: companies assigning foreign talent to Belgium must update posted-worker notifications, A1 certificates and shadow-payroll calculations immediately. Failure to adjust remuneration can lead to permit rejection or administrative fines of up to €8,000 per employee. The pro-rating rule introduced in 2024 still applies—meaning part-time foreign employees must meet the new thresholds on a pro-rata basis.
For mobility teams, the biggest operational challenge is **salary-top-up timing**. Many January payrolls were processed before the final 2026 figures were published; HR should issue retroactive salary adjustments to avoid non-compliance. Global employers should also ensure that any allowances counted toward the threshold are guaranteed, fixed and taxable in Belgium; housing paid directly to landlords or discretionary bonuses do not qualify.
Looking ahead, the indexation underscores Belgium’s tight labour market and the country’s bid to stay competitive for high-skilled migrants while protecting local wage levels. Although the increases are moderate compared with 2025, they still outpace inflation in some neighbouring countries, potentially nudging companies to consider remote-friendly alternatives in the Netherlands or Germany. Nevertheless, Belgium’s favourable tax regime for inbound researchers and executives may continue to offset the higher payroll cost for large multinationals.
• **Wallonia** leads with the steepest hikes: the EU Blue Card threshold rises to €68,815 (up 3.1 %) and executive-level Highly Skilled Permits now require €88,790. The region also clarified a lower band (€42,576) for employees under 30 and certain nurse categories.
• **Flanders** retains 2025 values for now (e.g., €63,586 for the Blue Card) because the regional government has not yet enacted its 2026 indexation decree; employers should budget for a mid-year catch-up once figures are finalised.
• **Brussels-Capital Region** continues to publish monthly rather than annual amounts: a Highly Skilled worker must earn at least €3,703.44 per month, while Blue Card holders need €4,748. The capital has confirmed these levels remain valid for 2026 pending political formation of a new regional cabinet.
If you’re unsure how to translate these updated thresholds into a successful work-permit application, VisaHQ can step in to help. Their specialists track regional changes in real time, prepare the necessary forms and supporting documents, and even arrange courier submission when required. Explore their Belgium services at https://www.visahq.com/belgium/
Why this matters: companies assigning foreign talent to Belgium must update posted-worker notifications, A1 certificates and shadow-payroll calculations immediately. Failure to adjust remuneration can lead to permit rejection or administrative fines of up to €8,000 per employee. The pro-rating rule introduced in 2024 still applies—meaning part-time foreign employees must meet the new thresholds on a pro-rata basis.
For mobility teams, the biggest operational challenge is **salary-top-up timing**. Many January payrolls were processed before the final 2026 figures were published; HR should issue retroactive salary adjustments to avoid non-compliance. Global employers should also ensure that any allowances counted toward the threshold are guaranteed, fixed and taxable in Belgium; housing paid directly to landlords or discretionary bonuses do not qualify.
Looking ahead, the indexation underscores Belgium’s tight labour market and the country’s bid to stay competitive for high-skilled migrants while protecting local wage levels. Although the increases are moderate compared with 2025, they still outpace inflation in some neighbouring countries, potentially nudging companies to consider remote-friendly alternatives in the Netherlands or Germany. Nevertheless, Belgium’s favourable tax regime for inbound researchers and executives may continue to offset the higher payroll cost for large multinationals.
