Belgium has taken another major step toward digitising its immigration system by making online filing mandatory for certain work permit applications nationwide.

From 1 May 2026, employers must now submit all short-term Work Permit B applications and commuter work permits exclusively through the federal Working in Belgium portal, replacing previous regional email-based procedures.

Belgium Ends Fragmented Regional Filing System

The new system completes Belgium’s transition away from separate filing procedures that previously varied between Brussels, Flanders and Wallonia.

Under the previous structure, employers often faced different submission processes depending on regional jurisdiction, creating additional administrative complexity for international hiring.

The nationwide digital platform is designed to standardise submissions and simplify employer interactions with immigration authorities.

Online Portal Promises Faster Processing

One of the biggest changes for employers is the introduction of real-time validation during application submission.

The online portal automatically checks mandatory fields and supporting documentation before applications are submitted.

This reduces the administrative back-and-forth that previously created delays of several weeks when missing information had to be requested manually.

Employers Gain Greater Visibility Over Applications

Each application submitted through the portal automatically receives a traceable dossier number.

This allows both employers and regional authorities to monitor progress throughout the approval process.

For mobility managers and HR teams, the change addresses one of the most common frustrations associated with previous email-based filing systems: limited visibility after submission.

Corporate Mobility Teams Expected To Benefit

The new digital process is particularly relevant for multinational companies, mobility managers and organisations regularly moving staff into Belgium.

Businesses handling cross-border commuting arrangements and temporary international assignments are expected to benefit from more predictable processing and reduced administrative workload.

Digital Immigration Systems Continue Expanding Across Europe

Belgium’s move reflects a wider trend across Europe as governments increasingly digitise immigration and workforce mobility systems.

Countries are investing more heavily in digital application portals, automated validation systems and electronic document handling to reduce processing times and improve transparency.

For employers operating internationally, Belgium’s changes mark another step toward increasingly digital-first immigration administration across the region.