Architects

An architect draws the plans up and inspects the execution of the works for which a building permit is required (article 4 of the law of 20 February 1939 on the protection of the title and profession of architect).

Access to the profession and practice

In order to use the title of architect and to practise the profession legally, you must:

• have the legally required diploma (article 2 of the law of 20 February 1939);
• register with the Order of Architects, which will grant you a licence to practice (articles 5 and 8 of the law of 26 June 1963).

Scope of the law

Legislation protects the use of the title and the practice of the architectural profession.

The legislation applies to natural persons practising as architects as their main or secondary occupation. Legal entities may also register with the Order of Architects.

Recognition of professional qualifications

An architect who is a national of another Member State and holds evidence of formal qualifications listed in Annex V. 7. of Directive 2005/36/EC on the recognition of professional qualifications, as last amended by Directive 2013/55/EU, may benefit from automatic recognition of his professional qualifications. The annexes to this Directive are updated by delegated acts of the European Commission. The consolidated version of Directive 2005/36/EC incorporates the updated versions of the Annexes and in particular Annex V.7, as adapted by the delegated acts of the European Commission.

For an application for recognition, it is advisable to consult the Order of Architects. General information can also be found on the Be-Assist website. Be-Assist is the Belgian assistance centre answering questions from nationals of a Member State concerning the application of Directive 2005/36/EC.

Further information

National Council of the Order of Architects

Tel.: +32 2 627 88 10
Fax: +32 2 627 88 19
conseil.national@cnoa-nroa.be

French and German-speaking Council

Tel.: +32 2 643 61 00
secretariat.cfgoa@ordresdesarchitectes.be