Belgium is three rulebooks (four, counting the German-speaking east) wearing one flag. Heritage is a regional matter, so the answer depends on which side of the language border you’re standing on: Flanders lets you search for archaeological finds once you’re a recognized detectorist (free, and easy to apply for), Wallonia bans detectors outright unless you hold a yearly authorization, and in Brussels we couldn’t find a rule that mentions detectors at all. One thing is national: under the Civil Code, what you find usually belongs to the landowner, so agree the split before you start.
Can I detect in Belgium?
The short answer for each kind of land. Tap a card for the detail and the rule’s own words.
- Anywhere: national heritage lawVaries by siteChecked against the source Oct 7, 2026
- Beaches & foreshorePermit requiredthe owner's or manager's permission applies to public domains as wellChecked against the source Oct 7, 2026
- Protected monumentsProhibitedChecked against the source Oct 7, 2026
- National parks & nature reservesVaries by siteBrussels: not researchedChecked against the source Oct 7, 2026
- ForestsVaries by siteprivate woods need the owner's permissionChecked against the source Oct 7, 2026
- Private landPermit requiredChecked against the source Oct 7, 2026
Open in many areas without a permitPermit, registration, or designated beaches onlyProhibited or effectively closed
The rules, land by land
Anywhere: national heritage law
Varies by siteBelgium's detector rules are set by its regions: Flanders requires a free recognition as a metal detectorist to search for archaeological finds, Wallonia bans detectors outright without a yearly authorization, and in Brussels we could not find a rule that names detectors.
- Flanders: searching for archaeological artefacts or sites with a detector without recognition by the Agentschap Onroerend Erfgoed (Flemish heritage agency), or against its code of good practice, is forbidden; recognition is free; no recognition is needed to look for a lost object
- Wallonia (French-speaking): any use of a detector is forbidden without an authorization from the Agence wallonne du Patrimoine (AWaP), valid 12 months, 18+, €40 a year; every outing must be announced three working days ahead
- Brussels: the planning code's heritage chapter names no detectors, but digs and test pits need the regional government's prior authorization and any archaeological discovery must be declared within three days
- the German-speaking Community (Ostbelgien) has its own heritage legislation, which was not researched
- everywhere: the landowner's permission, and no detecting on protected archaeological sites in Flanders or on classified sites and archaeological-map areas in Wallonia
What the rule says
“Het is verboden zonder erkenning als metaaldetectorist of in afwijking van de code van goede praktijk met metaaldetectoren archeologische artefacten en archeologische sites op te sporen.”
Keeping finds
Permit requiredUnder Belgium's Civil Code, finds generally belong to the owner of the land, not the detectorist: agree in writing with the landowner before you search if you hope to keep anything.
- a hidden thing with no owner belongs to the owner of the property where it is found; half goes to the finder only if the finder holds a right to use that property and found it by chance (Civil Code art. 3.59 §3)
- on your own land, an ownerless hidden find is yours, provided you meet the reporting duties of art. 3.58
- a finder who does not become owner but met their duties is owed a reasonable reward by the owner (art. 3.59 §4)
- Flanders: the heritage agency says finds belong to the landowner unless you agree otherwise, and offers a standard agreement form
- Wallonia: the AWaP strongly advises an agreement with the owner; archaeological finds may not leave French-speaking Wallonia without written leave, and the Region has a right of first refusal if they are sold
- Brussels: archaeological finds go into the Region's custody until their final allocation
What the rule says
“Si une chose cachée n'a pas de propriétaire et est trouvée dans le bien d'autrui, elle appartient pour moitié au trouveur titulaire d'un droit personnel ou réel d'usage sur ce bien et qui l'a trouvée fortuitement pour autant qu'il ait respecté les obligations visées à l'article 3.58.”
Reporting finds
Must be reportedReport what you find: the Civil Code requires a declaration of found things at a town hall within seven days, and each region adds its own heritage reporting deadline for archaeological finds.
