Security Guard Services in Belgium

How to Become a Licensed Security Guard in Belgium

In Belgium, a security guard may work only with a valid identification card issued by the FPS Interior. The card is ordered by the employing company once the guard meets the legal requirements, has completed the required training and has passed a reliability check.

Regulator: SPF Intérieur (Federal Public Service Interior), Directorate-General Security and Prevention (BeSafe). Law: Act of 2 October 2017 regulating private and special security (loi du 2 octobre 2017 réglementant la sécurité privée et particulière). besafe.be

Requirements

• Meet all the conditions set out in the Act of 2 October 2017
• Reliability check (security conditions investigation) with a signed consent form
• Criminal record extract less than 6 months old, or an equivalent document for people living abroad
• Specific training with an approved training body for most roles, with training certificates submitted

Application Steps

1. Complete the required training with an approved training body
2. Obtain a criminal record extract less than 6 months old
3. Sign the consent form for the security conditions investigation
4. The employing company orders the identification card on the BeSafe website with the order form, the documents above and the national register number, or an identity photo for people not listed in the Belgian National Register
5. The FPS Interior processes the file; a file that is incomplete or requires a security investigation can take several months
6. Wear the card clearly visible while working and show it to inspectors or to any member of the public who asks for it

Agency Licensing

Security companies and in-house security services must obtain prior authorization from the Minister of the Interior, which specifies the activities covered. Foreign companies can apply using specific forms. An administrative fee of 1,000 euros applies to a first application, and an annual fee is due for each calendar year. Renewal, modification and extension each have their own forms. Only authorized companies and in-house services receive the Vigilis V emblem, which officers wear on the upper right chest of their uniform.

Officers may carry a weapon only with a weapons carry authorization issued by the Minister, and only under certain conditions, in situations or locations that present a particular security risk, such as military sites, embassies and international institutions.

The identification card is valid for 5 years from issue and can be renewed for further 5-year periods. Renewal must be requested at least 6 months before expiry, and refresher training must be completed within the 6 months before the current training certificate expires. A temporary card is valid for 6 months from recruitment and cannot be renewed.

Sources

• BeSafe: Working in the private security sector
• BeSafe: Security guard
• BeSafe: Authorizations and activities
• BeSafe brochure: Security guard (PDF)

Requirements change. Confirm current rules with the official regulator before applying. This summary is general information, not legal advice. Last reviewed November 2026.