Which law is this based on?

Article 37/2 of the Act of 3 July 1978 on employment contracts (single status since 2014, adjusted in 2018), and the Act of 3 June 2026: for contracts from 1 August 2026 the notice is one week in the first six months, and for contracts from 1 June 2026 the employer’s notice is at most 52 weeks.

When does the notice period start?

On the Monday after the week in which the notice takes effect. A registered letter takes effect on the third working day after posting (Saturday counts as a working day, a public holiday does not). A bailiff’s writ or a letter handed over by the employee takes effect the same day.

My contract started before 2014. Is this right?

For your own resignation as an employee, yes: since late 2023 only today’s scale counts. For notice by the employer, not entirely: the period is then worked out in two parts, with the old rules up to the end of 2013. Check with your payroll office or union.

Calendar

Form Z-13

Notice period calculator

For an open-ended employment contract in Belgium. Choose who gives notice, since when the contract runs and when the letter goes. Zegel works out the weeks, the Monday the period starts and the Sunday it ends.

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Explanation

Notice period calculator in three steps

Choose who gives notice
The employer, the employee, or the employee who found a new job while serving the employer’s notice (counter-notice).
Fill in the dates
The start of the contract, the day the letter goes and how: registered letter, bailiff or handed over.
Read your period
The number of weeks under article 37/2 of the Employment Contracts Act, with the day notice takes effect and the last day.

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Good to know

Which law is this based on?
Article 37/2 of the Act of 3 July 1978 on employment contracts (single status since 2014, adjusted in 2018), and the Act of 3 June 2026: for contracts from 1 August 2026 the notice is one week in the first six months, and for contracts from 1 June 2026 the employer’s notice is at most 52 weeks.
When does the notice period start?
On the Monday after the week in which the notice takes effect. A registered letter takes effect on the third working day after posting (Saturday counts as a working day, a public holiday does not). A bailiff’s writ or a letter handed over by the employee takes effect the same day.
My contract started before 2014. Is this right?
For your own resignation as an employee, yes: since late 2023 only today’s scale counts. For notice by the employer, not entirely: the period is then worked out in two parts, with the old rules up to the end of 2013. Check with your payroll office or union.

Sources

What this tool relies on, with the date we checked it.

GovernmentFeestdagenFOD Werkgelegenheid, Arbeid en Sociaal Overleg · checked on 13 October 2026
GovernmentWet van 3 juli 1978 betreffende de arbeidsovereenkomsten, art. 37, 37/1 en 37/2 (Justel, gecoördineerd)FOD Justitie (Belgisch Staatsblad, Justel) · checked on 21 October 2026 · still to be reviewed
GovernmentWetsontwerp tot wijziging van artikel 37/2 (opzegging bij niet meer dan zes maanden anciënniteit), DOC 56 1346, wet van 3 juni 2026Kamer van volksvertegenwoordigers · checked on 21 October 2026 · still to be reviewed

Texts reviewed on 21 October 2026

Zegel checks and calculates, but gives no legal or tax advice. If in doubt, ask your accountant or the relevant authority.

Calendar

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Spotted a mistake?

Notice period calculator

Notice period calculator in three steps

Choose who gives notice

Fill in the dates

Read your period

Good to know

Sources

In the same drawer