No contract — Toezicht op de Sociale Wetten (FOD WASO)

Direct answer

A contract exists the moment you work for someone under their direction for pay — a written document is proof, not a condition. You have the same rights to the minimum wage, holidays, sick pay and notice as anyone. The employer must give you the written terms within a short deadline (EU rule: essentials within a week). Ask for them in writing. Toezicht op de Sociale Wetten (FOD WASO) (02 233 41 11) inspects undeclared work and the penalties hit the employer, not you; Vakbond (ACV, ABVV, ACLVB) (hetacv.be) represents you; RVA / RSZ / mutualiteit — ombudsdienst (rva.be) can confirm whether you are registered and insured.

Call firstToezicht op de Sociale Wetten (FOD WASO)

Report toVakbond (ACV, ABVV, ACLVB)

If that failsRVA / RSZ / mutualiteit — ombudsdienst

🗣️ What to say

"I have worked for you since [date] as [role], [hours] per week, at [pay]. I have not received a written statement of my terms. Please provide it within 7 days and confirm that I am registered for social security. I also ask for [unpaid wages / holidays] to be paid."

🪜 Step by step

Collect proof of the workMessages, rosters, payslips or cash records, photos at the workplace, colleagues who will confirm.
Ask for the written termsThe employer must provide them. A refusal is itself a breach.
Check your registration: RVA / RSZ / mutualiteit — ombudsdienstYour online social-security account shows whether contributions were paid. If not, the employer owes them retroactively.
Report to Toezicht op de Sociale Wetten (FOD WASO)Inspectorates enforce registration and pay the worker's back contributions from the employer. You can report anonymously.
Claim what you are owed: Vakbond (ACV, ABVV, ACLVB)Wages, holidays, notice — the labour court accepts proof of work in any form.

📇 All contacts

Toezicht op de Sociale Wetten (FOD WASO)Labour inspectorate: inspection, formal notice to the employerAs soon as the wages are late📞 02 233 41 11 🔗 werk.belgie.be/nl/over-de-fod/structuur-van-de-fod/algemene-directie-toezicht-op-de-sociale-wetten

Vakbond (ACV, ABVV, ACLVB)Advice and representation at the labour tribunalFor members; you can join right away🔗 www.hetacv.be

RVA / RSZ / mutualiteit — ombudsdienstBenefits, clawbacks, appeal to the labour courtWithin 3 months of the decision🔗 www.rva.be

ArbeidsrechtbankDismissal, wages, social securityWithin 1 year of the end of employment🔗 www.rechtbanken-tribunaux.be/nl/arbeidsrechtbanken

❓ Frequently asked

Will I get in trouble for working off the books?

The obligation to register and pay contributions is the employer's. Workers rarely face penalties, and inspectorates protect those who report.

Am I a freelancer or an employee?

If they set your hours, your tasks and your tools, you are an employee whatever the invoice says. False self-employment is reclassified by courts and inspectorates.

I was hurt at work and I am not registered

Report the accident anyway — accident insurance covers unregistered workers in most countries and recovers the cost from the employer.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

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“working without contract rights Belgium”
“employer no written contract”
“undeclared work report Belgium”
“false self employment”
“not registered social security employer”

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📄 I work without a written contract or off the books — what are my rights?