Flexi-jobs and student jobs in 2026: new rules, higher ceilings and more sectors

Update 15 October 2026: this article has been checked against the 2026 figures. Student workers may work 650 hours a year at a 2.71 percent contribution, and since May 2026 light work is allowed from age 15. Flexi-jobbers earn tax-free up to 18,440 euros a year; the minimum flexi hourly wage in hospitality has been 12.11 euros since 1 September 2026 (13.04 euros including holiday pay) and the maximum is 21.00 euros (22.61 euros including holiday pay). Since 1 July 2026 flexi-jobs are possible in almost all sectors. The full 2026 rules are in our guide on the flexi-job hourly wage, rules and ceiling: anyshift.be

If you want to earn extra income in Flanders, 2026 is an important year. The federal government has introduced significant changes for both flexi-jobs and student jobs. Higher ceilings, more sectors and adjusted tax rules: it is time to discover what this means for you.

The biggest change for flexi-jobs is the annual ceiling at which your gross pay equals your net pay: it rose from 12,000 euro to 18,000 euro and, indexed, amounts to no less than 18,440 euro for the whole of 2026 (from 1 January). For students, the new limit of 650 hours per year still applies, which has been in force since 2025. In addition, since 1 July 2026 the flexi-job system has been substantially expanded to virtually all sectors through an opt-out mechanism.

In this blog we explain all the new rules, so you know exactly what is changing and how you can earn extra income optimally within the legal limits.

Flexi-jobs in 2026: gross is (almost) net up to 18,440 euro

The biggest change for flexi-jobs is the annual ceiling at which your gross pay equals your net pay: it rose from 12,000 euro to 18,000 euro and, indexed, amounts to no less than 18,440 euro for the whole of 2026 (from 1 January). In concrete terms this means: no taxes on your flexi-income until you reach that amount. This indexed ceiling makes earning extra income even more attractive than before.

For everyone who already works four-fifths or full-time, or for pensioners who want to earn a bit extra, this is good news. You can now work more hours with a tax advantage without the taxman taking a share of your pay.

From hospitality emergency measure to structural labour market pillar

When flexi-jobs were introduced in 2015, they were mainly intended to help the hospitality sector cope with peak moments. Think of a busy weekend or a culinary festival. Now, more than ten years later, the federal government has substantially expanded the system. Since 1 July 2026, virtually all sectors can deploy flexi-jobs.

How does that work? The new rule reverses the principle: flexi-jobs are in principle allowed everywhere, except in the sectors that remain excluded through an opt-out (Royal Decree of 30 August 2026): agriculture, horticulture, domestic workers, funeral directors and sea fishing, with a few exceptions. Artistic functions also remain excluded. This so-called opt-out mechanism gave sectors the choice themselves, but it does open doors that were previously closed.

Want to know in which sectors flexi-jobs are possible near you? Check our flexi-job and student job locations for an overview.

Student jobs in 2026: 650 hours and a higher tax exemption

Important changes have also been introduced for students, although some of them have already been in force since the start of 2025. From the 2025 calendar year, as a student you may work 650 hours per year under the favourable student status. That is a considerable increase compared to the 600 hours in 2023 and 2024 (and the 475 hours before that).

Within those 650 hours you pay reduced social contributions. Do you work more? Then the normal contributions apply for each additional hour, just like for a regular employee. But there is good news there too: you can therefore work more, just without the tax advantage.

In Flanders you keep your right to the growth package (child benefit) if you work no more than 650 hours per year and a maximum of 80 hours per month. If you stick to these limits, you retain all the benefits. For many students this is the key: flexible extra income without losing your tax or social benefits.

Looking for great student jobs in your region? At AnyShift you will find plenty of shifts in hospitality, retail, events and more.

Who can do flexi-jobs in 2026?

Not everyone can simply take on a flexi-job. The basic rule remains: you must work at least four-fifths in a main occupation, or you are retired. Those are the two large groups that qualify.

For employees this means in concrete terms: you have a permanent job of at least 80%, and in addition you may earn extra with a flexi-job. For pensioners it is a nice way to stay active and earn a bit extra, without having to give up part of their pension through high taxes.

Something else that is changing: the ban on working for affiliated companies disappears. Previously you were not allowed to do a flexi-job at a company linked to your main employer. That restriction is being scrapped, which gives more flexibility.

RSZ contribution and evaluation mechanism

The special employer contribution amounts to 28% for flexi-jobs, calculated on the flexi-wage plus the flexi holiday pay of 7.67%. This percentage rose from 25% to 28% on 1 January 2024 and remains at 28% in 2025 and 2026. For employers this is something to take into account, but it remains more attractive than regular employment.

New is the mandatory evaluation mechanism. Each sector must check annually whether the use of flexi-jobs leads to the displacement of permanent employees, whether there are sufficient safety measures, and whether other problems arise. This is meant to counter abuse and ensure that flexi-jobs retain their intended function: flexible extra income, without threatening permanent jobs.

Specifically for the hospitality sector there is another nice change. Since 1 July 2026 the maximum hourly wage for flexi-jobs in hospitality has been a fixed 21.00 euros per hour (22.61 euros including holiday pay). This gives employers the chance to pay experienced chefs or floor managers market-conform wages within the flexi-status. Since 1 September 2026 the flexi-minimum wage in hospitality has been at least 12.11 euros per hour (13.04 euros including holiday pay).

Want to know more about exactly how flexi-jobs work and which conditions apply? Take a look at our frequently asked questions for all the answers.

Practical tips to get started

Are you a student or do you work full-time and want to earn extra income? Here are a few practical steps:

Become a shifter at AnyShift too and decide for yourself when and where you work. Or are you an employer? Discover how you can deploy flexi-jobbers and students to handle peaks.

Stay up to date with new rules

The labour market keeps changing, and that also applies to flexi-jobs and student jobs. New laws, adjusted ceilings, extra sectors: it pays to stay informed. So regularly follow our blogs for the latest updates and practical tips.

With the changes that took effect in 2026, flexible working becomes more accessible than ever. Whether you are a student who wants to earn a bit extra, or you work full-time and want to do extra shifts in your free time: the opportunities are there. The higher ceiling of 18,440 euro for flexi-jobs and the expanded quota of 650 hours for students give you more financial breathing room. And with the expansion to almost all sectors, you are guaranteed to find something that suits you.

Start earning flexible extra income today

The rules are clear, the opportunities are there. Now it is up to you to get started. Whether you are looking for extra income, or simply want to gain some extra experience in another sector: flexi-jobs and student jobs are the solution.

---

---