Active on Belgian construction sites? Check-in and check-out mandatory as of 2027
Attendance registration on Belgian construction sites was introduced to create more transparency about who is actually working on a construction site and thus to better combat social fraud and illegal employment. From 1 April 2027 , this system will be reinforced: the current Checkinatwork will be replaced by Check In and Out at Work for works in immovable property with a total value of at least EUR 500,000 excluding VAT. This obligation also applies to foreign employers and their subcontractors working in Belgium.
What will change?
Today, registration at the start of work is sufficient. From 1 April 2027, both the start and the end of work must be registered.
Just as important: from now on, registration will have to be done in real time and at the workplace itself. While today the employer or contractor often carries out registration in advance based on planning, this will no longer be possible. Employees, temporary workers, self-employed persons and trainees will have to register themselves when they enter and leave the site.
How does the registration work?
Registration can be done via:
- a QR code on site;
- an internet link;
- a badge or time registration system linked to the NSSO application;
- other recognised means of registration accepted by the administration.
In practice, this means that employees must have access to a suitable means of registration, often a smartphone or badge. For temporary workers, the client-user of the workforce must provide a solution for this.
Why act now?
Although the obligation will not enter into force until 1 April 2027, we recommend that you anticipate its impact now.
For many companies, this change means much more than an administrative adjustment:
- Existing internal procedures need to be adapted;
- Workers and subcontractors should be informed and trained;
- Employers must verify whether everyone has the necessary means of registration;
- Digital time registration or badge systems may need to be adapted or integrated;
- Foreign workers must be familiarized with the new working method.
Companies that still work with prior registrations or central administrative processing today will have to thoroughly rethink their processes.
Extra attention for foreign companies
Foreign contractors and subcontractors often underestimate the practical consequences of this change. Employees who are sent to Belgium temporarily must not only have the correct Limosa declaration and A1 documents, but from 2027 onwards they will also have to register in person and on site when they arrive and leave the site.
A lack of preparation can lead to practical problems on site and increased attention from the social inspection office.
Already mandatory in the cleaning sector
Check In and Out at Work has already been in place for certain cleaning services on immovable property since September 2024. This means that nothing will change for this sector.
Our tip
2026 will be the year of preparation. Don’t wait until the last minute to evaluate your procedures, subcontractor chain, and registration systems. Companies that regularly carry out work through foreign employees or subcontractors would certainly do well to check in good time whether their current working method still complies with future regulations.
Van Havermaet is closely following further developments and is happy to support you in preparing for these new obligations.