Meal vouchers: what will change from 2026?
October 2025 - Good news for those who offer meal vouchers: from 1 January 2026, the value per day worked may increase from €8 to €10. The federal government intends to strengthen the purchasing power of workers. But what does this mean for you as an employer?
No automatic increase
The new ceiling does not mean that your employees will automatically receive more meal vouchers from 2026 onwards. The increase is only a possibility. Whether you actually have to pay a supplement depends on what has been agreed in your sector or what you decide yourself at company level.
Our advice? Wait for sectoral negotiations before taking action. This way, you will avoid having to pay twice if a sectoral obligation still arises.
What about taxation?
The tax authorities continue to pay part of the bill. Currently, employers can deduct £2 per cheque for tax purposes. Those who actually increase the amount to more than £8 from 2026 will benefit from an additional deduction of £2. Please note: only increases above the current ceiling of £8 will be taken into account. The increase from £6 to £8 therefore does not bring any additional benefits.
Other changes on the horizon
The coalition agreement provides for the maximum amount to be increased at a later date:
to €10 in 2026 (confirmed)
possibly to £12 in 2027 (still uncertain)
It also envisages expanding the scope of expenditure for meal vouchers and phasing out eco, sports and culture vouchers. For the time being, it is not yet clear when and how this will happen.
Follow the news
For the time being, this is an agreement in principle by the Federal Council of Ministers. The measure will only become official once it has been published in the Belgian Official Gazette.
