Belgium
Belgium guarantees 20 working days (4 weeks) statutory annual vacation, with the vacation pay system (double allowance = 92% salary) paid in June. Maternity 15 wks (15 mandatory post-natal days), paternity 20 days.
Disclaimer: This country guide is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we update it regularly, it may not reflect ongoing regulatory changes. Illizeo SA accepts no liability for actions taken or not taken based on this content.
Annual paid leave
Act 28 June 1971Act of 28 June 1971: 4 weeks = 20 working days. Accrual based on previous year (exercise year N, taken N+1). Vacation pay = double allowance (≈92% of monthly salary) paid in June. No Belgian system without vacation pay.
| Type | Duration | Pay | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual vacation | 20 j ouvrés | 100% + double pécule | 1971 Act |
| Youth vacation | jusqu’à 4 sem supp. | ONEM | < 25 ans |
| European vacation | Pro rata 1ère année | 100% | Nouveaux entrants |
| Accrual | Année N → N+1 | — | Système belge |
| Termination | Pécule de sortie | 100% solde | Loi |
Public holidays
10 holidays (Act 4 Jan 1974)10 national public holidays. If on Sunday or non-working day, compensatory rest within 6 weeks.
| Day | Date | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 janvier | New Year | All | — |
| March-April | Easter Monday | All | Variable |
| 1 mai | Labour Day | All | — |
| May | Ascension | All | Jeudi |
| May-Jun | Pentecost Monday | All | — |
| 21 juillet | National Day | All | — |
| 15 août | Assumption | All | — |
| 1 novembre | All Saints | All | — |
| 11 novembre | Armistice | All | — |
| 25 décembre | Christmas | All | — |
Sick leave
30 days guaranteed + INAMIGuaranteed pay 30 days (employees) or 7+7+14 days (workers) at 100%. Beyond: INAMI at 60% (workers) or 65% capped salary (employees). One waiting day for workers since 2014.
| Scenario | Waiting | Pay | Cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employees d1-30 | 0 j | 100% employeur | Loi 1978 |
| Workers d1-7 | 1 j | 100% employeur | Loi 1971 |
| Workers d8-30 | — | 60% + complément | INAMI |
| INAMI > 30d | — | 60-65% plafonné | Mutuelle |
| Long-term incapacity | — | Variable | Après 1 an |
Maternity, paternity, parental
15 wks mat · 20 days patMaternity 15 wks (6 pre + 9 post, including 1 mandatory pre-natal week and 9 mandatory post-natal days). 82% for first 30 days, 75% after (INAMI cap). Paternity 20 days since 2023 (was 15) with 100% first 3 days then 82% INAMI.
| Type | Duration | Pay | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maternity | 15 sem | 82% puis 75% INAMI | Plafond INAMI |
| Paternity | 20 j | 100% (3j) + 82% | Depuis 2023 |
| Adoption | 6 sem | 82% INAMI | — |
| Parental leave | 4 mois/parent | ONEM allocation | Jusqu’à 12 ans enfant |
| Time credit | Variable | ONEM | Selon motif |
| Breastfeeding | Réduction temps | Variable CCT | < 5 mois |
Special leaves
Small leaves 1963 ActAct of 28 August 1963 (small leaves): paid circumstantial leaves for family events (marriage 2 days, bereavement 1-3 days, birth, moving, etc.).
| Type | Duration | Pay | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employee marriage | 2 j | 100% | — |
| Spouse/parent death | 3 j | 100% | Jusqu’au 2e degré |
| Birth of child | 20 j | Voir paternité | 20 j 2023 |
| Communion | 1 j | 100% | Enfant |
| Moving | 1 j | 100% | — |
| Child’s wedding | 1 j | 100% | — |
| Bereavement | 3-10 j (enfant) | 100% INAMI | Selon proche |
Information current as of last update. This guide does not replace local legal advice. For specific situations, consult a labor lawyer in the relevant country.
Centralize Belgium absence management
Illizeo applies the 1978 Act + INAMI + ONEM with double vacation pay, mat./pat. 15+20 days, small leaves and Walloon/Flemish/Brussels specifics.
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