Work in Belgium for English Speakers: Vacancies, Salaries and Career Advice

If you are looking for a job for English speakers in Belgium, you are in luck, as the country attracts many international companies and organizations that require knowledge of English. Such vacancies can range from IT and finance to work in the tourism sector and education. The wide range of opportunities is due to the fact that Belgium, being in the center of Europe, has many connections with international businesses and institutions.

Jobs for English speakers

There are many job openings in Belgium that target English-speaking professionals, especially in international organisations, IT companies and the finance and marketing sectors. Key positions include working in European institutions, international corporations and start-ups, where English is often the main working language. Specialists in programming, engineering, sales and project management also have good job prospects.

Jobs for English speakers in Belgium:

• IT and Technology. The IT sector in Belgium is growing rapidly, making it attractive to English-speaking professionals. Jobs in this sector may include software development, cybersecurity, data management and IT consulting. Often, international companies are looking for professionals for whom English is their working language, especially for interactions with clients and partners outside Belgium.
• Finance and banking. Belgium is home to the headquarters of a number of international banks and financial institutions. English-speaking professionals are in demand in financial consulting, accounting, auditing, as well as in investment companies and banks.
• Tourism and hospitality. Belgium’s tourism sector offers many opportunities for English speakers, particularly in popular tourist destinations such as Brussels, Antwerp and Bruges. Jobs can include hotel management, tour guiding, restaurant work and airport work, where English is often the first language for international clients.
• Marketing and Communications. International companies in Belgium need English-speaking marketing and communications professionals. This includes PR, brand management, content creation, strategic marketing and digital technology. English is used to interact with global audiences.
• Many international schools, universities and language courses are looking for English-speaking teachers, especially to teach English, other foreign languages and subjects in English. This also includes work in universities and research centres where English is widely used in an academic environment.
• Administrative and office positions. English speakers can also find work in administrative positions, particularly in international companies, NGOs, and government agencies. Jobs may include paperwork, event management, office management, and dealing with international clients.

English-speaking professionals in Belgium can find work in a variety of fields, including finance, technology, marketing, and education. This job market offers ample opportunities for English speakers, thanks to the international presence of many companies. Fun fact: Brussels is considered the second-largest international capital after New York, thanks to the many international organizations and headquarters located here.

Interesting fact: in Brussels, about 27% of residents use English as one of their working languages.

Requirements for candidates

To get a job in Belgium, English-speaking specialists must meet certain criteria. First of all, this is a native or close to native English language proficiency, as well as experience working in an international environment. Knowledge of one of the national languages of Belgium (French, Dutch or German) will be an advantage.

Working in Belgium for English speakers offers many opportunities, but candidates must meet a number of requirements to successfully compete in the job market. Depending on the specifics of the job and the industry, the requirements can vary greatly.

• English proficiency. Most positions require fluency in English, especially for international companies.
• Knowledge of other languages. Despite the emphasis on English, knowledge of one of the local languages (French or Dutch) significantly increases the chances of successful employment.
• Professional skills. Depending on the vacancy, candidates may need specialized knowledge and experience, be it in IT, finance, marketing or other areas.
• European documents or visas. To work in Belgium, you must have a work permit or citizenship of one of the EU countries.
• Adaptation to culture. The ability to work in a multicultural environment and the willingness to integrate into the local culture also play an important role in employment.

Working in Belgium for English speakers requires not only language and professional skills, but also flexibility in terms of requirements that vary by industry. These aspects should be taken into account when looking for a job and preparing for interviews.

Interesting fact: According to a recent study, around 38% of companies in Belgium are actively looking for employees with knowledge of English in combination with local languages.

How to Find English Speaking Jobs in Belgium

The job search process for English speakers can start with resources such as international job sites and social networks. Sites such as LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor offer vacancies where the main requirement is English proficiency. There are also specialized employment agencies that help foreigners find work in Belgium.

Job search sites:

• Indeed Belgium – https://be.indeed.com. A popular international platform where you can find many vacancies, including English-language offers.
• StepStone Belgium – https://www.stepstone.be. A specialized website for finding work in various industries, with the ability to filter by language requirements.
• LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com. A social network that is widely used for professional contacts and job searches.

Employment agencies:

• Accent Jobs – https://www.accentjobs.be. An agency that provides jobs for English-speaking employees in various sectors.
• Randstad Belgium – https://www.randstad.be. Large employment agency with a variety of vacancies for English speakers.
• Adecco Belgium – https://www.adecco.be. One of the leading international recruitment agencies with opportunities for English speaking employees.

Apply to international companies. Many large companies, such as Deloitte, KPMG and Google, are looking for employees with English language skills. Check their websites for job openings.

Specialized events and job fairs. These events are often organized by international schools, universities or specialized organizations such as Expat Welcome Desk – https://expatwelcomdesk.be, which offer information and assistance to foreign workers.

Expat Social Media Groups and Forums: Joining English-language online groups and forums, such as the Facebook groups for expats in Belgium, can help you discover hidden job openings and get advice from other English-speaking professionals.

Jobs in Belgium for English speakers can be found through a variety of resources, from online platforms to specialized employment agencies. Combining these approaches can increase your chances of finding a successful job. Don’t forget to keep an eye on job fairs and connect with international communities to exchange information and experiences.

Interesting fact: according to research, about 55% of vacancies for English-speaking specialists in Belgium are concentrated in Brussels and large cities where the offices of international companies are located.

Salary level

Salaries in Belgium for English-speaking workers vary depending on the profession, skill level and location. On average, salaries in the country are among the highest in Europe, although this comes with high tax rates.

Here are some sample salary data for different professions:

• Managers in international companies from €60,000 to €120,000 per year. Depending on the level of responsibility and the company, the salary may be higher.
• IT specialists from €45,000 to €85,000 per year. Salaries for English-speaking employees in this field are quite high due to the demand for technical specialists.
• Marketing and communications from €40,000 to €75,000 per year. In large international companies, salaries in this area can reach even higher levels.
• Engineers from €50,000 to €90,000 per year. Depending on their specialization, engineers working on English-language projects can expect high incomes.
• Teachers in international schools from €30,000 to €60,000 per year, depending on experience and educational institution.

Sources for checking salaries:

• Glassdoor Belgium – https://www.glassdoor.be. Provides information on salaries in various companies and industries across the country.
• Salary Explorer – https://www.salaryexplorer.com. Provides accurate salary data by occupation, city and industry in Belgium.
• Payscale Belgium – https://www.payscale.com. A tool for assessing average salaries by occupation and region.
• Statbel – https://statbel.fgov.be). Official website with statistical data on salaries in Belgium.

Salaries in Belgium for English-speaking professionals are generally quite high, especially in IT, engineering and management. However, it is important to consider the high taxes and cost of living in the country. It is important to research the job market and use various resources to estimate your income and expenses.

Interesting fact: on average, salaries in Belgium are higher than in most EU countries, but the tax rate is also one of the highest, which can reduce the income difference.

Belgium offers many opportunities for English-speaking professionals to build a successful career. A wide range of vacancies in international companies, high salaries, and a well-developed infrastructure create favorable working conditions. However, it is important to consider the requirements for candidates, as well as an active search through trusted resources and agencies. As a result, with the right approach and preparation, working in Belgium for English speakers can become a successful and promising opportunity.