Working in Belgium opens up broad prospects for Estonians in various industries. Belgium, as the center of Europe, offers stable working conditions and a variety of vacancies for citizens of EU countries. In this article, we will tell you how to find a job in Belgium, what features of labor legislation should be taken into account, and what steps should be taken for successful integration into the labor market.
Peculiarities of Belgian labor legislation for Estonians
For Estonian citizens, the process of finding a job in Belgium is significantly simplified due to their status as EU citizens. They can freely move and work in any EU country without having to obtain a Belgian work visa or permit. However, it is important to understand that working in the country implies compliance with local labor laws, which regulate working conditions, taxation, and workers’ rights. This should be learned before moving to Belgium.
List of labor laws in Belgium:
- The Belgian Labor Code (Code du travail)
The law regulates the main provisions on labor relations, including the conditions of hiring, dismissal, remuneration and leave. - Equality Act (Loi sur l’égalité)
Establishes standards of equality and prevents discrimination in the labour sphere. - Social Security Act (Loi sur la secure sociale)
Defines the obligations of employers and employees to pay contributions to the social security system. - Law on Collective Labor Agreements (Conventions collectives de travail)
Includes provisions on collective agreements between employers and trade unions. - Temporary Contracts Act (Loi sur les contrats de travel temporaires)
Regulates the conditions of employment of temporary and contract workers in Belgium.
Compliance with Belgian labor laws is important for both employees and employers, as it ensures that rights are protected and that fair working conditions are observed. Violating the law can lead to legal consequences, including fines, litigation, and even dismissal. By following the established rules, you can avoid problems with employment and taxation in Belgium, as well as ensure your legal security.
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Tip: It is important to remember that the country has strict labor regulations and employers often check for compliance with the law regarding foreign workers.
Popular industries for employment
Estonians moving to Belgium for work can look forward to a variety of job opportunities in various industries. The country’s high standard of living and stable economy create employment opportunities in sectors such as construction, agriculture, IT and healthcare. Estonians with the necessary skills can successfully integrate into the Belgian labour market and find work in these popular fields.
List of popular professions for Estonians in Belgium:
- Builders and construction workers
Construction is booming in Belgium, and skilled workers are often needed, including masons, tilers, carpenters and engineers. Estonians with experience in this field can find work on large construction projects throughout the country. - Agricultural workers
The country is known for its developed agriculture, and Estonians often find work in agricultural enterprises. Farm work, harvesting, and livestock work are in-demand professions for those willing to work in this field. - IT specialists
The technology sector in Belgium is actively developing, and many companies are looking for qualified specialists in programming, software development, web design and systems analytics. Estonians with experience in IT can find highly paid jobs in the largest technology companies. - Healthcare workers
There is a high demand for health care workers in the healthcare sector, such as nurses, doctors, pharmacists and laboratory technicians. Estonians with medical education can work in hospitals and clinics, as well as in social institutions offering health care services. - Transport and logistics
The country is an important transport hub in Europe, and many companies are looking for drivers, logisticians, and supply chain management specialists. Estonians with the relevant skills and experience can find work in this field.
According to statistics for 2024, the number of Estonians employed in Belgium continues to grow. In particular, more than 3,000 people found work in such areas as construction, IT and agriculture. This indicates a high demand for qualified specialists from Estonia in the Belgian labour market, making the country an attractive destination for emigration.
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Fun fact: The region of Europe has some of the highest salaries in Europe for IT professionals.
How to find a job in the country
For Estonians, job hunting in Belgium begins with preparation and research into the labour market. It is important to understand what vacancies are in demand, what requirements employers have and what documents are needed for employment. The preparatory stage includes analysing job sites, consulting with agencies and obtaining information on work visas or work permits, if necessary.
Job search stages with full description, job search for foreigners in Belgium.
- Analyzing the labor market
First, you need to study current vacancies in Belgium. This can be done through websites such as VDAB (vdab.be ) or Jobat (www.jobat.be ). Many vacancies are available in English and French.
You can start searching immediately, but it will take 1 to 2 weeks to receive responses. - Consulting with employment
agencies Agencies such as Randstad (randstad.be ) or Adecco (www.adecco.be ) offer job search and candidate selection services.
