Working hours

Working hours in Belgium vary according to employer, position, the industry in which you’re employed and the regional or industry collective agreements that apply to your employer.

The standard working week is 38 hours in Belgium. Most people work Monday till Friday, from 9 till 17. Under Belgian law, overtime rates must be paid for all work in excess of eight hours per day or 39 hours per week, and every employee must be given at least one 24-hour rest period each week. Work time is normally limited to 11 hours per day and 50 hours per week, although these limits can be exceeded if the collective agreement allows it and the employer has obtained the permission of the works council.