Work in Belgium for Albanians: what you need to know to find a job in 2025

Belgium is convenient for Albanians looking for work abroad. The country offers employment opportunities in construction, agriculture and services. However, in order to work legally in Belgium, it is necessary to take into account legislative features, labor migration rules and the process of obtaining a work permit. In this article, we will consider the main stages of employment and tips for a successful career in Belgium for Albanians.

Employment sectors for Albanians in Belgium in 2025

In 2025, opportunities will open up in various sectors for Albanians seeking employment in Belgium. Due to the high demand for labour, especially in the services, construction and agriculture sectors, there are many sectors to choose from. It is important to consider both the requirements of the labour market and the preferred occupations for foreign workers.

Popular industries:

• Construction – One of the most sought-after areas. Construction workers, engineers and architects can find work on large projects such as residential complexes and infrastructure projects.
• Agriculture – Belgium always needs workers to harvest crops and look after animals. This is a sought-after profession, especially during harvest periods.
• Transport and Logistics – The transportation of goods and passengers regularly requires qualified personnel, including drivers, warehouse workers and logisticians.
• Healthcare – The demand for medical workers, including nurses and orderlies, continues to grow. This is one of the steadily growing industries.
• Tourism and Hospitality – With the development of tourism in Belgium, there is a demand for maids, cooks, administrators and other hotel and restaurant staff.
• IT and Technology – This area places particular emphasis on software developers, cybersecurity specialists, and system administrators.
• Education – Teachers, language teachers and further education specialists also have good prospects in Belgium.

In 2025, there will be many job opportunities for Albanians in Belgium in a variety of sectors. Given the changes in the labour market, the prospects for migrants are becoming increasingly diverse. It is important to carefully study the requirements of each profession and prepare for the move in advance.

Advice:

Remember that knowledge of the language and the appropriate qualifications significantly increase your chances of successful employment in Belgium.

Labor rights and legislation

Albanians wishing to work in Belgium should carefully study the country’s labor laws. Belgium has strict rules for foreign workers, which include not only obtaining permits, but also observing all rights and obligations related to work. It is important to understand what rules govern labor relations in order to avoid violations and protect your interests.

Basic laws and rights:

• Employment contract. In Belgium, all employment relationships must be formalized through an employment contract. It can be fixed-term or open-ended, and it is important that its terms comply with legal requirements.
• Minimum wage. In 2025, the minimum wage in Belgium will be regulated at sector level. The employer is obliged to comply with the minimum threshold set for each sector.
• Working hours. According to the law, the maximum duration of the working week is 38 hours, with mandatory rest breaks.
• Vacation rights. Employees are entitled to annual paid leave, which is a minimum of 20 working days.

• Legislative acts. Labor Code (loi sur le travail) is the main law governing labor relations. The Law on the Right to Work for Foreign Nationals regulates migration processes and labor rights of foreigners in Belgium.

Violating labor laws can lead to serious consequences, including fines or even deportation. It is important for Albanians to follow labor laws to avoid legal problems and ensure their safety and legality in Belgium.

Advice:

Before starting work in Belgium, it is worth consulting a lawyer to avoid legal problems.

The process of obtaining a work permit

In order to start working in Belgium, Albanian citizens must go through several important steps to obtain a work permit. The process includes collecting documents, contacting the Belgian authorities and waiting for the permit. It is important to familiarize yourself with the requirements in advance to avoid mistakes and delays, as well as to avoid refusal.

Stages of obtaining a work permit:

• Collection of necessary documents. Passport, diplomas and certificates, proof of work experience, medical certificate. Make sure all documents are translated into the required language and notarized if required.
• Contacting the Belgian Embassy. The address of the Embassy of Belgium in Tirana is: Rruga e Elbasanit 10, Tirana, Albania. Website: be . Telephone: +355 68 202 41 56. An appointment is required to submit an application.
• Waiting for a decision. Applications may take between 1 and 3 months to process, depending on the type of visa. Please prepare additional documents if necessary.
• Obtaining a work permit and visa. Once approved, obtain a type D visa (for long-term stay) and a work permit. You will need to pay a visa fee.
• Register with local authorities. After arriving in Belgium, you must register with your local municipality and obtain a local ID card. This is necessary for legal employment.
• Registration of health insurance. In Belgium, health insurance is mandatory. You must choose your insurance before you start working. Employers may offer insurance options, but you can also choose your own.
• Obtaining a work permit under a contract. Make sure your work contract complies with Belgian law: working conditions, salary and other details must be clearly stated.

