Work in Belgium for Czechs: vacancies and employment tips

Belgium is becoming an increasingly popular destination for Czechs looking for work abroad. The country’s appeal is due to its stable economy, decent working conditions and a variety of vacancies in industries such as construction, agriculture and IT. Find out which professions are most in demand, how to look for a job correctly and what you need for a successful move. This guide will help you take a confident step towards starting a new career in the heart of Europe.

Directions for work in Belgium

Belgium offers Czechs many directions for building a successful career. High salaries, decent working conditions and a European work culture make this country particularly attractive. Czechs find here the opportunity for professional growth, as well as stability that is difficult to find elsewhere. The main directions for employment are varied and cover the most sought-after industries.

Popular professions for Czech residents in Belgium:

• Construction and renovation: Czechs are in demand as skilled builders, masons and carpenters due to their high quality work and competitive prices.
• Agriculture: Seasonal farm work, harvesting and cultivating the land are popular among migrant workers. This is a job for foreigners in Belgium
• Transportation and logistics: Truck drivers and warehouse workers find stable work thanks to high demand for logistics services.
• Medicine and nursing: Elderly care and hospital work remain in demand for experienced professionals.
• Engineering and IT: Technical and IT professionals are valued for their skills in innovative projects.

According to the latest data, there are about 15 thousand Czechs working in the country, which is a significant part of labor migrants from Central Europe. They successfully integrate into various sectors of the economy, creating a positive image of Czech workers.

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Advice:

Before moving, it is important to research local labor laws and skill requirements for your profession.

Ways to find a job

To successfully find employment in Belgium, it is important for Czechs to start with a well-written resume that highlights your strengths. It is also worth exploring the available platforms for searching for vacancies, from official websites to specialized agencies. Each of these solutions has its own features that will help you find the right job. Let’s look at the main methods available to residents of the Czech Republic to find work in Belgium.

Ways to find legal work in Belgium:

1. Job sites
   • EURES: European Jobs Portal. Official website: ec.europa.eu/eures. Free access.
   • Indeed Belgium: Popular international platform. Website: be.indeed.com. Services are free.
   • StepStone Belgium: Platform for professionals. Website: stepstone.be. Free registration, paid premium services.
2. Employment agencies
   • Randstad Belgium: Temporary and permanent employment services. Address: Rue Colonel Bourg 122, 1140 Brussels. Phone: +32 2 506 60 00. Free for applicants.
   • Adecco Belgium: Job openings in various sectors. Address: Place du Champ de Mars 5, 1050 Brussels. Phone: +32 2 549 90 00.
3. State employment services
   • VDAB: Job search service in Flanders. Website: vdab.be. Free access.
   • Forem: Platform for Wallonia. Website: forem.be. Free access.
4. Private recruitment agencies
   • Specializes in recruiting personnel for international companies. Services may be paid.

According to Eurostat, the country has a high level of labor migration, and Czechs are increasingly choosing this country to build a career. In addition to traditional ways of finding remote work, social networks such as LinkedIn and personal contacts remain effective tools. If you know people who have a full-time job in Belgium, they can provide useful information and even recommendations.

An article about charities in Belgium.

Interesting fact:

Employers place great emphasis on language skills, especially French, Dutch or English, depending on the region.

Applying for a work visa

To work in Belgium, Czech citizens need to apply for a work visa. This process involves collecting documents, interacting with the employer, and submitting an application to the consulate. Understanding the steps and requirements will make it much easier to obtain a work permit and legalize your status. Follow the recommendations to avoid delays and mistakes. Also, learn about the working conditions in Belgium.

Stages of obtaining a work visa:

1. Collection of necessary documents
   • International passport (valid for at least 6 months).
   • Employment contract with the employer.
   • Completed visa application form.
   • Qualification documents: diplomas, certificates.
   • Proof of financial solvency.
   • Submission address: Embassy in Prague.
   • Website: www.belgium.cz .
   • Phone: +420 234 123 456.
   • Visa cost: 60–80 euros.
2. Obtaining a work permit
   • The employer submits an application to the Federal Employment Service of the country.
   • Review period: from 2 to 8 weeks.
3. Submitting an application to the consulate
   • Submission of all collected documents to the Belgian Embassy.
   • Review period: up to 15 working days.
4. Waiting for a decision and obtaining a visa
   • Notification of visa readiness is sent to email.

If you have been refused a work visa, do not panic. Carefully study the reasons for the refusal, correct the deficiencies and re-apply. Sometimes, consulting an immigration lawyer can also help. This will help you get a job in Belgium.

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Advice:

Check your passport’s validity in advance to avoid refusal due to formal reasons.

