Economic migration: labour market test and posting for nine weeks
Since January 1, 2026, the general route of Article 18 requires a VDAB shortage occupation, level 3 or 4 qualification, and prior publication. This route is distinct from categories with special rules.
Article 18, § 1, of the Decree of December 7, 2018 makes admissibility conditional on an offer published on VDAB and EURES platforms for at least nine consecutive weeks in the four months preceding the application. Also verify the occupation is listed on the VDAB list and the required qualification level.
The administration presumes that an appropriate candidate is available if the local tension indicator remains 12 or higher throughout this four-month period, if the offer requirements are disproportionate, or if the employer does not cooperate with VDAB. Document the search and cooperation with placement.
Section 2 provides a presumption of shortage for occupations on the ministerial list. Do not apply the nine-week test indiscriminately to all permit categories; first identify the legal route for recruitment.