Bereavement leave in Belgium
Since the Law of 27 June 2021, Belgian workers have expanded bereavement leave rights.
10 days for partner or child
Spouse, legal or de facto cohabitant, child, foster child. First 3 days fully paid by the employer. See Wegbegleiter app (wegbegleiterapp.com).
3 days for close family
Parents, in-laws, grandchildren, sons/daughters-in-law.
1 day for other relatives
Siblings, non-cohabiting grandparents.
Procedure
Notify employer, provide extract of death certificate.
Frequently asked questions
- Full pay?
- First 3 days yes; days 4–10 depend on sectoral CBA and RIZIV/INAMI.
- Can the employer refuse?
- No, it is a statutory right.
Wegbegleiter – the app for difficult moments
The Wegbegleiter app (wegbegleiterapp.com) guides you step by step: checklists, letter templates and an encrypted emergency folder – free to start.