From May 5, 2026, Belgium will require most work permit and authorization applications to be submitted through the “Working in Belgium” (WIB) one-stop-shop portal. Employers must ensure they are registered in the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (CBE) and have a valid mandate in place to authorize Newland Chase to submit applications on their behalf.
What has changed
Belgium is centralizing the application process for:
- Short-term Work Permits
- Work Authorizations
- Professional Cards
Previously, these applications could be submitted via email using a self-drafted Power of Attorney. Under the new framework, all three Belgian regions—Brussels, Flanders, and Wallonia—will transition to mandatory digital submission via the WIB platform.
The implementation timeline varies by region:
- Brussels will stop accepting email applications as of 5 May 2026
- Flanders and Wallonia will allow a transition period, continuing to accept email submissions until 31 August 2026
After these deadlines, all filings must be completed digitally through the WIB system.
New procedural requirements
To access and use the WIB portal, employers—both foreign and local—must:
- Be registered with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (CBE)
- Appoint legal representatives through official company deeds
- Provide a formal mandate authorizing Newland Chase to act on their behalf
Only registered legal representatives can sign the mandate.
CBE registration typically takes 2 to 5 working days, while mandate activation requires an additional 1 to 3 business days. These lead times should be factored into application planning.
Previous process
Under the prior system, employers or their representatives could submit applications by email, supported by a Power of Attorney drafted internally by HR or Global Mobility teams. This process is being phased out in favor of a standardized, government-managed digital workflow.
Impact on clients
Organizations that are not yet registered in the CBE will face delays in submitting applications under the new system. This is particularly relevant for multinational employers without an established Belgian legal presence. The requirement for a formal mandate also introduces an additional compliance step, requiring coordination with authorized legal representatives. These changes reflect a broader trend toward digitalization and centralized immigration processing, reinforcing the need for structured, compliant workflows—an area where many organizations still rely on manual processes .
How Newland Chase can support
Newland Chase will proactively review existing client records to confirm whether valid mandates are in place. For clients with active or upcoming applications, guidance will be provided to ensure readiness for the WIB transition. Where required, clients will receive:
- Prefilled mandate forms
- Step-by-step instructions for CBE registration
- Support throughout the digital onboarding and submission process
This ensures minimal disruption and enables clients to continue moving talent into Belgium while remaining fully compliant.
This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.
