Working as a volunteer in Belgium

Volunteering in Belgium is voluntary, unpaid and altruistic. Citizens of the European Union may volunteer under the same conditions as Belgian nationals. However, you must follow the social security regulations.

A clear legal framework provides security for both volunteers and organisations.

You are considered a volunteer (legislation of 3 July 2005, in French) if:

  1. you carry out an activity free of charge and without obligation,
  2. the work is coordinated by an organisation outside your family or private circle,
  3. you carry out this work for a person or group that does not make a profit from your work:
    • one or more non-profit-making individuals,
    • a non-profit-making group,
    • a de facto non-profit-making association,
    • a legal entity under private or public law pursuing a non-profit purpose,
    • society as a whole.
Important
You can't volunteer if you're already carrying out the same activity in a professional capacity for the same organisation.

As a citizen of the European Union, you may carry out voluntary work on Belgian territory.

Voluntary work abroad is only subject to Belgian legislation if:

  • the activity is organised in Belgium, and
  • your main residence is in Belgium.

No legislation stipulates a minimum or maximum duration. You may withdraw from your agreement at any time.

Out of respect, please inform the organisation in good time and appropriately.

Before you start volunteering with an organisation, they must at least inform you of the following:

  • the organisation’s charitable purpose,
  • the organisation’s legal status (does it have a legal personality, is it a de facto association…?),
  • if it is a de facto association: the identity of the organisation’s responsible persons,
  • whether you receive an expense allowance for your voluntary work and, if so, how and when,
  • whether, as a volunteer, you may become aware of information covered by medical confidentiality (Article 458 of the Criminal Code, in French), and
  • what liability rules apply should you cause damage, and whether the organisation has insurance covering this and other risks.

These rules apply regardless of your nationality, provided you are covered by the Belgian social security system.

Are you unemployed?

You must inform the National Employment Office (NEO) in writing before starting your voluntary work.

If the NEO does not respond within two weeks of receiving a complete declaration, you may assume that voluntary work is permitted. You will also retain your benefits.

Are you unable to work?

If so, you must consult the medical adviser at your health insurance fund in advance. If the activity is compatible with your state of health, you are permitted to do voluntary work.

Yes. Voluntary work is unpaid, but you can receive reimbursement of expenses if your organisation provides for this.

Two systems exist. The organisation chooses one or the other (or neither) in most cases.

  1. Reimbursement of actual costs
    • based on evidence (invoices, receipts, mileage allowance, etc.)
    • no maximum amount
    • no social contributions
    • no need for reporting on your Belgian tax return
  2. Lump-sum allowance
    • amounts limited by a daily and annual maximum (index-linked amounts)
    • no social contributions, provided the maximum amounts are not exceeded. No need for reporting on your Belgian tax return.

The two systems can also be combined:

  • one allowance and
  • reimbursement of travel expenses up to a limit of 2,000 km per year.

This limit does not apply to transporting people.

Information on volunteering, the status of volunteers and the High Council for Volunteers can be found on the High Council for Volunteers’ website (in French).

Websites on volunteering by language community: