Work in Belgium for French: opportunities, laws and advice

Belgium is a great destination for French people looking for new career opportunities in Europe. The country has a developed economy, a high standard of living and many jobs, offering French citizens many advantages. In this article, we will tell you about the Belgian labor market, the specifics of employment and how French people can successfully start a career in this country.

Peculiarities of the labor market in Belgium

In 2025, the Belgian labor market continues to attract the French, offering a wide range of jobs and stable employment prospects. The country with highly developed industries and a strong economy offers opportunities for professionals who are ready to adapt to new conditions. In this section, we will consider the features of the Belgian labor market for the French and the opportunities for a successful career in 2025.

In 2025, French citizens will be able to continue to effectively search for work in Belgium, especially in key sectors such as IT, healthcare and engineering. In the context of globalization and digitalization, it will be easier for the French to find vacancies in Belgium that require a high level of qualifications. In addition, the Belgian government continues to support the immigration of workers by providing simplified processes for obtaining work permits. However, for success, it is important to take into account the cultural and linguistic characteristics of the country, which facilitates better integration in the labor market.

Popular professions and industries in Belgium in 2025:

• IT and Technology: Belgium continues to be one of the leaders in Europe in the IT and technology sector, attracting specialists in programming, cybersecurity, software development and data science.
• Healthcare: The demand for doctors, nurses and other health professionals in Belgium is consistently high, especially as the population continues to age.
• Engineers of all specialties, including civil, mechanical and electrical engineering, remain in demand in various parts of the country. A work visa in Belgium and other permits are required.
• Financial sector. Belgian banks and financial institutions have vacancies for specialists in finance, accounting, as well as analysts and consultants.
• Education: French teachers, as well as teachers in international schools, are in demand in Belgium, especially in Brussels and Wallonia.
• Logistics and transport. Given Belgium’s developed transport infrastructure and important geographical position in Europe, logistics, supply chain and transport specialists remain in demand on the labour market.
• Research and development. Research institutions and universities offer jobs for scientists, biotechnologists and chemists.
• Hotel and restaurant business. The tourism and service sector has always been important for Belgium and will continue to attract workers to hotels, restaurants and travel agencies in 2025.

In 2025, the prospects for the French in the Belgian labour market remain positive, making emigration to work in the country a promising prospect. Given the high living standards, diversity of industries and in-demand professions, the French are given the chance to develop their careers in a wide range of fields. Belgium will continue to attract highly qualified specialists, and French workers will be able to easily integrate into the country’s labour market.

Looking for a job in Leuven? Read our article for tips.

Tip: Before you start looking for a job in Belgium, research the language and culture of each region to help you choose the career path that works best for you.

Labor legislation

Labor law in Belgium is regulated by both national laws and pan-European standards. However, Belgian law is distinguished by its complex system of collective agreements and contracts, which are actively used to establish working conditions. These rules apply to all workers, including French citizens, providing clear rights and obligations. Knowing these rules helps to avoid mistakes in legal employment and provides protection in controversial situations, ensuring good working conditions in Belgium.

Labor standards in Belgium for French people:

• The working week lasts 38 hours.
• The minimum wage is determined by collective agreements, but cannot be lower than the national level.
• The employee is entitled to a minimum of 20 days of paid leave per year.
• Mandatory execution of an employment contract in writing, indicating the terms of work.
• All workers must be registered with the social security system.
• Employers are required to provide safe working conditions.
• There are clear notice and compensation periods for termination of employment.
• Labor relations are regulated on the basis of collective agreements, which often supplement legislation.

Violating labor laws can have serious consequences, such as fines, administrative measures, or even a ban on further work in Belgium. It is important for the French to follow the rules carefully to avoid misunderstandings with employers and local authorities. Compliance with the law ensures the protection of your rights and well-being in the workplace.

Peculiarities of work at the UN, Brussels – tips, vacancies and salaries.

Tip: In Belgium, collective agreements often provide better conditions than those provided for by national laws, so it is important to study them before signing a contract.

Stages of employment for residents of France

Employment in Belgium for the French begins with preparing the basic documents that will help make a good impression on the employer. A clear and structured resume, supplemented by letters of recommendation, significantly increases the chances of success. It is important for French citizens to take into account the peculiarities of the local labor market and adapt their materials to Belgian requirements. Below we will discuss in detail how and where to look for work.

