Belgium Labor Law Guide 🇧🇪
Employees are entitled to 20 working days (4 weeks) of paid annual leave, calculated based on work performed in the previous calendar year.
Belgium Labor Law Guide
Employees are entitled to 20 working days (4 weeks) of paid annual leave, calculated based on work performed in the previous calendar year.
Primary Legislation
Loi sur le travail / Arbeidswet (1971)
Secondary Legislation
Loi sur le travail / Arbeidswet (1971)
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Essential compliance data regarding minimum entitlement and standard work hours in Belgium.
Ref: Loi du 28 juin 1971 (Annual Leave Act)Employees are entitled to 20 working days (4 weeks) of paid annual leave, calculated based on work performed in the previous calendar year.
Accrual
Leave accrues based on the previous year's work. Employees earn leave rights during year N to be taken in year N+1.
Carry Over
Unused leave typically expires after 24 months, though specific rules vary by sector and collective agreement.
Standard Week
38 hours
Max Weekly
45 hours
Max Daily
9 hours
Rest Period
11 consecutive hours between shifts.
Employment Contract & Termination
Notice Period
Notice period ranges from 1 week to over 62 weeks, calculated based on seniority and salary level, following the Unified Employment Status Act of 2013.
Loi du 3 juillet 1978 Art. 37/2Probation Period
Probation periods were abolished in 2014 under the Unified Employment Status Act, eliminating the distinction between blue-collar and white-collar workers.
Unified Employment Status Act 2013Core Labor Obligations
Operational rules regarding leave requests, sick pay, and public holiday work that every HR manager must know.
Ref: Loi du 28 juin 1971Leave Requests
Employer and employee must agree on leave dates. Employers typically require notice 2-4 weeks in advance.
Sick Pay
First 30 days paid by employer at 100% (first day may be unpaid). After 30 days, health insurance (mutuelle/INAMI) pays 60% of capped salary.
Holiday Work
Working on public holidays requires 200% pay (double pay) or compensatory time off plus premium.
Part-Time Calculation
Pro-rata based on contractual working hours, ensuring equal treatment with full-time employees.
Parental & Family Leave
Maternity Leave
15 weeks total: 1 week pre-natal (optional up to 6 weeks), remainder post-natal. Paid at 82% for first 30 days, then 75% by health insurance.
Loi sur le travailPaternity/Partner Leave
20 days of paternity leave (increased from 10 days in 2023). First 3 days at 100% by employer, remaining 17 days at 82% by health insurance.
Loi sur le travailSick Pay & Compensation
Sick Pay
Employer pays 100% salary for first 30 days (first day may be unpaid per company policy). From day 31, health insurance (INAMI/RIZIV) pays 60% of capped salary.
Source: INAMI / RIZIVSpecific Laws & Regulations
Unique regulations and legal concepts that distinguish the Belgium labor market from others.
Substitute Day Rule (Jour de remplacement)
Unlike most EU countries, Belgium requires employers to grant a substitute day off when a public holiday falls on a weekend, ensuring employees always receive their entitled time off.
13th Month (End-of-Year Premium)
Most sectors provide a 13th month bonus or end-of-year premium, typically equivalent to one month's salary, paid in December. Amount and conditions vary by sector.
Time Credit (Crédit-temps)
Employees with sufficient seniority can reduce working time or take career breaks while receiving partial income replacement from ONEM (unemployment insurance), subject to employer approval.
Language Requirements
Employment contracts and workplace communication must comply with regional language laws: Dutch in Flanders, French in Wallonia, bilingual in Brussels. Non-compliance can result in penalties.
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Relying on local counsel or static wikis for labor law compliance leaves you vulnerable. Leavo provides a single system of record that monitors statutory changes and updates your policies automatically.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are employees compensated if a public holiday falls on a weekend?
Yes. Belgium has a mandatory substitute day policy. If a holiday falls on Saturday or Sunday, employees receive a replacement day off on a weekday.
What happens if an employee falls ill while on annual leave?
If properly certified with a medical certificate, sick days during annual leave are converted to sick leave, and annual leave days are restored to the employee's balance.
Are public holidays paid time off?
Yes. All 10 official public holidays are paid non-working days. Employees required to work receive double pay (200%) or compensatory time off with premium.
Looking for the holiday calendar?
View the official Belgium public holiday list for 2025.
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Disclaimer: This information is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult official government sources and legal counsel for compliance matters.
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