Changes in 2026 to the student self-employed status.

Details

• Source: https://news.belgium.be/nl/wijzigingen-betreffende-het-statuut-van-student-zelfstandige
• Decision: Council of Ministers, 3 April 2026 (draft Royal Decree)
• Status: draft submitted to the Council of State for advice

What changes? (summary of the source)

1. Declaration on honour abolished at the start of the academic year; study-load condition is checked afterwards based on transcripts.
2. Alternative proof abolished for the “regular attendance” condition in case of supervision of an entrepreneurship project.
3. Keep the status in the graduation quarter even if the study-load condition is not met for the full quarter.
4. Thesis/final paper: even with fewer than 27 credits (or 17 class hours), the status can be kept for up to one year while preparing a final thesis.
5. Age limit 25 abolished.

Legal reference (as cited)

Draft Royal Decree amending article 5bis of the Royal Decree of 19 December 1967 (general regulation implementing Royal Decree no. 38 of 27 July 1967 on the social status of the self-employed).