List of ways to find a job:

1. Government structures:
   • Forem (Wallonia) – helps with job search, career guidance and training. Helps with language requirements for work.
     Website: www.leforem.be
     Phone: +32 800 93 947
   • Actiris (Brussels) – employment service specialising in vacancies in the capital region.
     Website: www.actiris.be
     Phone: +32 800 35 123
   • VDAB (Flanders) – offers services for those who want to work in Dutch-speaking regions. They handle paperwork and CV writing.
     Website: www.vdab.be
     Phone: +32 2 506 15 00
2. Private agencies:
   • Randstad Belgium – one of the largest agencies offering vacancies throughout the country.
     Website: www.randstad.be
   • Adecco Belgium – specializes in temporary and permanent employment.
     Website: www.adecco.be
3. Job search sites:
   • Indeed Belgium (be.indeed.com)
   • StepStone Belgium (www.stepstone.be )
   • Jobat.be
4. Social media:
   • LinkedIn is a platform for professional networking and job searches.
   • Facebook – Local job search groups in Belgium such as ” Jobs in Brussels ” or ” Emplois à Bruxelles “.

To find a successful job, it is important not only to actively search for vacancies, but also to be prepared to adapt to the Belgian work environment. Use all available channels to find a job, remembering to update your CV and set up profiles in professional networks. Carefully study vacancies, paying attention to the requirements and working conditions for foreigners in Belgium. If you have difficulties finding a job, you can consider internships or volunteer programs.

Need a job in Antwerp? Check out this article for tips and advice.

Interesting fact: in Belgium, it is important to pay attention to the design of your resume: it should be no longer than one or two pages, clear and structured.

Standard of living and salaries

For French people planning to live and work in Belgium, it is important to understand how salaries are formed and what expenses they can expect in everyday life. The country has a minimum wage, and salaries often depend on the sector, experience and region. The tax system in Belgium is considered one of the most complex, but it provides access to high social standards. This section will help you understand the key aspects of salaries and expenses.

Salaries in Belgium depend on the industry, work experience and level of education. For example, the minimum wage since 2025 is about 2,000 euros per month gross. The tax system is progressive: income up to 13,870 euros is taxed at a rate of 25%, and amounts over 47,380 euros are taxed at a rate of 50%. After deducting taxes and social contributions, 50-65% of the gross earnings remain on hand. For example, an engineer with a gross salary of 4,000 euros receives about 2,400 euros net, and an office worker with a gross salary of 2,500 euros receives about 1,650 euros.

Table, minimum and maximum salary in Belgium by profession

Living expenses depend largely on the region of residence. For French people moving to Brussels, renting a one-room apartment will cost an average of 1,000 euros per month, and utilities will cost around 150 euros. Food will cost 300-400 euros, and transportation costs will be around 50-100 euros per month. Knowing how to budget and take local peculiarities into account will help make life in Belgium comfortable.

To find a job, find out about recruitment agencies in Belgium.

Fact: French citizens working in Belgium can cross the border daily while maintaining their residence in France, which reduces their tax burden.

Work in the French community of Belgium

Working in the French Community of Belgium offers many opportunities for the French due to cultural and linguistic proximity. The main regions where French is spoken are Wallonia and Brussels. These territories are characterized by a stable economy, a wide range of services and developed industrial enterprises. Brussels, as the administrative center of the European Union, is home to international organizations, consulting companies and start-ups, which often look for employees with French. In Wallonia, popular vacancies for French in Belgium are in such industries as mechanical engineering, agro-industrial complex and logistics.

The French find it easier to adapt to these regions due to the absence of a language barrier. Many employers prefer employees who can work in the native language of the region. This is especially important in the service, trade and healthcare sectors. In addition, a French diploma is often recognized in Belgium without the need for nostrification, which makes it much easier to find a job.

Brussels offers a unique career perspective due to the opportunity to work in an international environment. For example, the EU headquarters or embassies often require specialists with French. Wallonia is more suitable for those who are looking for stability and are ready to work in a less dynamic, but cozy and calm region.

Tip: French people looking for work in Belgium are advised to study the specifics of the labor laws of both regions. For example, in Brussels, flexible hours and remote work opportunities are more common, while in Wallonia, stable vacancies require fixed hours.

Another useful tip is to use both French and Belgian job search platforms, such as Pôle Emploi and Forem. An added benefit would be to contact local professional associations, which often host events and seminars for job seekers.

Fact: Wallonia has a professional reorientation program that allows you to obtain a new qualification free of charge. French citizens with a residence permit in Belgium can benefit from this program on an equal basis with local residents.

The choice of region depends on the goals. If fast career growth and international experience are important, it is better to pay attention to Brussels. For those looking for a measured rhythm of life and stability, Wallonia will be the ideal option.