The pay standard, which determines how much wages may increase over the next two years, is set by the interprofessional social dialogue. If the social partners cannot agree, the government will decide the level of the pay standard. This Royal Decree has now been published in the Moniteur belge.
A pay standard of 0%: what does this mean?
This means that for the period 2025-2026, there will be no pay rise beyond the index or scale increases.
Wages will not increase in 2025-2026 compared to 2023-2024. The pay standard is designed to ensure that Belgian wages do not rise too quickly compared to our three largest neighbouring countries (the Netherlands, Germany, and France). This helps to protect the competitive strength of Belgium, which is mainly an export country.
And the index?
The automatic wage indexation will remain unaffected, as stated in the coalition agreement. Wages will continue to be linked to inflation.
Read more: "What does the coalition agreement 2025-2029 bring?"
This ensures that the purchasing power of citizens is protected.
The Federal Planning Bureau predicts that the central index will only be exceeded in January 2026.
Read more: "Inflation forecasts [02/09/2025] | Federal Planning Bureau"
An increase in meal vouchers
Starting from January 1, 2026, the maximum value of meal vouchers will increase by 2 euros, allowing the value of a meal voucher to reach up to 10 euros.
Importantly, as an employer, you are not required to implement this increase. However, your sector may decide otherwise. We recommend waiting for the 2025-2026 negotiations in your sector.
Additionally, from January 1, 2026, there will also be a doubling of the tax-deductible amount per voucher (from 2 € to 4 € with the increase from 8 € to 10 €).
This measure still needs to be enacted into legislation.
Read more: "David Clarinval announces an increase in meal vouchers by 2 euros starting in 2026"
Sector negotiations
Now that the pay standard has been published, sectors can gradually begin negotiations. We expect these to start in October.
What does Securex do for you?
We will continue to monitor the sectoral negotiations for you. As soon as there is more news, you will find it on Lex4you.
