Minimum Wage in Belgium
Belgium's national minimum wage, the guaranteed average minimum monthly income (GMMMI), is €2,233.61 gross a month from 1 July 2026 for full-time workers aged 18 and over. It rose by 35 euros on 1 April 2026 under the 2021 social agreement, then by 2% on 1 July with indexation.
Belgium sets its national minimum wage as a monthly amount, the guaranteed average minimum monthly income (GMMMI). The social partners fix it in collective agreement 43 of the National Labour Council, and it is indexed when the cost of living passes set thresholds. Most sectors have higher minimum scales set by their joint committee, which take priority when they are higher.
Belgium minimum wage (GMMMI) in 2026
Belgium minimum wage history, 2022 to 2026
Who the minimum wage covers
Collective agreement 43 applies to workers aged 18 and over who work full time under an employment contract. It does not apply to students aged 18 to 20 on a student contract, to family firms that employ only relatives, or to workers usually employed for less than a calendar month. No 2027 amount had been set on 3 November 2026; the next change will come from indexation.
What an employer pays on top
Private-sector employers pay a general social security rate of 25% on gross pay. The structural reduction lowers the employer's contributions on low pay, so the cost at the minimum wage is lower than €2,792.01 a month. Read the full breakdown in our guide to hiring in Belgium. Hiring in Belgium? We place remote professionals across Europe, with a shortlist of 3 within 21 days. See how placement works.
This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change and collective agreements can set different terms. Confirm with a local accountant or lawyer before you hire.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in Belgium in 2026?
€2,233.61 gross a month from 1 July 2026 for full-time workers aged 18 and over. It was €2,189.81 from 1 April 2026 and €2,154.11 from 1 January 2026.
Why did the Belgian minimum wage change twice in 2026?
On 1 April 2026 it rose by 35 euros gross, the third phase of the 2021 social agreement, under CCT 43/18. On 1 July 2026 it rose 2% to €2,233.61 through indexation.
Is there an hourly minimum wage in Belgium?
No. Collective agreement 43 sets a monthly amount for workers aged 18 and over on full-time hours.
Do sector minimums apply in Belgium?
Yes. Joint committees set minimum pay scales for their sector, and many are higher than the GMMMI. The higher amount applies.
What will the minimum wage be in 2027?
No 2027 amount had been set on 3 November 2026. The GMMMI is indexed when the cost of living passes set thresholds, so the next change will come from indexation.
Sources
- National Labour Council, Amounts of collective agreements at 1 July 2026. Checked 3 Nov 2026.
- National Labour Council, CCT 43/18 of 24 March 2026. Checked 3 Nov 2026.
- Brussels Economy and Employment, Single permit: minimum pay. Checked 3 Nov 2026.
- ONSS, Instructions administratives 2026/3, Les cotisations de sécurité sociale. Checked 3 Nov 2026.
