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      The Brussels Regional government has enacted a regulatory amendment,1 exempting holders of a valid European Union Blue Card issued by another EU member state from the requirement to obtain a separate work authorisation for short-term employment in the Brussels Region.

      Under the new framework effective 10 July 2025, eligible individuals may engage in professional activities in the Brussels Region for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without needing a regional work permit.  This exemption aligns with Directive (EU) 2021/1883, which aims to facilitate the intra-EU mobility of highly-qualified third-country nationals2.

      WHY THIS MATTERS

      The new exemption is relevant to companies with cross-border activities, global mobility professionals, and highly-skilled non-EU nationals who frequently undertake cross-border assignments within the European Union.  Such companies and their affected EU Blue Card holders will now experience more liberal, relaxed rules and processes around short-term assignments in the Brussels Capital Region.  

      Internal processes and policies will have to be adapted to reflect the impact of the new exemption, including developing and issuing communications on the change.

      With the exemption from obtaining work authorisation for holders of EU Blue Cards issued by other EU member states in the up-to-90-day period they are in the Brussels Region, the Brussels Regional government is taking steps to reduce administrative delays and compliance risks and make it easier for employers to respond to urgent business needs.  The reform could also have the effect of supporting the region’s competitiveness in attracting global talent and addressing labour shortages in critical sectors.

      Key Highlights

      Automatic Exemption for EU Blue Card Holders -- Holders of a valid EU Blue Card issued by another EU member state are now exempt from the requirement to obtain a separate work permit for short-term work assignments (up to 90 days within a 180-day period) in the Brussels Region.

      Alignment with European Directive 2021/1883 -- This change implements the EU Directive on highly-qualified workers, promoting the mobility of third-country nationals across the European Union.

      Relaxation at End-of-Work Authorisation -- Work authorisations of indefinite duration no longer automatically expire at the end of an employment contract.  This enables the individual to continue to reside in Belgium and take up a new employment without additional formalities.

      KPMG INSIGHTS

      Important Considerations

      Employers may wish to review and update their internal mobility and compliance processes to take on board the new exemption for EU Blue Card holders whose EU Blue Cards are issued by another EU member state and provide for alignment with the revised regulations.

      HR and mobility managers should communicate the changes to relevant stakeholders and update on-boarding and assignment procedures for highly-qualified third-country nationals holding an EU Blue Card issued by another EU member state.

      The reforms demonstrate the Brussels Region’s government’s commitment to harmonising EU mobility objectives and fostering the competitiveness of the region in the marketplace for international talent.  Also, reducing bureaucratic hurdles for short-term assignments could enhance the appeal of the region for employers and highly-skilled professionals.

      Employers and their employees with questions about how to effectively negotiate this change in the rules and foster compliance should direct these to their mobility and immigration advisers or a member of the immigration team with KPMG in Belgium (see the Contacts section).

      FOOTNOTES:

      1  Arrêté du Gouvernement de la Région de Bruxelles Capitale modifiant l’arrêté du Gouvernement de la Région de Bruxelles-Capitale du 16 mai 2024 portant exécution de l’ordonnance du 1er février 2024 relative à la migration économique / Besluit van de Brusselse Hoofdstedelijke Regering tot wijziging van het besluit van de Brusselse Hoofdstedelijke Regering van 16 mei 2024 houdende uitvoering van de ordonnantie van 1 februari 2024 betreffende economische migratie in Moniteur Belge/Belgisch Staatsblad 30.06.2025, (in French and Dutch) at: https://www.ejustice.just.fgov.be/mopdf/2025/06/30_1.pdf#page=196.

      2  Document 32021L1883, Richtlijn (EU) 2021/1883 van het Europees Parlement en de Raad van 20 oktober 2021 betreffende de voorwaarden voor toegang en verblijf van onderdanen van derde landen met het oog op een hooggekwalificeerde baan, en tot intrekking van Richtlijn 2009/50/EG van de Raad (in Dutch (and available in other languages)) on EUR-Lex at: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/nl/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32021L1883.

      Contacts

      nele-godefroid
      Nele Godefroid

      Director, Global Mobility Services

      KPMG in Belgium

      saadia-abdi
      Saâdia Abdi

      Director, Global Mobility Services

      KPMG in Belgium

      Luisa Vanderwegen
      Luisa Vanderwegen

      Supervisor

      KPMG in Belgium

      More Information

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      Disclaimer

      * Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.

      The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Belgium.

      © 2025 KPMG Central Services, a Belgian Economic Interest Grouping ("ESV/GIE") and a member firm of the KPMG global organization of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. All rights reserved.