Foreign professionals seeking employment opportunities in Europe may have a new option to explore, as Belgium’s Brussels-Capital Region has identified 68 occupations facing worker shortages across 10 sectors. The list covers professions in healthcare, construction, education, information technology and transport, among others.
Belgium has published a list of 68 occupations experiencing labour shortages in its Brussels-Capital Region, highlighting areas where employers face difficulties finding qualified workers.
The list was published through Actiris, the region’s official employment service, on July 1, 2026. It identifies occupations where employer demand exceeds the number of qualified job seekers.
For foreign job seekers, the development could create opportunities to explore employment in Brussels, particularly if they have the qualifications and experience required for the listed positions.
However, the announcement does not mean Belgium is offering automatic employment or work permits to everyone whose profession appears on the list.
Healthcare, construction dominate Belgium’s shortage list
Healthcare and social services account for the largest number of occupations on the list, with 17 positions.
These include doctors, nurses, head nurses, care workers, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, medical laboratory technologists and medical imaging technologists.
Construction and public works also feature prominently, with 14 occupations identified.
They include building design engineers, site managers, site foremen, crane operators, electricians, roofers, masons and construction machinery operators.
The technical and industrial sector has another 14 occupations, including maintenance electricians, industrial mechanics, refrigeration technicians, vehicle technicians and industrial automation technicians.
Other sectors identified include:
- Information technology: Database administrators, ICT analysts and developers, business analysts and IT operations managers.
- Education: Secondary school teachers, nursery and primary school teachers, adult educators and driving instructors.
- Accounting and finance: Accountants, senior accountants, chartered accountants and insurance managers.
- Transport and logistics: Bus drivers, lorry drivers and tractor-trailer drivers.
- Hospitality: Head chefs.
- Trade and sales: Technical sales advisers and customer support technical advisers.
- Personal services and security: Security guards.
What the 68 occupations mean for foreign workers
The shortage list could be useful to foreign professionals looking for employment opportunities in Brussels because certain shortage occupations qualify for specific work authorisation arrangements.
According to Brussels Economy and Employment, the applicable authorisation depends on the worker’s remuneration and the duration of employment.
Foreign nationals working in a shortage occupation for more than 90 days may require a long-term work authorisation or a single permit, depending on their residence circumstances.
For employment lasting a maximum of 90 days, a short-term work authorisation applies.
This means appearing on the list does not automatically guarantee a job, visa or work permit. Applicants must still meet the applicable requirements.
Another important consideration is location. The 68 occupations apply specifically to the Brussels-Capital Region. They do not automatically cover Flanders or Wallonia, which have separate labour shortage arrangements.
Where applicants can check the official list
Foreign job seekers can consult the Brussels Economy and Employment website for the official announcement and occupation list.
The documents are available in French and Dutch, while the English version is provided for information purposes.
Applicants can also consult the region’s work authorisation guidance for shortage occupations to understand the applicable procedures before making employment or relocation plans.