Belgium: Contract of Employment

Belgium's employment law landscape is undergoing significant changes with the reintroduction of probationary-like provisions and new notice period caps. Starting June 1, 2026, employers and employees will navigate a one-week notice period during the first six months of employment, while long-tenured workers will see their maximum notice period capped at 52 weeks after 17 years of service.

Recent labor law reforms in Belgium aim to modernize and increase flexibility in the legal framework, impacting the entire employment relationship cycle from working time organization to human resources management. This thematic analysis examines key changes in employee benefits and pension bonus plans, highlighting practical implications for businesses navigating the government's push toward more attractive and transparent compensation policies.

Recent reforms to Belgian labor law reflect a clear drive toward modernization and flexibility in the legal framework. These changes have concrete implications for the entire employment relationship cycle...

Labour and Employment Comparative Guide for the jurisdiction of Belgium, check out our comparative guides section to compare across multiple countries

The Summer Agreement and the new Program Act mark a major shift in Belgian labour policy, combining working time flexibility and tax incentives with stricter social benefit rules.

Many companies are asking whether it's possible to have one global policy to allow employees to work from different countries.

The Belgian Competition Authority recently rendered a decision imposing significant fines totaling EUR 47 million on competitors guilty of a variety of anti-competitive agreements, including ‘no-hire' clauses.

When it comes to enforceability of a non-compete clause, the prospect of a raise for the employee can in some instances be an argument in favour of the employer.

An employee who is dismissed with a notice period or who performs a notice period after resigning is entitled to so-called "job search leave"...