If you have been denied a work permit, do not despair. You have the right to appeal within 30 days of receiving the decision. It is important to carefully review the reasons for the denial and provide additional documents if necessary.

Advice:

Before applying, please make sure that your contract with your employer complies with all requirements of Belgian law.

Salary overview

The salary of Albanians in Belgium depends on many factors: the level of qualification, the industry, the region and even the employment contract. While some professions may be highly paid, others require less remuneration. It is also important to consider possible additional payments and bonuses, which often depend on the work under specific conditions.

Salary table:

Speciality	Salary for Albanians (€)	Salary of local residents (€)
Builder	2000 – 2500	2500 – 3000
Rural worker	1800 – 2200	2200 – 2700
Secretary	1600 – 2100	2000 – 2500
Driver	2000 – 2400	2400 – 2900
Programmer	3000 – 3500	3500 – 4000
Nurse	2500 – 3000	2800 – 3300
Teacher	1800 – 2300	2200 – 2700
Hotel worker	1700 – 2200	2000 – 2500
Financial analyst	3000 – 3500	3500 – 4000
Engineer	2500 – 3000	2800 – 3300

Salaries may vary depending on the region and the specialist’s level of qualification.

In order to increase the salary level in Belgium, Albanians are advised to improve their qualifications, look for high-paying vacancies, and also to master new skills that are in demand in the labor market. It is also important to consider the working conditions and look for opportunities for career growth, which can significantly increase income.

Interesting fact:

Salary levels in Belgium can also depend on the region where you work.

Integration of Albanians in Belgium

The integration of Albanians in Belgium has become an important aspect of the country’s migration policy in recent years. Many Albanians who come to Belgium in search of work face the need to adapt to new social and cultural conditions. Successful integration requires not only knowledge of the language, but also an understanding of the rights and obligations in the new environment. In this section, we will look at what steps are being taken to help Albanian migrants integrate.

Organizations and foundations helping Albanians adapt to Belgium:

• Fedasil (Federal Agency for the Reception of Refugees) – provides information and assistance in the asylum application process.
• Organization pour l’Integration des Migrants (OIM) – deals with the social adaptation of migrants, including assistance in employment and training.
• Information Centre et d’Orientation (CIO) – provides advice on the rights of migrants and issues of legalization of stay.
• AlbaNetwork – helps Albanians establish contacts with local communities and successfully adapt to the working environment.
• Bureau Social Migrants (Bureau of Social Services for Migrants) – provides legal assistance and psychological support.

Despite support from various organizations, the integration process remains difficult for many Albanians. Language barriers, cultural differences and employment issues can make adaptation difficult. However, with the right support and assistance, integration is possible and successful for most migrants.

Advice:

Knowledge of French or Dutch significantly increases the chances of successful integration in Belgium.

Job Search Tips

1. Learn the language. Knowing French or Dutch significantly increases your chances of successful employment. This is a key aspect for communicating with colleagues and employers.
2. Understanding the local culture. Knowing the culture and traditions of Belgium will help you adapt and better understand the requirements of employers.
3. Registering with employment services. Registering with local employment centres such as VDAB (for the Flemish part) or FOREM (for Wallonia) will give you access to various vacancies and employment programmes.
4. Prepare a professional CV. Belgium values detailed and structured CVs. Make sure yours meets local standards.
5. Use online platforms. Use job search sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, or Jobat to find current job postings.
6. Network Marketing: Networking with other expats and local professionals can lead to important contacts and job opportunities.
7. Internships: If employment in your field is difficult, internships or volunteer work can help you gain the experience you need and show employers that you are interested.
8. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Use migrant support programs like AlbaNetwork to help you find work and prepare documents.
9. Be flexible. Being prepared to start in a lower position or in a different sector can be a good idea when starting out in Belgium.
10. Get your degrees recognised. Make sure your degree or qualification is recognised in Belgium if this is required for your job.