How does public procurement work in Belgium?
In Belgium, the multilingual context of public procurement is ubiquitous. Tenders can be published in French, Dutch and sometimes even German. To find most of the opportunities, just look at e-Procurement, which is a federal portal where the authorities share opinions, documents and all the details relating to the submission of tenders. You can also choose to look at our portal, Tendeurope, where we gather several sources.
The country, being in the European Union (EU), follows its rules on public procurement. It should be noted, however, that Belgium's federal, regional and local levels add their own requirements, which may vary from one authority to another.
In procedural terms, there are smaller contracts which are often the subject of simplified procedures. You will also find larger contracts that have open or restricted processes with stricter steps and deadlines. As a supplier, you will have to deal with digital bids, ESPD forms (= European Single Procurement Document: standardized form allowing suppliers to declare their financial, technical and professional capacity) and compliance checks.
The deadlines are strict enough and if you find yourself submitting late, your submission will likely be rejected without discussion. For newcomers, the system is structured but may seem complex at first glance. Knowing key documents, thresholds and communication channels greatly facilitates the process (and helps you focus on the opportunities that really fit your business).
Are there any regulations I should know about?
The law of 17 June 2016 regulates Belgian public procurement. It adapts EU rules while adding some local peculiarities. This law defines, among other things, the operation of procedures, the procedures for awarding contracts, but also the rules on transparency and challenge. Each region, whether Flanders, Wallonia or Brussels, manages its own institutions and has slight differences in certain sectors.
The authorities must explain why they choose a certain procedure, publish notices correctly and evaluate tenders fairly. Environmental and social factors are also increasingly taken into account in decisions, so try to keep that in mind when writing.
Is the Belgian tender market wide?
It is not uncommon for the Belgian Government to spend at all levels, whether in areas such as infrastructure, health care, computer modernisation or environmental projects. In recent years, it seems that the authorities have focused more on digital services, energy efficient solutions and sustainable construction, thus following European trends.
It can also be seen that major infrastructure projects, public buildings and mobility initiatives continue to emerge, while more local communities purchase computer systems, security services and social sector support. As you were told earlier, green procurement is on the rise, so make sure, as a supplier, that you demonstrate both the technical quality and the environmental benefits of your products.
Thus, to answer the initial question, one might say that Belgium is not an extremely large and attractive market, but it is reliable: contracts are published regularly, volumes are stable and there is a mixture of large national projects and smaller local projects. If you are an organized and patient supplier, you will probably appreciate it: the Belgian market offers opportunities throughout the year, rather than sudden waves.
Number of Belgian tenders per year (updated on 04/12/2025).What are the main categories of Belgian tenders?
Belgian public procurement tends to focus on a few predictable categories, with IT and digital services taking the lead. Whether it's software development, cybersecurity, cloud-related projects, and system upgrades, they appear regularly as public agencies continue to modernize.
Another important part of the expenditure is for construction and infrastructure, whether road works, public services, renovation of buildings or improvement of public spaces. In the field of health, hospitals and regions often seek medical equipment, upgrades and digital archiving systems.
The full growth of environmental services is also visible here: waste management, energy audits and renewable energy improvements are becoming increasingly common as sustainability objectives are strengthened. Local authorities frequently publish tenders for daily needs such as maintenance, cleaning, events, transport and safety. While Belgium's multilingual structure sometimes involves separate opinions by region, the main categories remain familiar and predictable.
What challenges could I face as a supplier?
Whether you are a foreign or local supplier, you will face some familiar challenges when working with the Belgian public system. The biggest problem is the coexistence of federal, regional and local authorities, which may seem somewhat disturbing, because each level has its own habits, platforms and documentation styles. Language is also important: tenders can be published in Dutch or French depending on the region, so being comfortable in both languages can really improve your chances.
The administrative formalities are strict, and missing documents or formatting errors, although it seems not that important, can quickly lead to the rejection of an offer. Competition can also be harsh, especially in the IT and construction sectors, where the same powerful players return regularly. And although the e-procurement platform is efficient, it requires some practice (especially when it comes to digital signatures and structured forms). That's also why Tendeurope was created, so it's easier for you to find the right Belgian tenders.
However, none of these obstacles is a hidden trap. If you and your company remain organized, prepare multilingual documents and scrupulously abide by the rules of compliance, there is no reason why you do not find Belgium more predictable than difficult.