Brussels, the Capital of Belgium, recently rolled out its newly revised list of shortage occupations. This key annual update quietly but powerfully shapes the city’s job market and immigration possibilities.
As of July 1, 2025, the shortage list encompasses 81 professions, one fewer than last year, with several notable shifts reflecting changes in Brussels’ evolving economy and labour demands
What Is the Brussels Shortage Occupation List?
The Brussels shortage occupation list, issued by Actiris, highlights professions facing a shortage of qualified local talent. Jobs on this list allow employers to hire foreign workers more easily, waiving the usual labour market testing requirements for work permits.
Key Changes for 2025
This year’s list tightens and refines its scope:
- The sales sector shrank from nine roles to just two. Employers looking to sponsor foreign sales workers will have fewer avenues through this route.
- Personal services jobs—including public safety officer, home cleaner, and hairdresser- have been removed, but the security guard remains.
- Several new IT professions were added, a clear nod to Brussels’ booming demand for digital talent.
- The list will stay in effect for one year. There’s no official word yet on how applications submitted before July 1 for now-removed roles will be handled.
What Are the Shortage Professions?
While the official list includes 81 detailed occupational titles, some commonly featured roles across recent years have included:
- IT specialists (software developers, network administrators, cybersecurity experts)
- Engineers (mechanical, electrical, civil)
- Healthcare professionals (nurses, certain specialists)
- Construction and technical trades (electricians, plumbers, welders, heavy equipment operators)
- Finance and accounting professionals
- Truck drivers and logistics experts
- Specialised sales roles and security guards
- Administrative and management positions in technical fields
Note: You can access the full, detailed list through Actiris’ official channels or the Brussels Capital Region’s labour department. However, they haven’t widely released the exact 2025 list to the public yet. Expect roles to reflect the above categories with minor annual adjustments.
Why It Matters to Foreign Professionals
If your job is included on that list, employers in Brussels don’t need to prove there are no local candidates available. That speeds up hiring, shortens paperwork, and boosts your case for getting a work permit.
Work Visa and Permit Options for Belgium
Brussels’ shortage list is only part of the story. Here’s how you can legally work in Belgium if you’re a non-EU national: