Belgium is a country with a developed economy and diverse culture, which makes it an attractive place to work. Finns seeking career growth or new professional challenges will find many opportunities here. Studying the labor market, the specifics of work and the nuances of moving will help make the adaptation comfortable. This guide will cover all the stages of finding a job and settling in Belgium.
Reasons to choose Belgium for work
Belgium attracts Finns with its career prospects and international atmosphere. Despite cultural and economic differences, working in the country can offer experiences that are difficult to achieve in Finland. The level of salaries, the variety of vacancies and the location in the center of Europe make Belgium an interesting option for labor migration.
Advantages:
- Diversity of vacancies in international companies
- Convenient geographical location for travel
- Career opportunities in dynamic industries
- High social guarantees and quality medical care
Flaws:
- High taxes and cost of living
- The need to adapt to a different working style
- Differences in language environment and cultural barriers
- Difficulties with recognition of diplomas and qualifications
Finns who decide to build a career in Belgium often face difficulties in adapting to the local labour market requirements. Lack of knowledge of the country’s languages, as well as bureaucratic barriers, can slow down the job search process. It is important to take into account the differences in work culture, which requires flexibility and a willingness to learn new things.
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Tip: Learning French, Dutch or German will significantly increase your chances of finding a successful job.
Employment conditions in the country
Finnish citizens seeking to work in Belgium can expect standard employment conditions governed by the country’s laws. Belgium guarantees fair wages, respect for workers’ rights, and access to social security. However, it is important for Finns to take into account the differences in local labor laws and qualification requirements.
Working conditions in Belgium for Finns:
- availability of a work visa to Belgium or a residence permit for work
- drawing up an employment contract that complies with local laws
- compliance with the minimum wage established in the industry
- guaranteed paid leave (20 days per year for full-time employees)
- access to employer- and employee-paid health insurance
- compulsory pension insurance
- the opportunity to work in international companies and organizations
- compliance with safety regulations in the workplace
- respect for work schedules, including breaks and restrictions on overtime
- participation in trade unions to protect workers’ rights
Finns may have the most difficulty meeting language requirements, especially if the profession requires knowledge of French or Dutch. Difficulties may also arise when confirming diplomas and professional qualifications. However, a systematic approach to training and assistance from specialized agencies help resolve these issues. This does not affect social security in Belgium.
Find out about permanent residence in Belgium in this article.
Interesting fact: the country officially has a 38-hour work week, but many companies offer flexible work schedules.
Ways to find a job
Preparing for a job search in another country begins with creating a professional CV that highlights your key skills, experience, and achievements. It is important to include letters of recommendation from previous employers – they can significantly increase your chances of success. For Finns looking to find employment in Belgium, it is important to explore the available job search methods and determine the path that suits you best.
Ways to find work in Belgium for Finns.
- Online platforms: Popular sites like Indeed.be, StepStone, and Jobat let you find jobs in a variety of industries. Register to access job postings and set up notifications about new offers.
- Public services. For example, Actiris (for Brussels), VDAB (Flanders), Forem (Wallonia) and ADG (German-speaking Belgium) provide information on vacancies, training and consultation. Contact details can be found on the official websites of the services.
- Recruitment agencies. Companies such as Randstad, Adecco and Manpower help find temporary or permanent jobs. Their offices are located throughout Belgium, and contacts are easy to find on their websites.
- Social Networking: LinkedIn is a great platform for networking, finding jobs, and connecting with potential employers.
- University career centres. If you are a student or graduate of a Finnish university, contact your university’s career services for support and information about opportunities in Belgium.
- Career fairs. These events are often held in major cities and offer the opportunity to meet employers in person. Current dates and locations can be found on the Career Fair Belgium websites.
- Advertisements in local newspapers. Regional publications such as Le Soir, De Standaard and Het Laatste Nieuws, publish job advertisements.
Alternative ways for Finns to find work
Finns can use less standard ways to find jobs, such as recommendations from friends or acquaintances who are already working in Belgium. It is also useful to contact professional associations or communities where you can establish useful contacts. Another option is to attend specialized events and seminars on employment, organized by Finnish or Belgian cultural centers. Take into account the peculiarities of the labor legislation in Belgium.
This article to find out how business immigration works in Belgium.
Tip: Knowing several languages, such as French or Dutch, significantly increases your chances of finding a job. Therefore, it is important to develop your language skills for working in Belgium.
Popular areas of employment for Finns
Finnish professionals are valued in Belgium for their high level of education and professional approach. Many of them find themselves in various sectors of the economy, including technology, healthcare and tourism. Having international experience and knowledge of languages makes Finns sought-after candidates in the local labour market.
