Belgium Releases 2025 Shortage Occupation List Boosts Tech Roles, Drops Personal Service Jobs
Belgium has unveiled its 2025 shortage occupation list, now featuring 81 high-demand professions eligible for expedited work visa processing a slight drop from 82 in 2024.
Issued by the regional employment agency Actiris, the revised list reflects the country’s evolving labour market and underscores a growing focus on digital and technical skills.
The update shows significant shifts across sectors. The tech industry saw the biggest boost, with roles such as software developers, system administrators, network engineers, and cybersecurity experts now included. This signals Brussels’ commitment to strengthening its digital economy.
Conversely, the sales sector witnessed a sharp cut dropping from nine roles last year to just two in 2025 indicating reduced reliance on foreign sales talent. Additionally, personal service roles like hairdressers, home cleaners, and public safety officers were removed from the list, with only security guards remaining in that category.
Among the professions still in demand are IT specialists, civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers, registered nurses and medical experts, electricians, welders, heavy equipment operators, truck drivers, accountants, auditors, and logistics personnel.
Inclusion on the shortage list allows Belgian employers to bypass the traditional labour market test, which normally requires them to prove no suitable EU or local candidate is available.
Foreign professionals can also apply through other pathways such as the Single Permit (for work and residence), Type A, B, or C permits (based on job type and duration), the EU Blue Card (for highly skilled and well-paid positions), or the Working Holiday Visa (for young applicants from countries like Australia, Canada, and New Zealand).
Belgium’s 2025 update shows a more targeted, skill-based approach, prioritizing critical sectors while streamlining entry for high-skill professionals particularly in tech and engineering.
