Understanding holiday pay in Belgium can be confusing, especially for those used to the more familiar “paid time off” model found in other countries. In Belgium, full-time white-collar employees covered under the JC 200 Collective Bargaining Agreement are entitled to a unique system of holiday pay called the double pécule de vacances.
What Is the Double Pécule de Vacances?
The double pécule de vacances is a holiday bonus equal to 92% of an employee’s monthly gross salary. It is typically paid once per year, usually in May or June, as a lump-sum payment.
This bonus supplements the smaller amount employees receive when they actually take time off. Together, these payments ensure that workers receive full and fair holiday compensation, even if the structure looks different compared to standard paid leave systems.
How Holiday Pay Is Structured
Holiday pay in Belgium is divided into two parts:
Component | Amount | Timing | Details |
Leave Pay | ~€500 | When leave is taken | About 10% of gross monthly salary |
Holiday Bonus | €4,600 | May or June | 92% of €5,000 (monthly gross salary in this example) |
Total Benefit | €5,100 | Over the year | Slightly more than one month’s gross salary |
Example:
For an employee earning €5,000/month gross:
They get ~€500 when taking vacation.
They receive a €4,600 holiday bonus in May or June.
Their total annual leave compensation is €5,100, slightly more than a full month's salary.
Why Is the System Designed This Way?
Belgium’s holiday pay system is based on longstanding labor policies and offers several advantages:
Financial Boost: The lump-sum bonus provides extra funds during the typical vacation season (summer).
Retention Incentive: The full bonus is granted based on service in the previous calendar year, encouraging employee retention.
Administrative Efficiency: By separating holiday pay from regular time-off wages, companies simplify tax and social security administration.
What If You’re a New Hire?
Employees who did not work the full previous calendar year receive a pro-rated holiday bonus. The amount depends on how many months they worked during that year. For example, someone hired in July would receive roughly half the full bonus the following year.
If you're new to the Belgian work system, the double pécule de vacances might seem unusual at first, but it ultimately ensures that employees receive robust holiday compensation, just in a uniquely structured way.
Find out more about Leave Structures in Belgium here: How is Annual Leave structured in Belgium? : Horizons Help Center