🇧🇪 Leave and Benefits in
Belgium
Statutory leave entitlements and mandatory benefits for employers in Belgium — annual leave, sick leave, maternity, paternity and public holidays.
Leave Entitlements at a Glance — Belgium
Annual Leave
20 days
Sick Leave
30 days
Maternity Leave
15 weeks
Paternity Leave
20 weeks
Public Holidays
10 days
13th Month Pay
Not required
Statutory Leave Types
| Leave Type | Entitlement | Paid | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| annual | 20 days | Yes | 100% pay |
| sick | 30 days | Yes | 100% pay |
| maternity | 15 days | Yes | 82% pay |
| paternity | 20 days | Yes | 82% pay |
| parental | 51 days | Yes | — |
| bereavement | 3 days | Yes | 100% pay |
Public Holidays — Belgium 2026
| Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| New Year's Day | 1 Jan 2026 |
| Easter Monday | 6 Apr 2026 |
| Labour Day | 1 May 2026 |
| Ascension Day | 14 May 2026 |
| Whit Monday | 25 May 2026 |
| Belgian National Day | 21 Jul 2026 |
| Assumption of Mary | 15 Aug 2026 |
| All Saints' Day | 1 Nov 2026 |
| Armistice Day | 11 Nov 2026 |
| Christmas Day | 25 Dec 2026 |
Mandatory Employer Benefits — Belgium
Legally required employer contributions and benefits under Belgium law.
| Benefit | Type | Employer Cost | Frequency | Tax Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Double Holiday Pay (Pecule de Vacances) Employers pay double holiday pay: normal pay for the holiday week plus an additional holiday allowance of approximately 92% of one month gross salary. | Leave | 15.38% | annual | Taxable |
End-of-Year Bonus (13th Month) Statutory 13th month bonus applicable in most sectors under collective bargaining agreements. Typically equivalent to one month of gross salary, paid in December. | Cash | Varies | annual | Taxable |
Social Security Contributions (ONSS/RSZ) Employer ONSS/RSZ contribution is approximately 25% of gross salary. Covers pension, health care, unemployment, and family allowances. | Cash | 25% | monthly | Exempt |
EOR Intelligence
Manage leave compliance in Belgium via EOR.
An Employer of Record administers all statutory leave and benefits on your behalf.
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Leave entitlements in Belgium are subject to change. Always consult a qualified local employment lawyer.
About This Guide
- \u2713 Sourced from official government publications
- \u2713 Updated monthly — always current rules
- \u2713 For guidance only — not legal advice
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