Decades-Old Employment Regulations to Be Replaced
Belgium is introducing new immigration rules for cross-border workers in August 2026.
The regulations will replace a system that has remained in place since 1981.
Belgian authorities said the existing framework no longer reflects modern cross-border employment patterns.
The new requirements will take effect one day after their publication in the Belgian Official Gazette.
The precise implementation date will therefore depend on when the regulations are formally published.
The changes affect people who live outside Belgium but regularly enter the country for employment.
Workers currently relying on an Annex 15 document should review how the revised system applies to them.
Belgium’s Immigration Office announced the changes on July 27, 2026.
Workers in Four Neighbouring Countries Receive Grace Period
Cross-border workers living in Germany, France, Luxembourg or the Netherlands will receive additional time to meet the new requirements.
Those currently holding an Annex 15 permit will be granted a 12-month transition period.
During this period, eligible workers will be expected to bring their documents and immigration status into compliance with the revised regulations.
The grace period is designed to prevent immediate disruption for workers commuting from countries neighbouring Belgium.
However, it does not mean the existing system will remain available permanently.
Affected employees should use the transition period to confirm the documents they will need under the updated framework.
Employers may also need to review the immigration status of staff members who regularly cross into Belgium for work.
Belgian authorities have not provided further details in the announcement about the complete application process under the new system.
Additional procedural information may become available after publication in the Official Gazette.
UK-Based Workers Must Apply for Long-Term Visa
Different rules will apply to cross-border workers living in the United Kingdom.
UK residents will not receive the same Annex 15 transition arrangement announced for workers in neighbouring European countries.
Belgium has advised affected workers to apply for a long-term D visa as soon as possible.
Applications should be submitted through the Belgian Embassy in London.
Once the new regulations take effect, UK-based cross-border workers will no longer be permitted to enter Belgium for employment using an Annex 15 document.
The change could affect workers who live in Britain but travel regularly to Belgium for professional duties.
Those affected should begin the visa process early to reduce the risk of interruptions to their employment or travel arrangements.
Workers should also check that their passports, employment documents and supporting information meet Belgian visa requirements.
The Immigration Office has directed UK residents to the Belgian Embassy’s official visa guidance for further details.
The new rules mark a significant change in Belgium’s management of cross-border employment.
They also create separate compliance pathways for residents of neighbouring countries and those based in the United Kingdom.
