Belgium has unveiled its updated 2025 Shortage Occupation List, reducing the number of eligible professions from 82 in 2024 to 81 this year, according to the Brussels regional employment agency, Actiris.
The list plays a crucial role in the country’s migration and labour policies, fast-tracking work permit processing for positions that suffer from a chronic shortage of local talent.
This annual update, released this week, reflects shifting labour market needs and shows Belgium’s increasing prioritisation of high-skilled sectors such as technology and engineering.
Key Additions and Removals
Among the most notable changes, Belgium added several IT-related professions including software developers, network engineers, and cybersecurity specialists, highlighting the nation’s growing demand for digital expertise.
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Conversely, a significant reduction was made in the sales and personal services sectors. The number of recognised sales-related jobs dropped from nine in 2024 to just two, and roles such as hairdressers, domestic cleaners, and public safety officers were removed from the list. Only security guards remain in the personal services category.
Professions Still in High Demand
The revised list continues to include key shortage areas, particularly in:
- Information Technology: developers, system administrators, cybersecurity experts
- Engineering: civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers
- Healthcare: registered nurses and specialists
- Skilled Trades: electricians, welders, plumbers, heavy equipment operators
- Logistics & Transport: truck drivers, transport managers
- Finance & Security: accountants, auditors, and security personnel
Faster Work Visa Processing
Inclusion on the shortage list allows employers to bypass the labour market test, which typically requires proof that no suitable EU or local candidate is available before hiring a non-EU worker. This makes the recruitment process significantly faster and more efficient for businesses and skilled migrants alike.
Foreign professionals not on the list may still be eligible through other permit types, including:
- Single Permit: for employment exceeding 90 days
- EU Blue Card: for high-skilled, high-earning individuals
- Type A, B, C Permits: based on job duration and nature
- Working Holiday Visa: for young citizens from Australia, Canada, and New Zealand
Flanders Cuts Processing Time to 15 Days
Meanwhile, in the Flemish region, authorities have slashed work permit processing times to just 15 days, down from several months. This change is expected to drastically reduce overall onboarding time for foreign workers, allowing employers to bring in needed talent within three months from application to arrival.
Policy Implications
Actiris said the 2025 update was part of a broader effort to make the immigration system more responsive to labour market realities. While there is a clear emphasis on attracting tech talent, the removal of lower-skilled roles signals a tightening of eligibility for certain types of foreign workers.
Employment experts believe the new list will benefit companies operating in fast-growing sectors like digital innovation, healthcare, and logistics. However, they also warn that some industries may struggle to find local replacements for the roles removed from the list.
Labour Market Outlook
With Belgium continuing to face demographic pressures and a talent crunch in specialised fields, the 2025 Shortage Occupation List aims to channel migration into areas of greatest economic need while simplifying the hiring process for critical roles.
The full list is available on the official Actiris website, and applications through the new framework are expected to open immediately.