Maximum working time in Belgium (2026)

Last reviewed: 30 October 2026

In short: The normal working week is 38 hours, on average over a reference period, and daily working time is 8 hours in principle. Workers are entitled to 11 consecutive hours of rest between two work sessions.

RuleWhat applies
Maximum average weekly working timeEmployees (adults) in general employment38 hours [1]
Maximum daily working timeEmployees (adults) in general employment8 hours a day in principle; 9 hours if the worker works no more than 5.5 days a week; 10 hours if the worker is away from home more than 14 hours a day because of distance. [1]
Minimum daily restEmployees (adults) in general employment11 hours [1]
Minimum weekly restEmployees (adults) in general employmentThe 11-hour daily rest is added to the 24-hour Sunday rest (or the compensatory rest for Sunday work), giving a weekly rest of 35 consecutive hours. [1]
Normal full-time working weekEmployees (adults) in general employment38 effective hours a week, or 38 hours on average over a reference period; effective weekly time cannot in principle exceed 40 hours. [1]
Individual opt-out from the weekly maximumEmployees (adults) in general employment⚠ Not yet verified

Notes

  • The general rule is 38 effective hours a week, or 38 on average over a reference period; effective weekly time cannot in principle exceed 40 hours. Sector agreements may set less than 38. Derogations allow up to 11 hours a day and 50 hours a week (shift work), and 12 hours a day in continuous work.
  • Derogations exist, for example 11 hours a day in successive shift work and 12 hours in continuous work for technical reasons.
  • Shorter rest is allowed in force majeure, split-shift work such as restaurants, shift changes and other cases set by sector agreement.
  • The page read does not mention an individual opt-out from the weekly limit.

Sources

  1. FPS Employment, Labour and Social Dialogue: Working time and rest periods (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources

Compare all countries →

General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.