Hours of work in Belgium

Standard Hours in Belgium

The standard working hours in Belgium are 38 hours per week. However, in certain sectors or collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), this can vary slightly, with 40-hour workweeks being permissible if compensated by additional days off (e.g., ADV days).

Employers must comply with limits on daily and weekly working hours, and any work beyond the standard hours is considered overtime. Overtime must be compensated with extra pay or time off in lieu. There are also provisions for night work, shift work, and rest periods to ensure employees are not overworked. Belgian labour laws provide protections for both full-time and part-time employees, and violations of these laws can lead to penalties for employers.

Daily working hours

The normal daily working hours in Belgium are capped at 8 hours per day, though there are exceptions in some industries (e.g., healthcare or seasonal work), where up to 9 or 10 hours per day may be allowed under specific agreements.

Part-time work

Employees working less than the standard weekly hours are considered part-time. Part-time employees are entitled to the same rights as full-time workers on a pro-rata basis, including social security and benefits.

Maximum Working Hours & Overtime Laws in Belgium

While the standard workweek is 38 hours, Belgian labour laws set an absolute maximum of 48 hours per week, including overtime, which must only be used in exceptional circumstances.

Exceptions: Specific sectors (e.g., emergency services, hospitals, agriculture) can apply for exceptions, allowing for extended hours, but these must still comply with EU working time regulations.

Overtime laws

Any hours worked beyond the standard daily or weekly working hours are considered overtime. In most cases, overtime is limited to 11 hours per day or 50 hours per week.

• Overtime pay: Overtime must be compensated with a premium, typically 150% of the regular hourly wage for overtime during weekdays. For work on Sundays or public holidays, the rate increases to 200%.
• Time off in lieu: Instead of overtime pay, employees may receive compensatory time off (also called rest days), which must be taken within a reasonable period after the overtime is worked.

Overtime conditions

• Employer approval: Overtime generally requires approval from the employer and must follow legal guidelines. In certain cases (such as urgent work or unforeseen circumstances), overtime can be worked without prior approval.
• Overtime limits: Employees are generally limited to 78 hours of overtime per quarter, with exceptions for extraordinary circumstances.
• Repercussions for breach: Employers who fail to comply with overtime laws or do not compensate employees for overtime can face fines, back pay claims, and inspections by labour authorities. Repeated violations can lead to more severe penalties, including legal action.