What is the end-of-year bonus?

The end-of-year bonus is an extra payment that many employees in Belgium receive once a year in December.

This payment is not required by Belgian law. It is determined at sector or company level, through collective labour agreements (CLAs) or internal company rules.

Whether you are entitled to this 13th month salary depends on the sector you work in and the agreement that applies to your employer.

Who can receive an end-of-year bonus in Belgium?

You are entitled to an end-of-year bonus if:

  • your sectoral CLA or your company’s work regulations include it, or
  • your employer voluntarily decides to grant it.

If the CLA of your sector does not provide for an end-of-year bonus, your employer is not legally obliged to pay one. However, some companies still choose to offer it as an extra benefit to their employees.

End-of-year bonus for temporary workers in Belgium

Temporary agency workers (interim employees) can also receive an end-of-year bonus, but specific conditions apply.

You must have worked for one or more recognized Belgian temporary work agencies for at least 65 days (or 494 hours) between 1 July of the previous year and 30 June of the current year.

For example: to receive the end-of-year-bonus in December 2025, you must have worked at least 65 days between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025.

How much is the end-of-year bonus in Belgium?

The gross amount of the end-of-year bonus equals 8.33% of your total gross wages during the reference period. After deductions for social security (13.07%) and withholding tax (23.23%), you usually receive around 66% of the total amount.

How and when is the bonus paid?

If you are employed directly by a Belgian company, the end-of-year bonus is usually paid automatically by your employer. Most employees receive it together with their December salary, or sometimes as a separate payment in January, depending on the rules in their sector.

If you are a temporary worker, you will receive a document from the Social Fund for Temporary Workers (Sociaal Fonds voor de Uitzendkrachten) in December. This document confirms your entitlement and explains how to receive your payment.

If you have not received this letter by the end of December, contact the Social Fund:

  • Sociaal Fonds voor de Uitzendkrachten (SFU-FSI)
  • Havenlaan 86C bus 330, 1000 Brussels
  • +32 2 203 60 95 (9 a.m. – 12 noon)
  • info@sfu-fsi.be

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