Stages of employment registration

For Czechs who decide to get a job in Belgium, it is important to take into account all the stages of paperwork. This process may seem complicated, but with the right preparation it will be much easier. Each step, from searching for vacancies to obtaining a work permit, requires attention and a clear understanding of the procedures. Follow the recommendations to avoid unnecessary delays and mistakes.

Stages of employment registration in detail:

1. Job search
   • Addresses: Use job search platforms such as EURES (https://ec.europa.eu/eures ) or VDAB (https://www.vdab.be ).
2. Preparation of documents
   • Where to do it. Translation agencies and notary offices.
   • Translation of a diploma – from 100 euros, certification – about 20 euros.
   • Waiting time: 2-5 days.
3. Obtaining a work permit
   • Immigration Service (https://dofi.ibz.be ).
   • 35–50 euros.
   • Waiting time: 2–6 weeks.
4. Registration in the local commune
   • Local commune where you live (addresses can be found at https://www.belgium.be ).
   • Free or up to 10 euros.
   • Waiting time: 1-2 weeks.
5. Opening a bank account
   • Any Belgian bank, such as BNP Paribas Fortis or KBC.
   • Waiting time. Immediately upon visiting the bank.
6. Health insurance
   • Where to apply. Private insurers or local health insurance funds.
   • Cost. From 80 euros per month.

Compliance with all the stages of registration significantly speeds up the process of employment in Belgium. Try to strictly follow the instructions and prepare all the documents in advance to avoid delays. If you are planning to move with your family, make sure that all family members are also registered in accordance with the requirements. Advance planning will save you nerves and time.

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Advice:

Knowing one of the official languages of Belgium significantly increases your chances of successful employment.

Salary overview

The salary level in Belgium for residents of the Czech Republic can vary significantly depending on the profession, work experience, qualifications and region. Salaries in the country are considered to be among the highest in Europe, which attracts specialists from abroad. However, in order to receive a competitive salary, it is important to take into account the requirements of the labor market and comply with local standards. This article presents salary data for popular professions and aspects of the tax system.

Salaries by profession for Czechs and locals (in euros, before taxes):

The country has a progressive tax system, where the tax rate depends on the level of income. On average, 25% to 50% of wages are withheld, including income tax and social contributions. This must be taken into account when calculating the final income. However, in return, workers receive access to quality social services, including health care and pension provision.

Advice:

Knowing French or Dutch can help you get a higher-paying job in Belgium.

FAQ on job search in Belgium for Czechs

1. Do you need to know languages to work in Belgium?
   Yes, knowledge of English or one of the official languages (French, Dutch or German) significantly increases your chances of successful employment.
2. What documents are required to find a job?
   You will need a current resume, a cover letter, translated and certified copies of diplomas, and a valid passport.
3. Where to look for vacancies?
   To look for a job, you can use international platforms such as EURES (https://ec.europa.eu/eures ), as well as Belgian sites such as VDAB (https://www.vdab.be ), Le Forem (https://www.leforem.be ), or Actiris (https://www.actiris.be ).
4. Do I need a work permit?
   Yes, Czech residents need a work permit in Belgium, unless you fall into a category of persons exempt from this requirement (e.g. qualified specialists).
5. How to apply for a work permit?
   The employer submits an application to the Immigration Service. You will receive the permit after approval.
6. Which industries are most in demand?
   The most in-demand industries include IT, engineering, medicine, logistics, construction and agriculture.
7. Can I work remotely from the Czech Republic?
   Remote work is possible, but it is important to clarify with the employer the tax conditions and the legality of this type of work.
8. What is the salary level in Belgium?
   The average salary in Belgium is around 3,500 euros gross per month. The exact amount depends on the industry, position and skill level.
9. Do I need to have health insurance?
   Yes, it is mandatory to have health insurance. Without it, it is impossible to access health services.
10. How do I know if my future employer is legitimate?
    Check the company in the Belgian business register Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (https://kbopub.economie.fgov.be/ ).
11. Is there help for immigrants to find a job?
    Yes, you can contact organizations such as EURES or local employment offices in Belgium, which will provide you with support in finding a job.
12. How to avoid scams?
    Never send money for “guaranteed employment” and always check employers through official sources.
13. Can I work in Belgium with a Czech diploma?
    Yes, but in some cases the diploma will need to be nostrified for recognition in Belgium.
14. What is the preferred CV format in Belgium?
    Use the European CV format (Europass), which is the most familiar to Belgian employers.
15. How to get a residence permit for work?
    After employment, the employer helps to obtain a residence permit. To do this, you need to register with the local commune.