Belgium’s Interfederal Screening Committee (ISC) has reviewed 155 foreign-investment cases since July 2023 and imposed corrective measures on three transactions in aerospace, semiconductors and software, according to figures released on 29 October 2025.
The measures—ranging from third-party custodianship of source code to mandated compliance officers—affected investors from Canada, China and the United States. Two deals were withdrawn voluntarily after questions from the ISC, while 139 were approved outright.
Although the screening regime principally safeguards national security, mobility stakeholders should note that acquisitions of logistics or HR-tech providers could trigger scrutiny, delaying relocations tied to mergers and carve-outs. The ISC’s publication fulfils EU Regulation 2019/452 obligations and signals a proactive stance ahead of the bloc-wide Foreign Subsidies Regulation.
For multinational employers planning green-field expansions, early engagement with regional trade agencies is advisable. Failure to anticipate information requests can stall project timelines and, by extension, work-permit filings for inbound assignees.
The data also reassure expatriates: the vast majority of investments proceed unhindered, supporting Belgium’s reputation as an open economy and a prime hub for EU headquarters.
The measures—ranging from third-party custodianship of source code to mandated compliance officers—affected investors from Canada, China and the United States. Two deals were withdrawn voluntarily after questions from the ISC, while 139 were approved outright.
Although the screening regime principally safeguards national security, mobility stakeholders should note that acquisitions of logistics or HR-tech providers could trigger scrutiny, delaying relocations tied to mergers and carve-outs. The ISC’s publication fulfils EU Regulation 2019/452 obligations and signals a proactive stance ahead of the bloc-wide Foreign Subsidies Regulation.
For multinational employers planning green-field expansions, early engagement with regional trade agencies is advisable. Failure to anticipate information requests can stall project timelines and, by extension, work-permit filings for inbound assignees.
The data also reassure expatriates: the vast majority of investments proceed unhindered, supporting Belgium’s reputation as an open economy and a prime hub for EU headquarters.
