Belgium reformed its dismissal law in 2014, creating a single employment status for blue- and white-collar workers and a clear notice framework.
Hiring
Contracts can be permanent or fixed-term; written form is needed for fixed-term and certain clauses. The old probation period was largely replaced by the reformed notice rules.
Notice based on seniority
An employer who ends a contract gives notice that scales with seniority (set in weeks), or pays an indemnity in lieu. There is generally no prior authorisation for an ordinary dismissal.
Motivating the dismissal
Under the relevant collective agreement, an employee can ask for the reasons for the dismissal, and a manifestly unreasonable dismissal can lead to damages. Protected workers — for example pregnant employees and staff representatives — have additional safeguards.
For foreign employers
Seniority calculations, region/language and the motivation duty reward local input. A verified Belgian colleague can calculate notice and manage the process.
Notice formulas and protections change — confirm with admitted Belgian counsel.