Belgium observes All Saints’ Day (La Toussaint/Allerheiligen) as a public holiday on 1 November, and this year the date falls on a Saturday, compounding weekend closures. The Brussels Times notes that most supermarkets, banks and all government offices – including municipal population desks and the Immigration Office – will close for the full day. SNCB/NMBS will operate a reduced Sunday timetable, and De Lijn and TEC buses will run holiday schedules.
For expatriates awaiting residence-permit pick-up or intending to lodge renewal files, communes will not reopen until Monday 3 November. Companies should therefore adjust onboarding timelines and advise inbound assignees to travel with entry visas and employment contracts in case of random police checks.
Retail exceptions include convenience stores under 200 m² and shops in designated tourist zones, which may open at the manager’s discretion. Brussels Airport and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges will operate as normal, but customs staff levels will be reduced; logistics providers warn of slower clearance for express shipments.
Traditionally, Belgians visit family graves and traffic around cemeteries can be heavy. Business travellers should factor in road congestion on the Brussels Ring and E19 toward Leuven and Mechelen. Ride-hailing surge pricing is also likely.
While All Saints’ Day is not a major commercial holiday, its impact on administrative processes makes it a critical calendar date for global-mobility teams managing Belgian assignments.
For expatriates awaiting residence-permit pick-up or intending to lodge renewal files, communes will not reopen until Monday 3 November. Companies should therefore adjust onboarding timelines and advise inbound assignees to travel with entry visas and employment contracts in case of random police checks.
Retail exceptions include convenience stores under 200 m² and shops in designated tourist zones, which may open at the manager’s discretion. Brussels Airport and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges will operate as normal, but customs staff levels will be reduced; logistics providers warn of slower clearance for express shipments.
Traditionally, Belgians visit family graves and traffic around cemeteries can be heavy. Business travellers should factor in road congestion on the Brussels Ring and E19 toward Leuven and Mechelen. Ride-hailing surge pricing is also likely.
While All Saints’ Day is not a major commercial holiday, its impact on administrative processes makes it a critical calendar date for global-mobility teams managing Belgian assignments.
Fonte: The Brussels Times
