Flanders Introduces EUR 180 Processing Fee for Single Permit Applications from 1 September 2026

Flanders introduces EUR 180 processing fee for Single Permit applications from 1 September 2026, bringing total cost to EUR 332.

Brussels, 7 July 2026 — Employers in Flanders will face an additional cost when applying for or renewing Single Permits starting 1 September 2026. The Flemish authorities have announced a new government processing fee of EUR 180 per application, adding to the existing Immigration Office fee of EUR 152 and bringing the total government-related cost to EUR 332 per Single Permit application (first‑time or renewal).

Key Details of the New Fee

• Amount: EUR 180 (payable by the employer or their authorised service provider).

• Scope: Applies to both first‑time Single Permit applications and renewals.

• Payment Method: Must be paid through the Single Permit Portal.

• Effective Date: 1 September 2026.

The fee was introduced by a Ministerial Decree from the Flemish Minister of Work, published on 29 June 2026. The Minister stated that “the fee allows the competent authority to achieve efficient processing times without lowering the stricter level of scrutiny.”

Important Distinction: Federal vs. Regional Fees

It is crucial to note that the new Flemish fee applies in addition to the existing federal fee payable to the Immigration Office (DVZ/OE). While the federal fee of EUR 152 applies only to initial applications (not renewals), the new Flemish fee of EUR 180 applies to both initial applications and renewals.

Impact on Employers and Foreign Workers

The new fee adds to the overall cost of hiring and retaining non‑EU talent in Flanders. Employers and HR teams are advised to:

• Budget for the additional EUR 180 per application/renewal.

• Factor the new fee into recruitment and mobility planning.

• Ensure timely submission through the Single Permit Portal to avoid delays.

Flemish Employment Minister Zuhal Demir (N‑VA) justified the fee by stating: “Anyone wishing to recruit migrant workers will bear the financial responsibility themselves. It is not up to the people of Flanders to bear this cost.” She added: “That makes sense. But above all, it is fair and keeps the system healthy.”

Employer Concerns

Employers’ organisation Voka expressed disappointment with the new fee. Gianni Duvillier, labour market expert at Voka, told De Morgen: “To apply for a combined permit, a fee of €152 must already be paid to the Federal Immigration Office. Now there are additional Flemish fees of €180 on top of that. That is cumbersome, especially as it can already take up to 15 weeks for an application to be processed.”

Broader Context

The fee is part of a wider tightening of immigration rules in Flanders. Since 1 January 2026, the region has:

• Banned low‑skilled migrants from outside the EU.

• Severely restricted access for medium‑skilled workers.

• Digitised all Single Permit applications through the “Working in Belgium” portal.

• Introduced an administrative fee of EUR 200 (as of 1 January 2026).

According to Minister Demir, the number of applications for medium‑skilled workers has fallen by 61% since 1 January, while applications for highly skilled workers – the category she wishes to attract – have risen by 12%.

For the latest Belgium Single Permit updates, Flanders immigration fee changes, and work permit cost news for 2026, visit visasupdate.com/blog/categories/belgium.