Flexi-jobs in all sectors from 1 July 2026: what makes the system so attractive?
From 1 July 2026, flexi-jobs will in principle become possible in every sector. What started in hospitality and later expanded to care, retail and events is becoming a system that can be used across almost the entire economy. For anyone looking to earn extra alongside a main job or a pension, that is big news.
But what exactly is changing? And why do more people choose a flexi-job every year? In this article, we go through the new rules, with the figures included. Please note: at the time of writing, the law still needs to complete the full legislative process, so some details are subject to confirmation.
What changes on 1 July 2026?
The biggest change is the extension to all sectors. Until now, a flexi-job was only allowed in a limited list of joint committees. From 1 July, the logic flips: flexi-jobs are possible everywhere, unless a sector itself decides to opt out.
This opt-out happens through a collective labour agreement within the joint committee. Sectors can still opt in or out on a quarterly basis during 2026. In practice: a flexi-job may be possible in your sector, but it is worth checking first.
A few other important changes:
Care roles can now be filled via a flexi-job, provided you hold the required diploma. Artistic and technical-artistic roles remain excluded.
The care sectors (joint committees 330, 331 and 332) can set a maximum volume of flexi-hours, similar to the 20% limit already in place in childcare.
If you work full-time at an affiliated company, you may now do a flexi-job within that group.
Pensioners are now assessed on the current quarter rather than two quarters earlier, so you can start sooner after retiring.
How much can you earn?
For people who are not yet retired, an annual ceiling of €18,440 can be earned tax-free (assessment year 2026). Stay below that amount and you pay no personal income tax on your flexi-wage. For pensioners there is no ceiling at all: they can earn unlimited amounts through a flexi-job.
The hourly wage depends on the sector. In hospitality a specific rule applies: a minimum of €11.87 and a maximum of €21 per hour (a fixed amount, not a percentage). In other sectors the familiar 150% rule remains: the flexi-wage may be up to 150% of the sector’s base wage. Good to know: statutory supplements, such as a Sunday bonus, no longer count towards that ceiling.
For reference: in the third quarter of 2025 the average flexi hourly wage was €15.86, with an average income of around €446 per month.
Why is a flexi-job so attractive?
The appeal lies in the combination of net pay and flexibility. Because you pay no ordinary social contributions and (below the ceiling) no taxes, you keep almost all of your flexi-wage net. An example: a full-time employee earning €3,000 gross keeps about €2,481 net; with a flexi-job added, that becomes around €2,943, a difference of more than €460.
It is attractive for employers too, who pay only 28% in employer contributions on the flexi-wage. And then there is the freedom: you largely decide when and how much you work. On AnyShift you choose your own shifts and see your net earnings straight away.
Who is it for?
A flexi-job is meant as a side income, not a main job. If you are not retired, you must have worked at least 4/5 with another employer two quarters earlier. The audience is broad: today around 52% of flexi-jobbers are women and 48% men, 8 in 10 are Flemish, and the largest age group is 25 to 39.
Not sure if a flexi-job suits your situation? Check our frequently asked questions or explore the flexi-job and student job locations near you.
What should you watch out for?
The system has also drawn criticism. Unions warn that flexi-jobs may displace permanent contracts and put pressure on social security funding. For you, the key thing is to keep an eye on your ceiling: earn more than €18,440 and you lose the tax benefit on the surplus. Keep in mind too that rules can differ per sector because of the opt-out. Employers looking for staff can find more info on the for businesses page.
Ready to start?
The extension to all sectors makes 2026 the ideal moment to start a flexi-job. Browse all our student jobs and blogs for more tips.
Want to work flexibly, earn extra or find a student job? Download the free AnyShift app:
App Store (iPhone): apps.apple.com
Google Play Store (Android): play.google.com
