Homeschooling in Belgium
Legal with community-specific registration and inspections.
Home education is legal in Belgium but regulated differently by the Flemish, French, and German-speaking communities. Parents must submit annual declarations to community education authorities and ensure education meets minimum standards. Children must pass official examinations through designated boards to obtain certificates.
Quick Reference
School Days
-
No minimum
Hours Required
-
No minimum
Subjects
0
required
Notification
Yes
annual
Key Requirements at a Glance
- Leerplicht from 5 to 18 years, no schoolplicht.
- Flemish: Declaration to AGODI by 3rd school day via Loket Huisonderwijs or form.
- Children cannot switch from school to home education mid-year in the Flemish Community: the declaration to AGODI must be lodged annually by the third school day.
- Inspections by onderwijsinspectie assess minimum goals; cooperation mandatory.
- Two failed inspections mandate school enrollment.
- No prescribed curriculum but align with eindtermen/ontwikkelingsdoelen recommended.
- Part-time education/working possible from age 15 in Flemish Community.
- Applicable to children domiciled in relevant community; Brussels parents choose community.
Legal Framework
Regulated at community level. Flemish Community: Decree of the Flemish Community of 23 December 1997 on basis education (with later amendments including Onderwijsdecreet XXIII) and related implementation decrees; declaration to Agentschap voor Onderwijsdiensten (AGODI); oversight by onderwijsinspectie. French Community: Decree of 25 April 2008 (likely on compulsory education or home education); declaration to relevant authority. Responsible authorities: AGODI and onderwijsinspectie (Flemish), equivalent in French Community.
Filing Requirements
What to file
Verklaring van huisonderwijs
When
Third school day of the school year
Where
Agentschap voor Onderwijsdiensten (AGODI)
How to submit
Online via Loket Huisonderwijs or form
What to include
- • Affirmation that education meets minimum requirements
Submit each school year; no mid-year switch allowed
How to Get Started
- 1
Submit declaration to AGODI by third school day
- 2
Register child with Examencommissie at required ages
- 3
Prepare for potential inspectorate visits
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Freedom of education protected
- ✓Official certification path
- ✓Flexible organization
Cons
- •Inspections can lead to mandatory schooling
- •Annual administrative burden
- •Exam deadlines strict
Questions about homeschooling in Belgium
Can I start homeschooling mid-year in the Flemish Community?
No, declaration must be submitted by the third school day; no mid-year switch from school allowed.
What happens if my child fails two inspections?
Enrollment in a regular school is mandatory; home education can resume after addressing shortcomings with inspectorate permission.
Do I need teaching qualifications to homeschool?
No qualifications are required for parents; they organize education themselves or with private teachers.
How does my child get a diploma?
Children must pass exams at the Examencommissie for primary and secondary certificates at specified ages.
What are the minimum education requirements?
Develop personality and talents, respect human rights and cultural values, prepare for adult life.
Which community applies in Brussels?
Parents domiciled in Brussels choose the Flemish or French Community for education regulations.
Is part-time education allowed?
Yes, from age 15 in the Flemish Community, combining home education with work or part-time schooling.
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Last updated: 2026-04-26 · BE homeschool law guide