So, you’re thinking about Belgium—not just for the chocolate or the waffles, but for a shot at a stable, well-paid job and a European work visa that doesn’t take forever to process? Good news: Brussels just dropped its new 2025 shortage occupation list, and if your skills match, your chances of getting a work visa just got a whole lot better.
But don’t pack your bags just yet. Belgium has made some critical updates—not all of them rosy for every job type. Some roles were removed from the list, while others, especially in IT and engineering, have jumped to the front of the queue. Here’s everything you need to know before applying.
Key Takeaways
Why Belgium Is Updating Its Work Visa Rules in 2025
Belgium, like many European countries, is facing a modern problem: a shortage of people with the right skills to fill critical jobs. The Brussels Capital Region, in particular, has struggled to recruit enough professionals in high-demand sectors like healthcare, IT, and skilled trades. Instead of letting businesses scramble, the government stepped in with a plan: attract foreign workers more strategically.
The 2025 update to the shortage occupation list is a direct result of that need. Brussels wants to streamline work visa approvals by removing unnecessary red tape, but only for roles where demand far exceeds local supply. It’s a move aimed at boosting the economy, meeting sector-specific labour demands, and staying competitive in the post-pandemic, skills-hungry global market.
What’s the Brussels Shortage Occupation List and How Does It Help?
Think of this list as a golden ticket for both employers and job seekers. Maintained by Actiris, Brussels’ regional employment agency, the shortage occupation list identifies jobs where there simply aren’t enough qualified candidates in the local market.
Also Read: Which Countries’ Work Visas Are Open to Foreign Workers in 2025?
For those roles, companies no longer need to prove they tried (and failed) to hire locally before turning to international applicants. That means fewer bureaucratic hurdles, faster processing times, and a higher success rate for visa applications tied to those jobs. If your profession is on the list, it’s like jumping the queue at immigration—legally.
Plus, Brussels has introduced some progressive changes around this list: a lower minimum stay requirement before changing employers (30 months instead of 48), and even more relaxed rules under the EU Blue Card system for certain tech professionals.
Which Jobs Have Been Removed from the List in 2025?
Now for the bad news—especially if your background is in sales or personal services.
The 2025 list trimmed down several roles that were previously considered in short supply. Sales roles took the biggest hit, shrinking from nine different positions in 2024 to just two in 2025. Roles like technical sales advisors and retail clerks didn’t make the cut this time around.
Also missing this year: hairdressers, home cleaners, and some entry-level service positions. The rationale? These jobs no longer face the same local shortages, possibly due to improved domestic training or shifting employment trends. In short, if your role no longer qualifies, you might face a tougher road through standard visa routes.
New Roles Added to the 2025 List: Focus on IT and Engineering
While some doors closed, others flung wide open—especially in the digital sector. In 2025, Brussels added several high-demand IT roles to the shortage occupation list. If you have experience in:
- Software development
- Cybersecurity
- Network administration
- Data analysis
- System integration
- Technical engineering
…then you’re in luck. These roles didn’t just appear on the list for fun—they were added in direct response to talent shortages that have been hurting Belgian employers for years. Brussels wants you—and wants you quickly.
These additions also tie into Belgium’s broader push to become a more prominent player in the European tech ecosystem. With more startups, more infrastructure investment, and a growing number of digital transformation projects, the demand for tech-savvy professionals is only going up.
How the New List Affects Your Chances of Getting a Belgian Work Visa
Here’s the bottom line: If your profession is on the Brussels shortage list, your path to a work visa is shorter, simpler, and less uncertain.
You won’t need to wait for an employer to prove they couldn’t hire a local. Your application will likely be processed faster. And, under current rules, you might also benefit from:
- Lower salary thresholds
- Simplified paperwork
- Eligibility to bring dependents sooner
- Easier transition to long-term stay or settlement
Plus, Belgium is part of the Schengen Zone. Once you’re legally employed there, you gain access to travel and business opportunities across 26 European countries—an attractive perk for many professionals.
Are You Eligible? Qualifications and Experience Requirements
Before you start celebrating, make sure you meet the basic eligibility standards. While the shortage list simplifies the process, it doesn’t lower the bar. Most jobs require:
- Relevant academic qualifications (Bachelor’s or equivalent—though IT roles may accept experience-based alternatives)
- At least 2–3 years of experience in the listed field
- Employer sponsorship from a company based in Belgium
- Proof of language proficiency may be required, depending on the role
- Valid background checks, health insurance, and visa application documentation
One standout development for 2025 is that IT professionals applying under the EU Blue Card scheme can now qualify without a university degree—as long as they have at least three years of relevant experience. That’s a game-changer for self-taught tech talent around the world.
Also Read: Which Countries Are Offering Work Visas Without IELTS in 2025?
What to Expect Next: Will Other Regions in Belgium Follow Brussels?
While this update comes from the Brussels Capital Region, Belgium is divided into three main administrative zones: Brussels, Flanders, and Wallonia. Each region maintains its version of the shortage occupation list.
So far, only Brussels has published its 2025 version, but experts anticipate that Flanders and Wallonia may update theirs soon, likely reflecting similar trends in healthcare, IT, and engineering. If you’re aiming for Belgium but your target region isn’t Brussels, it’s worth keeping an eye on upcoming regional announcements.
Given that Brussels is often seen as the country’s policy trendsetter, these changes may indicate a broader national shift toward skilled migration in tech and infrastructure sectors.
Final Thoughts: Is 2025 Your Year to Move to Belgium?
If your profession made the shortlist, Belgium may just be one of the most accessible EU countries for you right now. With fast-track visa options, relaxed employer-switching rules, and new flexibility for IT professionals, it’s never been easier to say bonjour to Brussels—or maybe hallo to Flanders.
The only catch? Competition will be stiff, especially as global awareness of these updates spreads. So, whether you’re a software developer in Mumbai, a network engineer in Lagos, or a healthcare technician in Manila, your best bet is to apply early, get your documents in order, and work with a Belgian employer who understands the new rules.
Reference: https://www.belgium.be/en/work/coming_to_work_in_belgium
Karan Rawat
Content strategist and Full-time editor of The Immigration World. Karan focuses on simplifying complex immigration rules and scholarship opportunities into clear, practical guidance for global readers. Passionate about making international relocation easier for everyone.
