Belgium Public Holidays 2026: When Are Banks Closed?

Belgium Public Holidays 2026: When Are Banks Closed?
When sending money to loved ones living in Belgium or expecting payments from Belgium, knowing the official public holiday calendar is essential. On public holidays, banks and government institutions are closed, which may cause money transfers to be delayed until the next business day.
To clearly answer the question “When will my money arrive?”, you can find detailed information below about Belgium’s 2026 public holidays and their impact on banking and money transfer operations.
Belgium Banking & Public Holiday Calendar 2026
The table below shows the official public holidays in Belgium during 2026 when banks are generally closed, along with their impact on money transfers:
| Holiday Name | Date | Banks | Transfer Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1, 2026 (Thursday) | Closed | Processed on next business day |
| Easter Monday | April 6, 2026 (Monday) | Closed | Processed on Tuesday |
| Labour Day | May 1, 2026 (Friday) | Closed | Processed on Monday |
| Ascension Day | May 14, 2026 (Thursday) | Closed | Processed on Friday |
| Whit Monday (Pentecost) | May 25, 2026 (Monday) | Closed | Processed on Tuesday |
| Belgian National Day | July 21, 2026 (Tuesday) | Closed | Processed on Wednesday |
| Assumption of Mary | August 15, 2026 (Saturday) | Closed | Processed on Monday |
| All Saints’ Day | November 1, 2026 (Sunday) | Weekend | Processed on Monday |
| Armistice Day | November 11, 2026 (Wednesday) | Closed | Processed on Thursday |
| Christmas Day | December 25, 2026 (Friday) | Closed | Processed on Monday |
Note: In Belgium, some banks may apply different working hours depending on regional or internal policies. Always check official bank announcements for the most up-to-date information.
Impact of Belgium Public Holidays 2026 on Money Transfers
During public holidays in Belgium:
Banks and public institutions are closed
Bank transfers and wire transactions are not processed
Delays may increase when holidays coincide with weekends
For this reason, public holidays should always be considered when planning money transfers to Belgium.
Effect of Religious and National Holidays on Banking
Belgium recognizes both national and Christian-based religious holidays as official public holidays.
Impact:
Transfer instructions submitted on public holidays are processed on the first business day after the holiday.
Recommendation:
It is advisable to complete your transfer at least one business day in advance of official holidays.
The Fastest Way to Send Money During Holidays
Even when banks are closed on public holidays, urgent money transfer needs may still arise. In such cases, digital money transfer solutions that are not dependent on traditional banking hours offer a major advantage.
Why Use kuikpara During Public Holidays?
24/7 transaction availability
Transfers without public holiday or weekend limitations
Easy use via mobile app
Fast and secure infrastructure
With kuikpara, you can continue planning your money transfers to Belgium even on public holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I send money during public holidays in Belgium?
Yes, transfer instructions can be submitted, but processing occurs on the next business day since banks are closed.
Are banks open on public holidays in Belgium?
No. Banks are closed on official public holidays.
What happens if a holiday falls on a weekend?
Transfers are processed on the first business day after the holiday.
Do public holidays delay transfer times?
Yes. Public holidays may extend transfer processing times.
Can I send money to Belgium on holidays?
Yes, instructions can be given, but completion depends on bank working days.