On 9 May 2025, the Flemish Government approved a new concept note that marks a significant shift in the region’s approach to labor migration. Proposed by Flemish Minister of Employment Zuhal Demir, this note ("Verscherpt en Geïntegreerd Arbeidsmigratiebeleid") outlines a clear direction: more selective admission, targeted skills attraction, and stronger integration requirements. For companies in Flanders hiring foreign talent—particularly from outside the EU—this change is both an opportunity and a call to prepare.

A New Direction: More Selective, Skills-Based Migration

Flanders aims to modernize its migration approach by making it more aligned with labor market needs. The policy prioritizes:

• Selectivity: A tighter focus on attracting economically valuable profiles—particularly in sectors facing talent shortages.

• Integration: Stronger expectations for language learning, civic orientation, and long-term social participation.

• Policy Alignment: A more cohesive framework with federal migration rules and neighboring countries’ strategies.

Implications for Employers and HR Professionals

This policy shift will influence not only your recruitment strategy but also internal processes related to relocation and onboarding. Employers and HR professionals must be aware of several critical updates that will directly influence your hiring and compliance strategies:

1. Tighter Admission Criteria

Companies may face stricter thresholds when sponsoring non-EU nationals. Expect more attention to skill level, education, sector and recruitment relevance and the duration of employment activities. Single permits will no longer be issued for bottleneck functions to employees without diploma of secondary education. When applicable, labour market tests (through VDAB and EURES) increase to min. 9 weeks.  

2. Fast-Track for Highly skilled applications

Highly Skilled work permit applications will be prioritized and handled within 15 calendar days starting May 2025. Their function, however, needs to correspond with the level of higher education.

3. Application fee for single permit applications

From January 2026, a €200 application fee will apply to combined work permit applications, both for initial and renewal applications. This will not apply for work permit applications of max. 90 days (within 180 days). Professional card applications will equally require a €200 application fee.

4. Stronger Enforcement and Fraud Prevention

More inspectors and data-driven controls will be used to monitor compliance. Employers who rely heavily on non-EU staff or submit incomplete applications may face higher fines, permit refusals, or on-site housing inspections if exploitation is suspected.

5. Digital Processing Through VLAMA

A new system, VLAMA, will automate application workflows using real-time data from official databases. This aims to reduce errors and improve processing speed, financed by the new €200 permit fee.

What Happens Next?

While the concept note has been approved, the Flemish Government will still translate this into concrete legislation in the coming months. Now is a good time to audit your recruitment and relocation policies and consider partnerships with relocation providers who can help meet future compliance and integration requirements.

At Expat Management Group, we help employers stay ahead of regulatory changes. Want to explore how this policy update could affect your hiring or mobility strategy? Reach out to our team to discuss a tailored approach 📩 belux@expatmanagementgroup.com.