- Civil Code art. 3.58: try to find the owner; otherwise declare the find within seven days at a commune (municipality) of your choice, and tell the landowner by registered letter if you found it on their property
- Flanders: recognized detectorists report every archaeological find, its location and any site via the agency's online reporting form; other chance finds within three days
- Wallonia: declare archaeological finds to the AWaP within 15 days, and announce each outing three working days ahead
- Brussels: declare any archaeological discovery within three days to the site owner and the Region
- the German-speaking Community (Ostbelgien) has its own heritage legislation, which was not researched
What the rule says
“Celui qui trouve une chose mobilière doit raisonnablement s'efforcer d'en trouver le propriétaire. S'il ne le retrouve pas, il doit en faire la déclaration, au plus tard dans les sept jours de la découverte, auprès de la commune de son choix”
Beaches & foreshore
Permit requiredBelgium's whole coastline is in Flanders, so beach detecting follows the Flemish rules: get recognized as a detectorist to search for archaeological finds, and get permission from the owner or manager of the beach, public domain included.
- recognition is needed when you are searching for archaeological objects; no recognition is needed to look for a lost object
- the owner's or manager's permission applies to public domains as well
- report archaeological finds through the heritage agency's online form; munitions: leave them and call the police
- magnet fishing is banned in navigable waterways managed by De Vlaamse Waterweg
What the rule says
“Je mag pas zoeken na toestemming van de eigenaar of beheerder van het perceel of waterloop. Dit geldt ook voor openbare domeinen.”
Protected monuments
ProhibitedProtected archaeological sites are off-limits to detectorists in Flanders and Wallonia, even with a recognition or authorization and even with the owner's permission.
- Flanders: no detecting on protected archaeological sites or where a recognized archaeologist is digging (unless that archaeologist agrees); check the heritage agency's geoportal
- Wallonia: no detectors on classified goods and their protection zones, inside the perimeters of the archaeological map, or on a site under excavation without written consent
- Brussels: no detector rule was found, but digs on any site need the regional government's prior authorization, granted to approved bodies
What the rule says
“l'utilisation de matériel qui permet la détection et la recherche d'objets métalliques ou ferromagnétiques est interdite : 1° sur un bien classé ou assimilé ou dans une zone de protection d'un bien classé ou assimilé; 2° dans les périmètres de la carte archéologique”
National parks & nature reserves
Varies by siteNature reserves are mostly closed to detectorists: Flanders' nature agency bans detecting in the reserves it manages, Natuurpunt bans it in all its reserves, and Wallonia allows it in natural zones only on once-ploughed plots.
- Flanders: banned in the nature reserves managed by Agentschap Natuur en Bos and in all Natuurpunt reserves; banned in West Flanders' provincial domains
- Wallonia: natural zones only on plots ploughed in the past, and within the environment code
- Brussels: not researched
- no national-park rule naming detectors was found
What the rule says
“Natuurpunt heeft een totaalverbod op metaaldetectie uitgevaardigd in haar natuurgebieden.”
Forests
Varies by siteAssume no in Belgian forests: Flanders' nature and forest agency bans detecting in the forests and reserves it manages, and Wallonia allows it only on plots that were once ploughed, without leaving the paths the forest code keeps you on.
- Flanders: Agentschap Natuur en Bos (Flemish nature and forest agency) bans metal detecting in the forests and nature reserves it manages; the Vlaamse Landmaatschappij bans it on its land except for well-motivated (scientific) research
- Wallonia: the AWaP says detecting in natural and forest zones is allowed only on plots ploughed in the past, within the forest and environment codes; the forest code bars walking off roads and paths in woods
- Brussels: no rule was found for the Sonian Forest or other regional woods
- private woods need the owner's permission
What the rule says
“Natuur en Bos verbiedt metaaldetectie in de Vlaamse bossen en natuurreservaten in hun beheer.”
Private land
Permit requiredOn private land you need the owner's (or tenant farmer's) permission in every region, on top of Flanders' recognition or Wallonia's authorization, and the finds belong to the owner unless you agree otherwise.
- Flanders: permission of the owner or tenant before entering; the heritage agency offers a standard agreement form for permission and for who keeps the finds
- Wallonia: the agreement of the owner or occupier for every place you detect
- the Civil Code gives finds to the landowner except in narrow cases, so agree in writing
What the rule says
“Voor je een terrein betreedt, moet je toestemming krijgen van de eigenaar of pachter. De vondsten zijn eigendom van de eigenaar, tenzij je hierover andere afspraken hebt gemaakt.”