Popular professions for Finns in Belgium:
- IT engineers
- health care and nursing professionals
- employees in logistics and transport companies
- sales and marketing managers
- scientific staff and researchers at universities
- specialists in the tourism business, including guides
- architects and interior designers
- translators and linguists
Finns who want to build a successful career in Belgium should take into account local professional requirements and corporate values. Regular professional development and participation in training programs will help develop skills and strengthen their position in the labor market. It is also important to pay attention to the development of a professional network, which plays a key role in career advancement.
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Interesting fact: Belgium is one of the leading countries in Europe in terms of the number of international companies providing opportunities to work in a multicultural environment.
Salaries and taxes in Belgium for Finns
Finnish residents working in Belgium can expect salaries that depend on the profession, experience and region of employment. Employers often offer competitive conditions, including bonuses and benefits. However, one should take into account the high taxes that play a significant role in the income structure.
Table of maximum and minimum wages by profession (EUR per month):
| Profession | Minimum wage | Maximum salary |
| Programmer | 2 800 | 6 500 |
| Nurse | 2 200 | 4,000 |
| Teacher | 2 300 | 4 200 |
| Engineer | 3,000 | 7,000 |
| Financial analyst | 3 200 | 6 800 |
| Waiter | 1 800 | 2 800 |
| Marketer | 2,500 | 5 500 |
| Architect | 3,000 | 6 500 |
| Lawyer | 3,500 | 7,500 |
| Construction worker | 2,000 | 3 800 |
The tax system in Belgium for Finns involves progressive taxation, where the tax percentage increases with income. For most employees, taxes are withheld directly from the salary by the employer. For example, about 40% may be withheld from a salary of 4,000 euros, depending on marital status and other factors. Finns should also take into account that the country has social security contributions that cover health insurance and pensions.
Tip: In Belgium, you can get tax deductions for expenses on professional training and development.
Accommodation and cost of living in Belgium
Living in Belgium is one of the main expenses for Finns moving to the country. The cost of renting an apartment depends on the city and type of housing. For example, a one-room apartment in Brussels will cost 800-1,200 euros per month, while in smaller cities such as Liege or Namur, the rent can be 600-800 euros. For utilities, including water, electricity and Internet, you will have to pay an additional 150 to 250 euros per month.
Eating in Belgium is also quite expensive, especially if you eat in restaurants. Lunch in a café costs 15-25 euros, and dinner in an average restaurant costs 30-50 euros per person. For those who cook at home, monthly food costs are around 250-350 euros. For example, a liter of milk costs around 1.20 euros, a loaf of bread costs 2 euros, and a kilo of apples costs 2.50 euros.
The public transport system in Belgium is convenient and relatively affordable. A monthly pass in Brussels costs around €50. For motorists, it is important to consider the cost of petrol, which is €1.7–€2 per litre, as well as insurance and taxes. In addition, many cities encourage the use of bicycles, and renting a bike will cost €20–€30 per month.
Entertainment and leisure in Belgium include visiting museums, cinemas, restaurants and bars. A cinema ticket costs around 12 euros, and a museum ticket costs 8-15 euros. Weekends in resort areas or trips to neighboring European countries are also popular among Finns, but such trips can cost 200-300 euros at a time.
Children’s education is an important aspect for Finnish families. Public schools are free, but international or private schools charge 10,000–15,000 euros per year. You also need to consider additional costs for school materials and clubs, which amount to about 500–700 euros per year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I work in Belgium if I am a Finnish citizen?
Yes, Finnish citizens, like other EU citizens, have the right to work in Belgium without the need for a work visa or work permit. - What documents are required to work in Belgium?
You will need a passport or ID card, tax number, social security number and a bank account in a Belgian bank to receive your salary. - What salary level can you expect in Belgium?
The average salary level depends on the profession and experience. For example, IT specialists earn 3,000–5,000 euros per month, and medical workers earn around 3,500–4,500 euros. - Is there a minimum wage in Belgium?
Yes, the minimum wage in the country is around 1,954 euros gross per month (2025 data). - What taxes are withheld from wages in Belgium?
Taxes are calculated depending on the level of income. The average tax rate is around 25-50%, including social security contributions. - How to find a job in Belgium?
You can use job search platforms such as LinkedIn, StepStone and Indeed, or contact recruitment agencies. - Which industries are most in demand in Belgium for Finns?
IT, engineering, healthcare, construction and logistics are popular. In addition, specialists who speak several languages are in demand. - Is knowledge of languages required to work in Belgium?
Knowledge of one of the official languages of Belgium (French, Dutch or German) will be a big plus. However, in international companies, English will suffice. - What are the working hours in Belgium?
The typical working hours are 38 hours a week, with lunch breaks. However, the hours may vary depending on the company and industry. - Are Finns entitled to social benefits in Belgium?
Yes, as an employee you are entitled to social benefits, including insurance, paid holidays, maternity benefits and a pension.
