SMS destination

Belgium

Dialing code +32 · Europe. Everything you need to send compliant SMS to Belgium with the Bird SMS API.

Policy last updated July 23, 2026

What you can send

SMS

Two-way messaging

Supported

Before you send

Alphanumeric sender IDs must be registered for Belgium before traffic can deliver. The lead time is listed with the sender types below. File once from the dashboard and track approval through the API.

How sender-ID registration works →

Sender types

Every way you can originate a message to this country, with how each is cleared for use and how long that takes. Listed best route first.

Sender	Activation	Setup time	Notes
Alphanumeric Sender ID	Sender ID registration	Varies	One-way only.
Long code (phone number)	Instant activation	Same day	Supports two-way replies.

Rules & regulations

What local regulators expect before you send, as the destination's own policy record states it.

ConsentOpt-in required

Template approvalNot required

Quiet hoursApply

Custom alphanumeric Sender IDs will be converted to short codes by local operators due to Belgian regulations.
Custom numeric Sender IDs are only available if the number is procured from Bird.
Belgium enforces strict segmentation between marketing and transactional messaging:
- Each Sender ID can only be registered for one segment—either marketing or transactional. If your content spans both, you must register separate Sender IDs for each.
- Marketing segment: Messages will not be delivered to DND (Do Not Disturb) numbers—those who have opted out of promotional content.
- Transactional segment: Messages are delivered to all recipients, including DND numbers.

What this market refuses

Gambling, adult & betting content is not allowed.

One API

How sending works

You send to every destination through the same endpoint and the same keys. Bird picks a compliant route for the country, applies opt-out handling on every message, and reports delivery from carrier receipts. The country-specific part is which sender you register. The API call does not change.

Sending to Belgium, answered

What senders ask before their first message to Belgium.

Do I need to register a sender before sending SMS to Belgium?

Only for an alphanumeric sender ID. A long code can send without registration. For an alphanumeric sender ID the name itself is registered, so recipients see exactly the name that was approved.

Can I use an alphanumeric sender ID in Belgium?

Yes, once the sender ID has been registered.

Can I receive replies from Belgium?

Yes, if you send from a long code. Replies are delivered to you as signed webhooks.

Are there quiet hours for SMS in Belgium?

Yes. Local rules limit the hours in which you can send.

Do I need consent before messaging someone in Belgium?

Yes. The recipient must opt in before you send the first message.

What other channels can Bird reach Belgium on?

WhatsApp and Voice, from the same account and API.

The rest of the SMS platform

One API, one set of keys. Explore the other capabilities.

Sender-ID registrationPre-register alphanumeric and dedicated senders where countries require it.Routing190+ countries, 240 direct-to-carrier links, and automatic failover.NumbersLong codes, short codes, toll-free, and alphanumeric sender IDs.SendingThe send API: segments, Unicode safety, batch, and idempotency.Two-wayInbound SMS and conversational replies as HMAC-signed webhooks.All destinationsCoverage, sender types, and rules for every country Bird reaches.

Put it into practice.

Continue with the documentation, guides and examples for this topic. Resources are in English.

Implementation guideSMS overview Explore the capabilitySMS destinations

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Create a workspace, register a sender, and send your first message from the same API you will scale on.

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