Even where detecting is allowed, archaeological and historic sites are protected, and you must fill every hole and follow posted rules. Always confirm the current rule with the land manager.
Region by region
Heritage is a regional matter in Belgium, so the detector rule changes at the language border. Here is each region’s own rulebook, in its own words.
Brussels-Capital Region
No verdict yetWe could not confirm whether hobby metal detecting is allowed in the Brussels-Capital Region: its heritage rules name no detectors, but digs need the regional government's authorization.
- the CoBAT (Brussels planning code) requires the Government's prior authorization for digs and test pits, granted to approved bodies
- any archaeological discovery must be declared within three days
- ask urban.brussels (Direction du Patrimoine culturel) before you search
Keeping finds
ProhibitedIn Brussels you can't hold on to archaeological finds: they go into the Region's custody until their final allocation, and the landowner stays the owner.
- applies to movable archaeological goods found in digs, test pits or by discovery
- the Region's heritage service says it can sign a custody agreement with the landowner, who remains the owner of the objects found
- no source describes a way for a finder to keep archaeological finds
- Civil Code art. 3.58-3.59: finds generally belong to the landowner
What the rule says
“Les biens archéologiques mobiliers mis à jour à l'occasion de sondages ou fouilles ou par découverte sont confiés à la garde de la Région jusqu'à leur dévolution finale.”
Reporting finds
Must be reportedAny discovery of archaeological goods in Brussels must be declared within three days to the owner of the site and to the Region, and the finds and the spot must be left as they are for the Region to examine.
- the Region may examine the find and dig for up to 21 working days after the declaration
- declare to urban.brussels' Direction du Patrimoine culturel
What the rule says
“Toute découverte de biens archéologiques doit être déclarée par son auteur dans les trois jours au propriétaire du site archéologique ainsi qu'à la Région”
Flanders
Permit requiredIn Flanders you may search for archaeological finds with a metal detector only as a recognized metal detectorist, a free recognition from the Flemish heritage agency, and only by its code of good practice.
- apply to the Agentschap Onroerend Erfgoed with the form and a criminal-record extract (Dutch applicants: a VOG); 18 or older; no heritage conviction in the last five years; legitimation within four months
- no recognition is needed to look for non-archaeological things, such as an underground pipe or a lost object
- magnet fishing counts as metal detecting
- the code: owner's or manager's permission first, public land included; never on protected archaeological sites or at active digs; nothing deeper than 30 cm; not between sunset and sunrise; restore the ground; munitions: call the police
- breaking the rules can mean suspension or loss of the recognition; searching without one risks a heavy penalty
- minors may detect only under the guidance of a recognized detectorist
What the rule says
“Het is verboden zonder erkenning als metaaldetectorist of in afwijking van de code van goede praktijk met metaaldetectoren archeologische artefacten en archeologische sites op te sporen.”
Keeping finds
Permit requiredIn Flanders, what you find belongs to the owner of the land, not to you, unless you agree otherwise with the owner in advance; the heritage agency offers a standard form for that agreement.
- the agency never seizes finds; they stay with their rightful owner
- whoever keeps archaeological finds must keep them together, in good condition and available for research, and tell the agency within 30 days of any change of owner or place of keeping
- taking finds out of Flanders must be notified at least 30 days ahead
- finds can be deposited with a recognized heritage depot
- Civil Code art. 3.58-3.59 set the national baseline
What the rule says
“De vondsten die je doet zijn niet zomaar jouw eigendom, maar wel die van de eigenaar van de grond. Als je de vondsten zelf wil houden, maak je best op voorhand afspraken.”
Reporting finds
Must be reportedRecognized detectorists must report every archaeological find, and where it was found, to the Flemish heritage agency through its online reporting form, right after searching; other chance finds go to the agency within three days.
- the online form needs your recognition number, a description, province, municipality, a map location, the date and where the find is kept
- report non-metal finds too
- a post on social media or in a private database is not an official report
- finds made by chance during other work (not detecting) must be reported to the agency within three days, leaving the site untouched (decree art. 5.1.4)
What the rule says
“De erkende metaaldetectorist meldt elke opgespoorde archeologische vondst, de vondstlocatie ervan en de opgespoorde archeologische sites bij het agentschap via het meldingsformulier”
Wallonia
Permit requiredIn Wallonia, using a metal detector is banned for everyone unless you hold a detecting authorization from the Agence wallonne du Patrimoine (AWaP): 18 or older, an information meeting first, €40 a year.
