1. Who qualifies as a young worker in Belgium?
A young worker in Belgium is anyone under 18 who is at least 15 and no longer in full-time compulsory schooling. They may work provided specific protection rules are respected.
2. Can young workers be hired full-time in Belgium?
No. They may only work full-time once compulsory part-time schooling ends at age 18. Before that, work must fit within legal limits and school obligations.
3. Are young workers allowed to perform all types of work?
No. They cannot perform underground work, dangerous tasks, work that exceeds their physical capacity, or activities that expose them to harmful substances. Many prohibited tasks are listed in Royal Decree 3 May 1999.
4. Can student interns perform dangerous or unhealthy work in Belgium?
No, unless the work is essential for training and strict conditions are met, including supervision by an experienced worker and preventive measures. Exposure to hazardous materials is always prohibited.
5. What are the maximum working hours for young workers in Belgium?
They may work up to 8 hours per day and 38 hours per week. They can never exceed 40 hours per week. These limits apply to both young workers and student interns.
6. Can young workers or interns work overtime?
Only in rare force-majeure cases such as accidents, urgent repairs, or unforeseen necessity. They must receive compensatory rest and, for young workers under contract, overtime pay may apply.
7. Are breaks mandatory for young workers?
Yes. They must receive at least 30 minutes of rest after 4.5 hours of work and 1 hour when working more than 6 hours. They must also have 12 consecutive hours of rest between workdays.
8. Can young workers work on Sundays or public holidays in Belgium?
Generally no. Exceptions exist for cultural events, sports, tourism sectors, or force majeure. Any exception usually requires notifying the Social Laws Inspectorate.
9. Are young workers allowed to work nights in Belgium?
Night work is prohibited between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. For those over 16, work may extend to 10 or 11 p.m. in limited cases, such as cultural events or shift systems. Work between midnight and 4 a.m. is always forbidden.
10. Do student interns have an employment contract in Belgium?
No. A student internship is part of training and is unpaid. However, many labor-law protections still apply because the intern works under supervision.
11. Are student interns entitled to compensation or benefits?
No remuneration is allowed, except reimbursements for real expenses and occasional small gifts. Anything else risks being considered wages.
12. Do work rules apply to student interns?
Yes, to the extent they are relevant. Employers may use their general work rules or create separate rules for interns.
13. What social-document obligations apply when hosting an intern?
Interns must appear in the personnel register. An individual account is not required. Standard social documentation applies unless the internship is under 60 days and equivalent documents already exist.
14. What safety and health obligations must employers follow when hiring young workers or interns?
Employers must provide safety information, assess risks before work begins, implement preventive measures, provide suitable workwear and protective equipment, and maintain proper workplace hygiene.
15. Is a medical examination required for student interns?
Yes. Every intern must undergo a medical exam before or within eight days of starting. If tasks change or involve new risks, another exam may be required.
