What is clandestine work?

Working clandestinely is working in Belgium as a non-Belgian without the permission to work in Belgium. If you are neither a Belgian nor a citizen of a member state of the European Union, you must obtain permission to work from the government. Some foreigners do not need such permission. All the others – and especially if you come from a country outside the European Union – must get permission. Those without a residence permit cannot get this permission. If you work without permission you are working ‘illegally’. Your boss can be punished for this. Clandestine work is almost never declared to the authorities by the boss. If you do work without legal residence, you are therefore probably also working off the books.

Please note: in certain cases, your work as an employee (in spite of a lack of legal residence) will still be declared to Social Security. This is the case for both self-employed workers and employees. In such cases, it is likely that you are entitled to child allowance, Belgian national healthcare insurance and a pension. However, you will not receive unemployment benefits, and for as long as you do not hold a residence permit, you may still be deported if an inspection is carried out. Consequently, your work is legal, however you are considered a clandestine worker.