Vanaf 1 september 2026 moeten werkgevers in Vlaanderen die werknemers van buiten de Europese Economische Ruimte (EER) of Zwitserland willen aanwerven, een vergoeding van €180 betalen voor elke aanvraag van een gecombineerde vergunning (single permit). Deze vergoeding geldt zowel voor eerste aanvragen als voor verlengingen en staat los van de federale bijdrage die verschuldigd is voor de verblijfsaanvraag.

Flanders granted around 21.460 work permits to non-EU nationals in 2025, the highest level in recent years. Seasonal work and medium- to high-skilled positions accounted for a large share of the permits. New rules introduced in January 2026 give priority to domestic and EU labour before non-EU recruitment. Stakeholders, including employer organisations and political parties, have expressed differing perspectives on these developments.

Fragomen will host a webinar on recent changes to Belgium’s immigration policies. The session will cover two main areas: first, new rules in the Flanders Region concerning economic migration, including labour migration pathways, contractual liability, and labour market testing; and second, nationwide modifications affecting family reunification, such as stricter financial criteria for visa applications. The webinar will also highlight practical implications for businesses employing foreign nationals.

In 2024, a total of 17.939 newcomers obtained an integration certificate in Flanders, according to the Jaarrapport Inburgering 2024. This is the highest number recorded since 2018 and marks a 16% increase compared to the previous year.