Work in Belgium for Croatians: vacancies, salaries and job search tips

Belgium has long been of interest to Croatian citizens seeking employment abroad. Opportunities for free access to the labor market, decent salaries, and a high standard of living make this country an excellent choice for professional growth. In this article, we will look at the most popular areas, key steps for employment, and the specifics of work for Croatians.

Benefits of Working in Belgium for Croatians

Croatian citizens, as part of the EU, enjoy the right to freely move and work in EU countries, including Belgium. This simplifies the employment process: no work visa is required, and recognition of diplomas is faster. With a developed economy and a variety of opportunities, Belgium is becoming a popular destination for Croatian professionals. However, it is important to consider both the benefits and possible challenges associated with the local labor market.

Advantages of working in Belgium for Croatians:

• Free movement and work without the need for visas.
• High wage levels compared to other EU countries.
• Diversity of jobs: from agriculture to high-tech industries.
• Access to social benefits, including health care and education.
• Simplify the recognition of diplomas and qualifications thanks to uniform EU standards.
• Possibility to study several languages: French, Dutch and German.
• Cultural diversity and high standard of living.

However, despite the advantages, some Croatians face challenges, such as a highly competitive job market, the need to learn local languages, and adjust to higher living costs. Before moving, it is important to carefully study the peculiarities of Belgian bureaucracy and plan your budget in advance.

Tip:
Knowing at least one of the official languages of Belgium significantly increases your chances of successful employment.

Popular professions for Croatians

Croatians who decide to work in Belgium find demand in various professional fields. The country offers a variety of opportunities, from technical specialties to the service sector. Thanks to Croatia’s membership in the EU, the employment process is simplified, making Belgium a popular destination for career growth. Knowledge of foreign languages and willingness to adapt significantly increase the chances of successful employment.

List of industries and professions:

• Croatians often work in the construction industry, holding positions as engineers, architects, laborers, and designers. This industry is valued for its stable income and high demand for skilled workers.
• Transport and logistics. Truck drivers, freight forwarders and warehouse workers are popular jobs in this sector. Belgium’s logistics hub provides many jobs thanks to its active international trade.
• Information technology (IT) sector. Developers, system administrators and cybersecurity specialists find excellent opportunities here. Belgium is becoming an increasingly technologically advanced country, which creates a demand for IT personnel.
• Medicine and healthcare. Nurses, doctors and pharmacists from Croatia are actively employed in Belgian hospitals and clinics. Additional confirmation of qualifications may be required for this industry.
• Education: Teachers of foreign languages, especially English and German, as well as specialists in technical disciplines often find work in Belgian schools and colleges.
• Hospitality and tourism industry. Hotels, restaurants and travel agencies regularly hire workers from Croatia. This industry is suitable for those who have a good command of foreign languages.
• Working on farms, in greenhouses or in vineyards remains relevant. Croatians prefer this sector for its seasonal contracts and stable earnings.

The job market in Belgium in 2024 promises to remain stable for Croatians. Popular industries continue to attract new employees, and the growing economy contributes to the creation of new vacancies. Regularly updating skills and knowledge of languages will help increase competitiveness among candidates.

Interesting fact:
Belgium ranks among the EU leaders in terms of the number of foreign specialists working in the technology sector.

Legal aspects for residents of Croatia

When working in Belgium, it is important for Croatian citizens to comply with local laws that regulate labor relations. Knowing your rights and obligations helps avoid legal problems and conflicts with employers. Belgium offers transparent and clear rules that protect workers’ rights and ensure fair working conditions.

Labor legislation in Belgium:

• Labour Act (Arbeidswet, 16 March 1971) Regulates working hours, working conditions and payment rules.
• Social Security Act (Wet betreffende de social zekerheid, 14 July 1994). Ensures workers’ rights to pension and health insurance.
• Minimum Wage Act (Collectieve Arbeidsovereenkomstenwet (December 5, 1968). Guarantees compliance with the minimum wage.
• Privacy Act at Work (Wet betreffende de bescherming van de personal levenssfeer, December 8, 1992). Ensures the confidentiality of employees’ personal information.
• The Equality and Anti-Discrimination Act (Antiscriminatiewet, 10 May 2007) prohibits discrimination in the workplace on any grounds.
• Law on Medical Examination of Workers (Wet op de Arbeidsgeneeskunde, 4 August 1996). Defines mandatory medical examinations for certain categories of employees.

Violating labor laws in Belgium can have serious consequences for both employees and employers. These include fines, termination of contracts, or even legal proceedings. To avoid such situations, it is important to familiarize yourself with legal requirements in a timely manner and follow the established standards.

Tip:
Belgium is one of the few countries where every employee is entitled to additional salary during the holiday period, known as holiday pay.

How to look for a job

Finding a job in Belgium for Croatian citizens is a process that requires a well-thought-out approach. It is worth starting with preparing a resume that meets European standards and a cover letter. These documents play a key role when contacting employers or job sites. Knowing the main search methods, you can quickly find a suitable position.