- the ban covers any device that detects metallic or ferromagnetic objects, on land, underground or in water, including magnets
- announce every outing to the AWaP at least three working days ahead
- get the agreement of the owner or occupier of the land; carry your authorization card
- dig no deeper than the plough soil or humus; detect only between sunrise and sunset
- never on classified goods or their protection zones, in archaeological-map perimeters, or at a dig without written consent
- the authorization does not exempt you from the forest code, the environment code or municipal police rules
- covers the French-speaking region; the German-speaking Community (Ostbelgien) has its own heritage legislation, which was not researched
- breaking the rules can mean suspension or withdrawal of the authorization, administrative fines and criminal penalties
What the rule says
“L'utilisation de matériel qui permet la détection ou la recherche d'objets métalliques ou ferromagnétiques sur terre, sous terre ou dans l'eau est interdite, en toutes circonstances, à toute personne, à l'exception : ... 4° des personnes physiques titulaires d'une autorisation de détectorisme délivrée par le service désigné par le Gouvernement.”
Keeping finds
Permit requiredIn Wallonia ownership follows the Civil Code, which usually favors the landowner, so the heritage agency strongly advises agreeing with the owner in advance who keeps what you find.
- whoever holds an archaeological find must give the AWaP access to it or deposit it in an approved depot or recognized museum
- archaeological finds may not leave French-speaking Wallonia without the AWaP's written leave
- notify the AWaP before selling; the Region has a right of first refusal (preemption)
- the AWaP publishes a model agreement with the landowner
What the rule says
“Nous vous encourageons donc vivement à passer un accord avec le propriétaire pour ce qui concerne la dévolution des biens que vous pourriez découvrir sur son terrain.”
Reporting finds
Must be reportedAuthorized detectorists in Wallonia must tell the AWaP at least three working days before every outing and declare any archaeological find within 15 days; anyone else who finds archaeology by chance reports it within three working days.
- outings and finds are declared through the Region's online portal (MonEspace) or the PDF form
- a find declaration needs a photo, GPS coordinates, the date, the owner and where the object is kept
- chance finds outside detecting go to the commune and the AWaP within three working days (art. D.73)
What the rule says
“1° informe au moins trois jours ouvrables préalablement à chaque activité de détectorisme le service désigné par le Gouvernement; 2° déclare dans les quinze jours suivant la découverte d'un bien archéologique la découverte au service désigné par le Gouvernement.”
Detecting beyond Belgium? We cover 14 more countries rule by rule too. See the world map →
Open data: every rule in our Belgium guide, with its quote, source and check date, free to reuse (CC BY 4.0). Download the data →
Flanders: get recognized first
Under the Onroerenderfgoeddecreet (immovable heritage decree), searching for archaeological artefacts or sites with a metal detector without being a recognized metal detectorist is forbidden. Recognition is free from the Agentschap Onroerend Erfgoed (Flemish heritage agency) if you’re 18 or older with a clean heritage record, and Dutch citizens can apply too. Looking for a lost ring or a buried pipe needs no recognition.
The code of good practice sets the house rules: the owner’s permission first (public land included), never on protected archaeological sites or active digs, no digging below 30 centimeters, no detecting between sunset and sunrise, and every archaeological find reported through the agency’s online form. Magnet fishing counts as detecting.
Wallonia: a yearly authorization, and notice before every outing
The Code wallon du Patrimoine (Walloon heritage code) bans the use of any metal detector, on land or in water, unless you hold an authorization from the Agence wallonne du Patrimoine (AWaP). It costs €40 a year, you must attend an information meeting first, and it lasts 12 months.
With it, you announce every outing at least three working days ahead, declare archaeological finds within 15 days, dig no deeper than the plough soil or humus, and detect only between sunrise and sunset with the landowner’s agreement. Classified sites, their protection zones and areas on the archaeological map are off-limits. Finds can’t leave French-speaking Wallonia without written leave, and the Region may buy them first if you sell.
