Belgium Revises Wallonia and Flanders' Shortage Occupation Lists
Belgium has updated its Wallonia and Flanders shortage occupation lists. Flanders is cutting back on its own list starting in early 2026, while Wallonia now has fewer acknowledged shortage positions and a few new technical roles. Here's a brief overview of the changes and how they impact those who intend to work in Belgium.
Recently, Belgium updated its listings of shortage occupations in Wallonia and Flanders, making it simpler for foreign workers to apply for certain positions.
Employers don't have to demonstrate they couldn't locate a local applicant before hiring someone from overseas because the shortage occupation lists determine which professions are in great demand and are therefore exempt from labor market testing.
Let's examine the changes that occurred throughout Belgium's shortage occupation.
What's New in Wallonia?
On October 1, 2025, the southern Belgian region of Wallonia unveiled a new list. There are now 56 recognized shortage jobs instead of 73.
Because businesses are having trouble filling certain positions, a few new positions were introduced. These include mechanics who work on automobiles and light vehicles, industrial installation electricians, and industrial maintenance managers.
A few occupations that were on the list before have been taken off. These include head chefs, structural and roof insulators, nurses, tower crane operators, drilling machine operators, and installers of ventilation systems.
Wallonia's Shortage Occupation List
Up until September 30, 2026, the new Wallonia list will remain in effect. A person's application will still be completed without labor market assessment if they applied using the previous list prior to October 1, 2025.
Recently Added Positions
Electrician for industrial installations
Manager of industrial maintenance for automobiles and light vehicles
Eliminated Roles
A nurse who operates a tower crane
Operator of a drilling machine
Installer of ventilation systems
Roof and structural insulation
Head chef
To put it briefly, Wallonia's list now prioritizes industrial and technical trades over those in services or healthcare.
What's New in Flanders?
On January 1, 2026, Flanders will update its list of medium-skilled jobs that are in short supply. The number of positions on the list will drop from 29 to 21. This revised list will remain current until December 31, 2027.
Anyone who applied prior to the change will still be eligible for the labor market testing exemption on the previous list, just like in Wallonia.
Flanders' Shortage Occupation List
Currently mentioned important professions include:
Nursing assistants and care assistants (lower-level qualification)
Electrical and mechanical engineering technicians
Welders and construction workers
Plumbing and HVAC specialists
Truck and industrial mechanics
Operators of machines and CNCs
Crane, truck, and bus drivers
Chefs, butchers, and bakers (some kept)
Concrete workers, bricklayers, and roofers
Industrial assemblers and IT service technicians
Additionally, Brussels updated its list earlier.
The Brussels area, like Flanders and Wallonia, updated its own shortage occupation list in the middle of 2025. As a result, all three Belgian regions now use updated lists to better meet local labor needs.
What This Signifies for Employees
These lists can be quite helpful if you intend to work in Belgium. Jobs listed on the shortage occupation listings typically provide quicker work permit processing and fewer obstacles. Since Belgium's regions oversee their own regulations, it is usually advisable to examine the list for the particular area where you intend to operate.
