Working Days – Belgium
In Belgium, the year includes 10 statutory public holidays that constitute non-working days for employees and businesses. The system provides a make-up mechanism: when a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday becomes a compensatory non-working day.
Annual summary
| Other year | Working days | |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 252 | |
| 2026 | 253 | |
| 2027 | 254 | |
| 2028 | 252 |
Need to calculate business days between two specific dates? Belgium business days calculator
Frequently asked questions
What happens when a statutory public holiday falls on a Sunday?
When a statutory public holiday coincides with a Sunday, the following Monday automatically becomes a compensatory non-working day (make-up day). The employee receives the compensatory rest without loss of remuneration.
How many statutory public holidays does Belgium have each year?
Belgium has 10 statutory public holidays, fixed or moveable according to the calendar: New Year's Day, Easter Monday, Labour Day, Ascension Day, Whit Monday, National Day, Assumption of Mary, All Saints' Day, Armistice Day, and Christmas Day.
Do statutory public holidays in Belgium differ by region?
No, Belgium applies a unified calendar of 10 statutory public holidays at the national level. There are no additional regional or community public holidays; the status is identical for Wallonia, Flanders, and Brussels.
How should working hours be treated if an employee works on a statutory public holiday?
In Belgium, working on a statutory public holiday may entitle an employee to increased remuneration or an additional compensatory day off, according to the collective bargaining agreement or employment contract. The standard working week remains set at 38 hours.
Is July 21st (National Day) automatically a non-working day?
Yes, July 21st (Belgian National Day) is a statutory public holiday that is automatically a non-working day. If it falls on a Sunday, the following Monday becomes the compensatory day. This date commemorates the constitutional oath of 1831.