🇧🇪 81 Fast-Track Jobs for Your 2025 Belgium Work Visa

Brussels just revamped its shortage occupation list for July 2025—and the changes could be your ticket to working in Europe’s political heart. With 81 high-demand roles, the city is prioritizing digital talent while trimming personal-service positions. Here’s how you can leverage these updates to secure your Belgian work permit faster.

   

What Is the Shortage Occupation List?

The Brussels shortage list, managed by Actiris, zeroes in on professions where local talent is scarce. If your job appears here, your employer skips the usual “proof no Belgian candidate exists” step, speeding up both the hiring process and your visa approval. You’ll still need to meet Belgian salary requirements, but the red tape shrinks dramatically.

Key Shifts in the 2025 Lineup

• Personal-service roles like hairdresser and home cleaner have been cut, though security guard remains.
• Sales positions dropped from nine slots to only two, tightening opportunities in that field.
• A wave of IT jobs—software developers, cybersecurity experts, network engineers—landed on the list, reflecting Brussels’ surge in tech demand.

This list stays valid until June 30, 2026. If you’ve already applied for a now-removed role, double-check with your employer or Actiris about next steps.

High-Demand Professions at a Glance

While the official PDF of all 81 titles isn’t publicly published yet, here are the sectors you’ll find represented:

• IT & Digital: Software engineers, DevOps specialists, data scientists
• Engineering: Mechanical, electrical, civil
• Healthcare: Registered nurses, radiology techs, lab technicians
• Construction & Trades: Electricians, plumbers, welders
• Finance & Accounting: Auditors, tax advisors, financial analysts
• Logistics: Truck drivers, supply-chain coordinators
• Technical Management: Project managers in IT and engineering

For the full list once it’s live, bookmark Actiris’ official page: https://www.actiris.be

Your Belgium Work Visa Toolbox

1. Single Permit

Combines your work authorization and residence permit into one document, valid beyond 90 days. Employers submit the application. If you’re on the shortage list, they skip labour market testing.

2. Type B Work Permit

Tied to one employer for up to a year. Normally requires proving no local or EU candidate is available—unless your role is on the shortage list.

3. EU Blue Card

Designed for highly qualified professionals. You need a salary above €60,608 (2025 threshold) and a recognized diploma. The Blue Card also offers mobility across many EU states. More details at https://ec.europa.eu/blue-card

4. Working Holiday Visa

Available to citizens of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand aged 18–30. It lets you work and travel in Belgium for up to one year.

5. Exemptions

EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals don’t need permits. Some other countries have streamlined entry or reciprocal agreements—check https://www.belgium.be/en/work

Steps to Take Right Now

1. Verify your role against the updated shortage list on Actiris.
2. Confirm your salary package meets Single Permit or Blue Card criteria.
3. Team up with your employer to lodge the application—shortage list roles move fastest.
4. For roles not on the list, explore a standard Single Permit or Blue Card route early to account for labour market testing.

Why Transparency Matters

Because the complete list isn’t widely publicized, many candidates are still guessing if they qualify. Keep in close touch with your employer or a reputable immigration lawyer to ensure you’re applying under the right category.

Final Takeaway

Brussels’ July 2025 shortage occupation update simplifies your path to working in Belgium—especially if you’re in IT, engineering, or other in-demand fields. With labour market tests waived for these 81 roles, you can expect faster hiring and permit approval. Ready to make Brussels your new workplace? Start lining up your paperwork today.

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