Work in Belgium for Cypriots: professions, working conditions and job advice

Belgium attracts Cypriots not only with employment opportunities, but also with comfortable living conditions. Thanks to the rights of EU citizens, Cypriots can work here without unnecessary bureaucracy. The country offers opportunities in such areas as IT, healthcare and construction. To succeed, it is important to know the specifics of the local labor market.

Why Cypriots are looking for work in Belgium

Cypriots increasingly view Belgium as an attractive place to work due to its stable economy, high salaries and social guarantees. The convenient geographical location in the center of Europe and the absence of visa restrictions for EU citizens also play an important role. A well-established system of labor legislation makes adaptation easier, and the variety of vacancies opens up prospects for specialists of various levels.

Benefits of working for Cypriots in Belgium:

• High level of wages and decent working conditions.
• A wide range of vacancies in in-demand areas such as healthcare, IT and engineering.
• Social security and access to health services.
• Convenient geographic location with the opportunity to work in an international environment.
• Ease of relocation and paperwork thanks to EU citizen rights.
• Prospects for professional growth and career development.
• Attractive cultural and linguistic environment suitable for family life.

As of 2024, Belgium remains one of the popular destinations for labor immigration from Cyprus. Vacancies in the country are actively filled by specialists from other EU countries, which creates healthy competition. However, Cypriots find work in priority areas for themselves, confirming their qualifications. Further development of economic ties between EU countries may open up even more employment opportunities for Cypriots in Belgium.

Tip:
Knowing French or Dutch significantly increases your chances of finding a high-paying job in Belgium.

Legal aspects of employment

Belgium’s labor laws regulate the rights and obligations of all workers, including immigrants. For residents of Cyprus, as EU citizens, there is a simplified employment procedure, which allows you to quickly find a job without the need for a visa. However, it is important to comply with local laws to avoid fines and problems with immigration authorities.

Labor legislation in Belgium:

• Employment Contracts Act (Arbeidsovereenkomstenwet / Loi sur les contrats de travail, 1978). Regulates the conclusion, modification and termination of employment contracts.
• Minimum Wage Act (Wet op het minimumloon / Loi sur le salaire minimum (1969). Determines the minimum wage.
• Data Protection Act (AVG/GDPR, 2018) Ensures the confidentiality of employees’ personal data.
• Social Security Act (Sociale Zekerheidswet / Loi sur la secure sociale, 1996). Guarantees access to social benefits and health care.
• Occupational Safety and Health Act (Arbeidsveiligheidswet / Loi sur la secure au travail, 1996). Sets standards for safety in the workplace.

Violation of labor laws may result in administrative fines, termination of the contract, and restrictions on further employment. For example, working without an official contract may result in deportation or entry ban. To avoid problems, it is important to familiarize yourself with the basic laws and follow the employer’s recommendations. Compliance with the law helps ensure stable and safe employment.

Important:

Working without an employment contract in Belgium can result in a fine of up to 48,000 euros for the employer and significant problems for the employee.

Popular Professions and Industries for Cypriots

Cypriots who come to Belgium find themselves in a variety of fields. They are most often found in such industries as IT, medicine and tourism. The country’s high standard of living and developed economy attract specialists from all over Europe, including residents of Cyprus.

List of popular professions and industries:

• IT and technologies. Software development, data analysis, IT infrastructure support.
• Medicine and care for the elderly. Doctors, nurses, caregivers. The shortage of specialists provides employment opportunities.
• Education. Teaching English or other languages, working in universities.
• Hospitality industry. Restaurant, hotel and travel agency workers are in demand due to the high influx of tourists.
• Construction. Architects, engineers, workers of various specialties.
• Finance. Accountants, analysts and tax specialists find work in international companies.
• Logistics. Drivers, warehouse accounting specialists, logistics system operators.
• Creative industry. Graphic designers, photographers and marketing specialists.

Seasonal work in Belgium is especially relevant for those seeking temporary employment in agriculture, tourism or the restaurant industry. The summer months and holiday seasons create demand for workers in these industries. Residents of Cyprus should take into account that competition for such positions can be high, so preparing documents in advance will increase the chances of success.

Interesting fact:
Many seasonal vacancies in Belgium pay higher than similar positions in Cyprus, making them particularly popular among young professionals.

How to find a job in Belgium

Finding a job abroad can be a real challenge, especially if it is in a different country. For Cypriots, it is important to start by preparing a quality CV and cover letter that meet European standards. Knowledge of local languages, such as French or Dutch, will also be a big advantage. Various sources of information, from official websites to social networks, will help you find a suitable vacancy.

Ways to find a job for residents of Cyprus:

1. Online platforms:
   • EURES (https://ec.europa.eu/eures/ ) is the European Employment Network.
   • Indeed Belgium (https://be.indeed.com ) is a popular job portal.
   • LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com ) is a great platform for professional contacts.
2. Government organizations:
   • VDAB (https://www.vdab.be ) is the official website of the Flemish employment service.
   • Actiris (https://www.actiris.brussels ) is the employment service for Brussels.
   • Forem (https://www.leforem.be ) is a service for Wallonia.
3. Large companies:
   • Solvay is a chemical industry.
   • Proximus – telecommunications.
   • AB InBev is a beverage company.
4. Social networks and professional communities:
   • Facebook groups for expats.
   • Telegram channels with job postings.
5. Employment agencies:
   • Randstad (https://www.randstad.be ).
   • Adecco (https://www.adecco.be ).

Alternative ways to find work may include attending job fairs and professional seminars, which are often held in Belgium. You can also turn to personal and professional contacts, including expat communities. Even volunteer work can be a route to paid work, as it allows you to make valuable connections.

Advice:

It is important to tailor your resume to each vacancy, highlighting key skills that match the employer’s requirements.

Working conditions and wage level

Belgium attracts Cypriots not only with employment opportunities, but also with comfortable working conditions. The working week is usually 38 hours, and workers’ rights are strictly protected by law. Standard contracts include social security, paid leave and sick leave. In addition, workers have access to professional development, which is especially important for career growth.

 

Profession	Average salary of Cypriots (€)	Average salary of local residents (€)
IT specialist	3 800	4 200
Nurse	3 200	3 600
Engineer	4 100	4 500
Teacher	3,000	3 400
Truck driver	2 600	3,000
Warehouse worker	2,400	2 800
Lawyer	4 500	5,000
Administrator	2 900	3 300
Chef	3,500	3 900
Construction worker	2 800	3 200

For Cypriots working in Belgium, it is important to understand how their experience and skills affect their salary level. Participation in professional courses, knowledge of languages and willingness to move to regions with high demand for specialists can significantly increase income. Employers value initiative and willingness of employees to take on additional tasks. These qualities often become decisive when renegotiating wage conditions.

Tip:
Knowing French or Dutch can increase your salary in Belgium by 15–20 percent.

Procedure for employment registration

Employment in Belgium for Cypriots begins with finding a vacancy and concluding a contract with an employer. Since EU citizens have the right to free employment in the countries of the union, the main focus is on documents confirming qualifications and registration at the place of work. The process includes several stages that require attention and preparation.

Stages of employment registration.

1. Job search: use specialized websites, agencies and personal contacts.
2. Negotiating terms with the employer: discussing salary, responsibilities and schedule.
3. Preparation of documents: passport, confirmation of qualifications, resume and letters of recommendation.
4. Signing an employment contract: all working conditions are recorded.
5. Registration with the local commune: mandatory to start work, usually takes up to two weeks.
6. Social insurance registration: necessary for medical care and pension contributions.
7. Payment of registration fees, if required by the terms of employment (mainly for document translation services).

If you are refused employment during the process, it is important to clarify the reasons for this. Perhaps there are not enough documents or there are errors in the resume. In this case, it is worth reviewing the approach to searching for vacancies, supplementing the documents or contacting consulting agencies. It is useful for Cypriot citizens to maintain contact with local EU representatives for up-to-date information.

Interesting fact:
Cypriots working in Belgium can access additional training courses organised by employers.

Taxation and Social Security

When working in Belgium, it is important to understand the nuances of the taxation and social security system. These aspects directly affect the size of the salary, access to health care and accumulation of pension funds. Residents of Cyprus planning to work in Belgium should study these issues in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises and successfully adapt to the new financial system.

Taxation and Social Security in Belgium

• Income tax: the rate is progressive, from 25% to 50%, depending on the level of income.
• Social contributions: mandatory contributions for health care, pensions and unemployment insurance.
• Medical insurance: covers part of the costs of treatment, mandatory for all employees.
• Pension savings: depend on length of service and salary level, payments are regulated by the state.
• Tax incentives: Available to certain categories of workers, including parents and low-paid workers.
• Unemployment benefits: provided subject to conditions of length of service and payment of contributions.
• Family benefits: payments for children, depending on the family’s income level.
• International agreements: Belgium and Cyprus cooperate on double taxation issues, which helps to avoid paying taxes in two countries.

Taxation and social security play a key role in the financial stability of workers in Belgium. For Cypriots, understanding these systems helps to avoid mistakes when planning income and social security. It is important to remember that timely registration with tax and social authorities is a mandatory step after employment. Attentive attention to these issues will speed up adaptation and make the process of working in Belgium more comfortable.