News about the meal voucher value that raises to € 10. A new Royal Decree published in the Belgian Official Gazette confirms that the maximum employer contribution for meal vouchers will rise from € 6,91 to € 8,91, while the minimum employee contribution remains unchanged at € 1,09. This adjustment increases the total of a meal voucher value to € 10 per day, compared to € 8 today.
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What Employers and Employees Need to Know
This measure, effective 1 January 2026, is part of the federal coalition’s broader plan to strengthen purchasing power and modernize employee benefits. The government has even hinted at a possible further increase to € 12 per voucher in 2027, though this has not yet been confirmed.
Impact on Employees
For employees, the reform is highly attractive. Meal vouchers remain exempt from social security contributions and income tax, provided statutory conditions are met. This translates into a net gain of up to € 40 per month per employee, a welcome boost at a time when Belgian households are facing inflation just above 3%.
Beyond the financial benefit, the reform supports healthier food choices and relieves pressure on monthly grocery budgets. Surveys show that 80% of employers plan to adopt the € 10 value, citing improved motivation, wellbeing, and stronger employer‑employee trust.
Impact on Employers
Employers are not automatically obliged to raise their contribution. To implement the increase, companies must formalize the change through a collective labor agreement (CBA) or an amendment to employment contracts, depending on their sector and union representation.
The reform is also excluded from Belgium’s wage norm, which is set at 0% for 2025–2026. Normally, this wage norm prevents any increase in average wage costs beyond indexation. Thanks to a legislative exception, employers can grant the €10 vouchers without breaching wage cost limits.
By the way, do you know that meal vouchers are also compliant for employers without establisment in Belgium? Good news, this is possible.
Fiscal Advantages in Belgium
The fiscal framework is equally important. Currently, employers can deduct € 2 per voucher as a professional expense. From 2026, this deduction will double to € 4 per voucher, but only if the employer contributes the full € 8,91. If the contribution is lower, the deduction remains capped at € 2.
This makes the € 10 voucher not only a motivational tool but also a cost‑efficient benefit strategy. Employers who already grant the maximum contribution stand to gain the most.
Broader Context: Inflation and Benefits Reform
Belgium’s wage indexation system automatically adjusts salaries to inflation. However, rising food prices have outpaced wage growth, making meal vouchers a crucial supplement.
The reform also coincides with plans to phase out eco‑vouchers, sport vouchers, and culture vouchers, which currently provide up to € 250 annually. The meal voucher value of € 10 is expected to partially fill this gap. These are some of the many plans floating around about this and no decision has been made yet at the moment.
Why This € 10 Meal Voucher Value Matters
The meal voucher value reform to € 10 is more than a technical adjustment. It represents:
- Enhanced employee purchasing power in response to inflation.
- Tax‑efficient payroll optimization for employers.
- Improved workplace wellbeing through healthier food choices.
- A competitive edge in talent retention, as benefits packages become more attractive.
- Support for local horeca and short food supply chains, strengthening the Belgian economy.
Key Takeaway € 10 Meal Voucher Value
From January 2026, Belgian employers have the opportunity to adopt the meal voucher value to € 10 as a strategic payroll benefit. With fiscal deductibility doubled, wage norm compliance guaranteed, and strong employee support, this reform is set to become a cornerstone of Belgium’s compensation landscape.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to BusinessBelgium if you are interested to offer meal voucher to your employees in Belgium. We can connect you to specialists like Edenred. You can use the contactsheet below this page.
