Flexi-jobs in retail: what changes on 1 October 2025?

Flexi-jobs have been a popular system for years in sectors such as retail and hospitality in Flanders. They give employees the chance to earn extra income tax-free, and give employers added flexibility. But from 1 October 2025, quite a lot changes in the legislation around flexi-jobs.

In this blog you will read what exactly changes, why the reforms were introduced, and how best to prepare yourself as an employee or employer.

Want to know more about flexi-jobs in general? Also take a look at our frequently asked questions.

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What is a flexi-job?

A flexi-job is an employment contract in which an employee with a main job (or a pensioner) can earn extra income tax-free with another employer. The social security contributions are low, and the employee receives the wage paid out net. Employers pay a fixed RSZ contribution and are exempt from payroll withholding tax.

Flexi-jobs are allowed in certain sectors such as:

• Retail (shops, supermarkets)
• Hospitality
• Logistics
• Hairdressers and beauty care
• Sports and culture sector

Are you a student and want to know the difference with a student job? Then take a look at: Student jobs vs. Flexi-jobs.

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Why are there new rules?

The government wants to make the system fairer and easier to monitor. Flexi-jobs are advantageous, but according to critics they also lead to abuse:

• Unfair competition with traditional employees
• Too little social protection
• Non-transparent wage structures
• Problems with RSZ and Dimona declarations

The reform is meant to ensure that flexi-jobs remain targeted, without displacing regular jobs or circumventing social security contributions.

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What changes on 1 October 2025?

The new rules apply to both employees and employers. Here are the main changes:

1. Restriction of sectors

Not all sectors may still use flexi-job workers. The federal government has drawn up a list of permitted sectors. Retail remains allowed, but some adjacent sectors (such as the food industry or the automotive sector) are dropped.

➡️ Do you work with flexi-job workers? Check whether your sector is still eligible.

2. Stricter conditions for employees

Not everyone will simply be able to earn extra income anymore:

• You must work at least 4/5ths in your main job (or be retired)
• Employees with a temporary contract are no longer eligible
• Working on a temp-agency basis as your main activity no longer counts as a valid status

👉 You can find more information about who may work via AnyShift on our page for shifters.

3. Maximum amount per quarter

There will be a new limit on the exempt income that you may earn through flexi-jobs per quarter.

If you exceed this limit:

• The surplus is taxed as normal income
• You pay ordinary social security contributions
• The employer must make additional Dimona declarations

➡️ Do you work with a digital platform such as AnyShift? Then we keep track of that automatically for you.

4. Stricter Dimona declaration

From now on, a timely Dimona declaration must be made for every shift. The government will monitor more closely and impose penalties for late or incorrect declarations.

With tools such as the AnyShift app, this administrative obligation is handled fully automatically. View our locations and support.

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What are the consequences for employees?

The new rules provide more clarity, but they also limit accessibility. As an employee it is crucial that you:

• Know your status (do you work at least 4/5ths?)
• Keep track of your income (so as not to exceed the quarterly limit)
• Are correctly registered (Dimona, contract, RSZ)

Flexi-jobbing is therefore becoming more regulated, but remains attractive if you work within the rules.

📲 Download our app to quickly find shifts in your area:
– Google Play Store (Belgium)
– Apple App Store (Belgium)

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What do the new rules mean for employers?

For shops, supermarkets, boutiques and other retail businesses, flexi-job workers are often a solution during busy periods. But the administration is becoming heavier:

• Dimona declarations are mandatory per shift
• Checks on sector and employee status
• Restriction on deployment per quarter

A manual approach becomes almost impossible. A digital platform such as AnyShift helps you to:

• Draw up contracts automatically
• Only match legally permitted profiles
• Digitise your entire flexible staff management

Are you an employer? Take a look at our solutions for businesses.

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The future of flexi-jobs: digital and transparent

The regulations are becoming more complex, but that does not have to be a stumbling block. By using modern digital tools, such as AnyShift, businesses and employees can stay worry-free and legally compliant.

Flexi-jobs are far from over. They evolve along with the market. And those who adapt well still get the most out of them.

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Frequently asked questions about flexi-jobs

For more information about student work, flexi-jobs and digital employment, take a look at our:

• Frequently asked questions
• All blogs and insights
• Flexi-job & student job locations