Ways to find a job:

1. Online job search platforms:

1. • LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com ) is the largest network for job search and professional networking.
   • StepStone (www.stepstone.be ) is a popular job site with vacancies throughout Belgium.
   • Jobat (www.jobat.be ) is a portal with vacancies in various industries.
   • Indeed (www.indeed.be ) is one of the most famous job aggregators.
   • Monster Belgium (www.monster.be ) is a job search platform with a user-friendly interface.

2. Employment agencies:

1. • Randstad (www.randstad.be ) is a large recruitment agency.
   • Adecco (www.adecco.be ) – helps you find work in various fields.
   • Manpower (www.manpower.be ) is an agency with vacancies for both specialists and beginners.

3. Regional employment centers:

1. • VDAB (www.vdab.be ) – for Flanders.
   • Actiris (www.actiris.be ) – for Brussels.
   • Le Forem (www.leforem.be ) – for Wallonia.
   • Arbeitsamt (www.adg.be ) – for the German-speaking region.

4. Direct contact with employers:

1. • Many companies post vacancies on their official websites in the “Careers” section.

5. Networking meetups and job fairs:

1. • They are held regularly in major cities such as Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent.
   • Fair example: Brussels Job Fair (www.brusselsjobfair.be ).

6. Social networks and professional communities:

1. • Follow specialized groups on Facebook or Telegram related to employment in Belgium.
   • Participate in local events and expat community meetups.

7. Newspapers and magazines with vacancies:

1. • De Standaard and Le Soir publish job vacancies.

8. Support services for EU citizens:

1. • EURES (www.eures.europa.eu ) provides advice and a list of vacancies.
   • Consultations at Croatian consulates in Belgium.

An alternative to traditional methods is to participate in volunteer projects or internships that help establish connections with local employers. It is also useful to expand your network by attending business forums and events. Trying different approaches can help you find the best employment option.

Advice:

Don’t forget to translate your CV into one of the official languages of Belgium (French, Dutch or German) – this will increase your chances of getting a response from the employer.

Job Application Process

Croatians, as EU citizens, can work in Belgium without having to obtain a work visa. However, to successfully find employment, they will have to go through several stages, including preparing documents and registering with local authorities. It is important to understand that the process of applying for a job requires certain knowledge and attention to detail in order to avoid refusals and delays. In this section, we will look at the key stages of employment for Croatian citizens.

Stages of employment registration.

1. Preparation of a resume and motivation letter in one of the official languages of Belgium.
2. Search for vacancies in specialized sources and on company websites.
3. Submitting a resume and going through an interview.
4. Registration with the local municipality at the place of residence.
5. Obtaining medical insurance and proof of financial solvency (if required).
6. Signing a contract and preparing working documents.
7. Undergo training or certification if the profession requires recognition of qualifications in Belgium.

When choosing an employer, it is important to consider not only the working conditions, but also the company’s reputation, employee reviews, and stability in providing jobs. It is recommended to carefully study the contract before signing it to avoid unpleasant surprises in the future. Choose an employer that matches your values and long-term career plans.

Important:
Please note that some professions in Belgium require recognition of your degree, which may take additional time.

Average salaries in Belgium

The average salary in Belgium depends on many factors, such as professional activity, experience, region of residence and level of education. Croatians, like other EU citizens, have the right to work in Belgium without additional permits, but the conditions of the labor market depend on the industry. It is important to consider that the salary also depends on the company and working conditions, as well as the level of knowledge of local languages.

Table: Minimum and maximum wages for Croatians and locals (as of 2024):

To increase wages in Belgium, Croatians should pay attention to improving their qualifications, obtaining diplomas recognized in Belgium, and mastering one of the official languages (French, Dutch or German). It is also recommended to look for opportunities for career growth and consider offers from larger companies with better conditions.

Tip:
Regularly upgrading your skills and adapting to the requirements of the Belgian labour market will significantly increase your chances of getting a salary increase.

Tips for Adapting to Life in Belgium for Croatians

Adaptation in Belgium for Croatians, as well as for other EU citizens, can be easier if you prepare for life in a new country in advance. The first thing to pay attention to is learning one of the official languages, such as French, Dutch or German, depending on the region. Knowing the language will make it much easier to find a job, communicate on a daily basis and interact with locals.

The second important aspect is getting to know the local cultural peculiarities and norms. Belgians value punctuality and order, and this is important to take into account both at work and in your personal life. Gradually, you can better understand cultural differences through participation in social events or volunteer projects, which will also help you make new acquaintances.

The third piece of advice concerns social aspects. Belgium has a well-developed health and social security system, so it is important to register with the local authorities to benefit from all available services. Registration in the national system will also help to avoid fines and tax problems.

Finally, it is worth paying attention to financial planning. Living in Belgium can be expensive, especially in large cities such as Brussels or Antwerp. It is advisable to research in advance options for reducing costs, such as cheaper housing, using public transport and discounts on cultural events for residents.