The Brussels Capital Region has identified 68 occupations facing labour shortages across 10 sectors, according to its official employment office, Actiris. The list includes professions in healthcare, construction, education, IT, accounting, and transport, and may benefit eligible foreign workers with a facilitated work permit process. However, the announcement only applies to Brussels, as Flanders and Wallonia have separate shortage occupation lists and work permit rules.
The list of 68 occupations covers various sectors, including construction, healthcare, education, information technology, transport, and logistics. Healthcare and Social Services have the largest number of listed occupations, with 17 roles, including doctors, nurses, care workers, and medical laboratory technologists. Construction and Public Works follow with 14 occupations, ranging from engineers and site managers to electricians, roofers, and masons.
Technical and Industrial Professions account for 14 roles, highlighting demand for maintenance specialists, mechanics, automation technicians, and industrial managers. Other sectors represented include IT and telecommunications, education, accounting, transport, hospitality, retail, and security. The list aims to address labour shortages in the region and provide opportunities for foreign workers.
Foreign nationals whose professions appear on the list may be eligible for a facilitated work permit procedure when seeking employment in the Brussels Capital Region. However, appearing on the list does not automatically guarantee a job or a work permit. Applicants must still meet the applicable immigration, qualification, and employment requirements.
The list is geographically restricted, meaning a profession identified as being in shortage in Brussels does not automatically qualify under the rules applicable in Flanders or Wallonia. Actiris has published the official list in French and Dutch, while the English version is provided for information purposes. Applicants should consult the official-language documents when checking the formal requirements.
The official announcement and occupation list are available through the Brussels Capital Region's employment website. This move aims to address labour shortages in the region and provide opportunities for foreign workers. The Brussels Capital Region's employment office, Actiris, is responsible for managing the region's labour market and providing employment services.
The list of 68 occupations in demand in Brussels includes various roles such as trade and sales professionals, accounting and finance experts, construction workers, education and training professionals, and IT and telecommunications specialists.
Key points
- The Brussels Capital Region has identified 68 occupations facing labour shortages across 10 sectors.
- Healthcare and Social Services have the largest number of listed occupations, with 17 roles.
- Foreign nationals whose professions appear on the list may be eligible for a facilitated work permit procedure.
