Brussels Updates Shortage Occupation List: 81 Jobs to Fast-Track Your Belgium Work Visa (July 2025)
Brussels has revised its list of shortage occupations as of July 1, 2025—a move that significantly impacts foreign professionals seeking to live and work in Belgium. With the addition of IT roles and the removal of several personal service jobs, this update offers both fresh opportunities and new challenges.
What Is the Brussels Shortage Occupation List?
Published annually by Actiris, the Brussels shortage list identifies jobs with insufficient local talent. For these roles, employers can hire non-EU workers without undergoing lengthy labour market testing. This speeds up the work visa process for qualified international applicants.
Key Changes in 2025
This year’s update includes 81 occupations—one fewer than last year, but with notable shifts:
Sales roles were drastically reduced from 9 to just 2.
Personal service jobs like hairdressers, cleaners, and public safety officers have been removed.
Security guards remain on the list.
IT professions have been added, highlighting Brussels’ growing digital economy.
The revised list is valid for one year (until June 30, 2026).
No official guidelines yet on how applications submitted before July 1 will be handled if the occupation was removed.
Sample Shortage Occupations in Brussels (2025)
While the official detailed list is not fully public, commonly included professions are:
IT: Software Developers, Cybersecurity Experts, Network Engineers
Engineers: Mechanical, Civil, Electrical
Healthcare: Nurses, Technicians, Specialists
Skilled Trades: Plumbers, Electricians, Welders
Logistics: Truck Drivers, Warehouse & Forklift Operators
Finance: Accountants, Auditors
Security Guards
Technical Admin & Project Managers
Important: You can confirm the full list through Actiris or the Brussels Capital Region’s labour department.
Why This List Matters for Foreign Workers
If your job is on the shortage list:
No labour market testing is needed
Faster permit processing
Increased chances of approval
Even if your role is not on the list, other pathways—like the EU Blue Card—are still open.
Belgium Work Visa Options for Non-EU Nationals
Here are the main routes available to legally work in Brussels:
- Single Permit (Work + Residence)
- For stays over 90 days
- Employer applies on your behalf
- Labour market testing waived if your job is on the shortage list
- Must meet salary thresholds
- Work Permits (A, B, C)
- Type A: Long-term, permanent work (after multiple B permits)
- Type B: Most common, employer-specific, 1-year validity
- Type C: Temporary work for asylum seekers or students
- EU Blue Card
- For highly skilled professionals
- Requires a valid job offer + high salary
- Offers greater mobility within the EU
- Working Holiday Visa
- Open to citizens of Canada, Australia, New Zealand
- Ages 18–30
- 1-year stay combining travel + work
- Exemptions
- EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals don’t need permits
- Some nationalities have special bilateral arrangements
What You Should Do Next
- Check if your job is on the list (via Actiris or employer)
- Verify salary thresholds for your job category or EU Blue Card eligibility
- Gather documents for the relevant permit (Single Permit, Type B, or Blue Card)
- Consult your employer or immigration advisor for the most current guidance
Lack of Public Access to the Full List
The 2025 shortage list is not fully public, creating uncertainty for applicants. You’ll need to check directly with Actiris or a Belgian employer to confirm your eligibility.
No official announcement yet on how pending applications (before July 1) for removed roles will be treated.
In Summary
- Brussels’ shortage occupation list was updated in July 2025
- Now includes 81 jobs, focused more on IT and technical fields
- Sales and personal-service roles cut, IT jobs added
- Full list available only through Actiris
- If listed, you can bypass labour market testing
- Use the Single Permit or EU Blue Card routes based on your profile
Final Thoughts
The updated shortage occupation list for Brussels offers a powerful gateway for skilled non-EU professionals. Whether you’re an IT developer, engineer, nurse, or security guard, being on the list can make your move to Belgium significantly smoother.
Stay informed, meet the criteria, and let Brussels’ evolving job market work in your favour.
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