From 1 September 2026: new Flemish administrative fee for combined permit applications
If your organisation recruits international employees from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, an important procedural change will take effect in Flanders from 1 September 2026.
A new Flemish administrative fee of €180 will apply to every application for a combined permit (single permit).
Although the amount itself is relatively limited, employers should be aware of this additional administrative requirement when planning future international recruitment.
What does this mean in practice?
The €180 fee applies to:
- first combined permit applications;
- renewal applications.
The fee is charged by the Flemish Government for processing the employment authorisation and is separate from the existing federal administrative fee, which remains applicable for the residence procedure.
In other words, employers should now take into account both the Flemish and the federal administrative fees when preparing a combined permit application.
How is the fee paid?
For applications submitted from 1 September 2026, payment must be completed through the Single Permit Portal (Uniek Loket) when the application is lodged.
Without payment, the Flemish authorities will not process the application.
Which applications are affected?
The new fee applies only to combined permit applications.
Applications for a work permit (arbeidskaart) are not affected.
What should employers do?
If your organisation expects to hire international talent after 1 September 2026, we recommend that you:
- factor the additional €180 into your recruitment budget;
- ensure the fee is paid when submitting the application;
- avoid unnecessary delays by completing all administrative requirements from the start.
The Flemish authorities have announced that additional practical guidance, including an instructional video on the payment procedure via the Single Permit Portal, will be published during the summer.
Need support?
Expat Centre Limburg provides independent first-line guidance to employers navigating combined permit procedures and international employment in Belgium. While we do not submit applications on behalf of employers, we are happy to explain the procedure, clarify the applicable framework and help you find the right competent authority when needed.
Source: Een buitenlander in Vlaanderen tewerkstellen | Vlaanderen.be