Brussels: no detector rule we could find
The heritage chapter of the CoBAT (Brussels planning code) doesn’t mention detectors. It does say that digs and test pits need the regional government’s prior authorization, that any archaeological discovery must be declared within three days to the site owner and the Region, and that archaeological finds go into the Region’s custody until their final allocation. We couldn’t confirm whether hobby detecting is allowed, so ask urban.brussels before you go.
Forests, reserves and the coast
In Flanders, the heritage agency lists who says no: the nature and forest agency (Agentschap Natuur en Bos) in the forests and reserves it manages, Natuurpunt in all its reserves, the Vlaamse Landmaatschappij on its land and West Flanders in its provincial domains. Magnet fishing is banned in the waterways of De Vlaamse Waterweg. In Wallonia, the AWaP allows detecting in natural and forest zones only on plots ploughed in the past, and the forest code keeps walkers on the paths.
Belgium’s whole coastline is in Flanders, so the beach follows Flemish rules: recognition if you’re hunting for archaeology, and permission from whoever owns or manages that stretch of sand.
Who keeps the finds
The Civil Code sets the national baseline. Found something? Try to find its owner, and otherwise declare it at a town hall within seven days, telling the landowner by registered letter if you found it on their land. A hidden thing with no owner belongs to the owner of the land; the finder gets half only if they have a right to use that land and found it by chance. Both regions with detector rules tell you the same thing in plainer words: agree with the landowner before you search.
One gap to know about: the German-speaking Community in the east has its own heritage law, which we haven’t researched yet.
Sources
Official and statutory sources this page is based on (source check: October 7, 2026):
Brussels and the German-speaking Community: no detector rule confirmed.
- Code civil, Livre 3 'Les biens' (Civil Code Book 3), art. 3.58-3.59, Justel consolidated text (PDF)
- Onroerenderfgoeddecreet van 12 juli 2013 (Flemish Immovable Heritage Decree), print version
- Code van Goede Praktijk: bepalingen over metaaldetectie (Code of Good Practice, metal-detecting provisions, extract)
- Metaaldetectie en magneetvisserij in Vlaanderen (folder, May 2024)
- Detecteren op locatie (Detecting on site)
- Erkenning als metaaldetectorist (Recognition as a metal detectorist)
- Code wallon du Patrimoine (Walloon Heritage Code, decree part), art. D.73 and D.80-D.82
- Guide des bonnes pratiques du détectorisme (good-practice guide, 22 May 2025, PDF)
- Demander ou renouveler une autorisation pour utiliser un détecteur à métaux (apply for a detector authorisation)
- Déclarer une activité de détectorisme (declare a detecting outing)
- Déclarer une découverte faite lors d'une activité de détectorisme (declare a find)
- Code bruxellois de l'aménagement du territoire (CoBAT), Title V ch. VII, art. 243-248, Justel consolidated text (PDF)
- Archéologie (Archaeology, principles)
- Archéologie préventive (Preventive archaeology, legal aspects)
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need a license to metal detect in Belgium?
- It depends on the region. In Flanders you need a free recognition as a metal detectorist to search for archaeological finds. In Wallonia any use of a detector needs a yearly authorization from the AWaP, which costs 40 euros. In Brussels no rule naming detectors was found, but digs need the regional government's authorization. The German-speaking Community has its own law.
- Can I metal detect on Belgian beaches?
- The Belgian coast is in Flanders. You need a recognition as a metal detectorist to search for archaeological objects, and permission from the owner or manager of the beach, which also applies on public land. Looking for a lost object needs no recognition.
- Who owns what I find in Belgium?
- Usually the landowner. Under the Civil Code a hidden thing without an owner belongs to the owner of the land, and the finder gets half only if they have a right to use the land and found it by chance. Agree in writing with the landowner before you search.
- Do I have to report my finds in Belgium?
- Yes. Found things must be declared at a town hall within seven days under the Civil Code. Archaeological finds go to the regional heritage service: via the online form in Flanders, within 15 days in Wallonia, and within three days in Brussels.
- Can I detect in Belgian forests and nature reserves?
- Assume not. Flanders' nature and forest agency bans detecting in the forests and reserves it manages, and Natuurpunt bans it in its reserves. In Wallonia detecting in natural and forest zones is allowed only on plots ploughed in the past, staying on the paths.
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