Cost: Agencies are usually free for job seekers, as they are paid by employers. Waiting times vary depending on the vacancy, but are usually between 2 and 4 weeks. - Submitting a resume and cover letter
It is recommended to adapt your resume and cover letter to Belgian standards. Pay attention to the correctness of the language, especially if it is French or Dutch. The response from the employer usually comes within 1-2 weeks. - Interview and paperwork
After the interview, additional documents may be requested, such as work records or diplomas. If necessary, agencies will help with obtaining work permits. Waiting time depends on the company, usually the process is from 1 to 4 weeks.
If you have been rejected for employment, do not despair. This may be the result of many factors, not always dependent on your skills. It is recommended to continue searching, improve your resume or take additional courses to increase your chances. It is also important to be patient and not give up after the first unsuccessful experience. To do this, you need to study the requirements for workers in Belgium.
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Interesting fact: in Belgium, many companies value experience working in an international environment, which makes Estonians attractive candidates for Belgian employers.
Salary and taxes
The tax system in Belgium applies equally to all residents, including Estonian citizens working in the country. Income tax is calculated on a progressive scale and depends on the level of income. In addition, social contributions are levied, which provide access to health care, pensions and other social guarantees. Understanding the tax system will help you plan your finances effectively. The minimum wage in Belgium in 2025 was 1955 euros per month.
| Profession | Average salary of an Estonian in Belgium (EUR) | Average salary of a Belgian (EUR) |
| Programmer | 4 200 | 4 500 |
| Engineer | 4,000 | 4 300 |
| Doctor | 6 500 | 7,000 |
| Teacher | 3 200 | 3,500 |
| Agricultural worker | 2,500 | 2 800 |
| Builder | 3,000 | 3 200 |
| Manager | 5,000 | 5 300 |
| Waiter | 2 700 | 2 900 |
To achieve a salary increase, it is important to develop your professional skills and not miss out on additional training opportunities. It is also useful for Estonians working in Belgium to master at least basic knowledge of French or Dutch. This will not only broaden your career prospects, but also improve your interaction with colleagues. The desire to improve your qualifications can be a key factor in increasing your salary.
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Tip: Learning about the Belgian tax system can help you get back some of your taxes thanks to tax breaks.
Working conditions
The working week in Belgium for most professions is 38-40 hours, with flexible working hours available for some industries. Estonians working in Belgium are entitled to an annual paid holiday, which averages 20 working days. The country also provides additional paid days off in case of illness, family reasons or official holidays. These conditions create a comfortable work-life balance, career in Belgium.
In Belgium, labor rights are protected by law, making the country one of the most favorable for workers, including Estonian citizens. Every employee has the right to a written employment contract, which specifies all conditions, including wages, work schedule, and vacation days. This document is mandatory even for temporary or part-time employment.
The Belgian social security system covers a wide range of needs:
- Health insurance. All officially employed workers automatically receive health insurance, which covers most of the costs of treatment, medications and hospitalization.
- Unemployment benefit. In the event of dismissal, an employee, including Estonian citizens, may apply for a benefit, the amount of which depends on the previous salary and length of service.
- Payment of sick leave. In case of illness, the employee receives compensation, which is calculated on the basis of the average salary. The first days are paid by the employer, and further expenses are covered by the insurance system.
- Pension guarantees. All social security contributions are taken into account when calculating the pension. EU citizens can retain their pension rights even when returning to their home country.
- Maternity and paternity leave. Paid leave is provided for parents, including parental leave and maternity benefits.
Belgian employers are required to provide safe working conditions. This includes compliance with occupational safety standards, regular inspections of equipment and minimization of risks in the workplace. In case of violation of the employee’s rights, he can go to the labor court, where his interests will be protected. It is important to find out what taxes are relevant for workers in Belgium. By working officially, Estonian residents gain access to these guarantees, which makes working here stable and secure.
Important: In Belgium, you can get additional leave if you participate in educational programs related to professional development.
Life for emigrants
Life in Belgium for expats combines comfort, stability and certain challenges associated with adaptation. Belgian culture is characterized by respect for traditions, friendliness of locals and high importance of social responsibility. However, for residents of Estonia, the language barrier may be difficult, since the country has three official languages: Dutch, French and German. Knowing at least one of them will significantly simplify integration. This will help to formalize social guarantees in Belgium.
Housing conditions in Belgium vary from spacious apartments in cities to cozy houses in the suburbs. Rent depends on the region: housing in Brussels or Antwerp will cost more than in smaller cities. The average cost of renting an apartment is between 700 and 1,200 euros per month. It is also worth considering additional costs for utilities, transportation and food, which can total around 1,000 euros. It is important for expats to plan a budget in order to settle comfortably and enjoy life and work in Belgium.
