Notice period when your employer dismisses you
When your employer terminates your contract, your seniority decides how many weeks you remain employed or get paid out. The table is the same for blue-collar and white-collar workers and climbs much higher than for a resignation.
The term according to your seniority
In the first three months it is 1 week. After two years it rises to 12 weeks, after fifteen years to 48 weeks. After twenty years of service you are at 62 weeks, and every year you start after that adds a week.
For contracts starting from 1 August 2026, the term in the first 6 months is 1 week, where it used to rise to 5 weeks. For contracts from 1 June 2026 the maximum is 52 weeks, reached after 17 years.
Sources: FOD Werkgelegenheid, opzeggingstermijnen bij ontslag door de werkgever (contract vanaf 1 januari 2014) (checked on 23 October 2026); Securex Lex4You, kortere opzegtermijnen in de eerste 6 maanden (29 juli 2026, wet van 3 juni 2026) (checked on 23 October 2026); Securex Lex4You, opzeggingstermijn: een plafond van 52 weken voor nieuwe arbeidsovereenkomsten (2 juni 2026, wet van 18 mei 2026) (checked on 23 October 2026)
How your employer must give notice
Your employer may only serve notice by registered letter or through a bailiff; handing you a letter at work is not enough. If the start or length of the term is missing, the notice is void, but the dismissal stands and you are then entitled to compensation.
With a dismissal by the employer, the rules on giving reasons for the dismissal apply as well.
Sources: FOD Werkgelegenheid, ontslag door opzegging: algemene regels (checked on 23 October 2026); FOD Werkgelegenheid, einde van de arbeidsovereenkomst voor onbepaalde tijd (checked on 23 October 2026)
Your rights during the term
During notice you keep working for your normal pay. Your employer can agree with you that you no longer have to work; your pay then continues until the end of the term.
If you are entitled to at least 30 weeks of notice, you can apply to the national employment office (RVA/ONEM) for a budget for employability measures, such as relevant training or career coaching, on top of regular outplacement.
If you fall ill or take holiday during a term your employer gave, the term is suspended and your end date moves later.
Source: FOD Werkgelegenheid, ontslag door opzegging: algemene regels (checked on 23 October 2026)
What is your term?
Choose who gives notice and since when you have been employed, and see your number of weeks and last day straight away.
Frequently asked questions
May my employer dismiss me without a notice period?
Yes, but then your employer pays you compensation in lieu of notice for the weeks you do not work, and the contract ends at once. Without compensation it is only possible for serious cause.
Source: FOD Werkgelegenheid, ontslag met betaling van een opzeggingsvergoeding (checked on 23 October 2026)
How much notice do I get after ten years?
After ten full years it is 33 weeks, for blue-collar and white-collar workers who started after 2013. If you started earlier, the part for your old seniority comes on top.
Sources: FOD Werkgelegenheid, opzeggingstermijnen bij ontslag door de werkgever (contract vanaf 1 januari 2014) (checked on 23 October 2026); FOD Werkgelegenheid, opzeggingstermijn van de bediende, contract gestart vóór 1 januari 2014 (checked on 23 October 2026); FOD Werkgelegenheid, opzeggingstermijn van de werkman, contract gestart vóór 1 januari 2014 (checked on 23 October 2026)
Can I leave if I find a new job during my notice?
Yes, with a counter-notice of at most 4 weeks. You then do not have to work out the full term.
Source: FOD Werkgelegenheid, bijzondere regels (tegenopzegging, pensioen, ziekte, tijdelijke werkloosheid) (checked on 23 October 2026)
General information based on the law and the sources listed. Your collective agreement, your contract and your payroll provider or union remain decisive for your own situation.
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