New horizons: work in Belgium for Ukrainians

In recent years, Belgium has become an increasingly attractive destination for Ukrainian citizens seeking to find work abroad. The country offers a variety of employment opportunities in various sectors, from agriculture to services. It is no surprise that many Ukrainians view Belgium as a promising place to develop their careers and improve their quality of life. In this article, we will look at the key aspects of working in Belgium for Ukrainians, including employment conditions, in-demand professions, and job search tips.

The Belgian Labor Market for Ukrainians

Working in Belgium for Ukrainians has become a hot topic, especially after recent events that have affected migration. Belgium offers many employment opportunities, making it an attractive destination for Ukrainians looking for new horizons. However, in order to successfully adapt to local conditions, it is important to understand the specifics of the labor market in this country.

Features of the labor market for Ukrainians:

• Ease of obtaining work visas. In the context of the war in Ukraine, the Belgian government simplified the process of obtaining work permits for Ukrainians.
• Popular areas of employment. Ukrainians most often find work in agriculture, construction and services.
• Language barriers. Knowledge of English or French significantly increases the chances of successful employment.
• Social security system. Ukrainians have the right to social guarantees, which makes working in Belgium more attractive.
• Support from local organizations. There are various programs and organizations that help Ukrainians adapt to a new place.

Working in Belgium for Ukrainians offers promising opportunities, but requires some preparation and knowledge. Understanding the local labor market will help avoid possible difficulties. It is important to actively study the requirements and adapt to the local culture in order to successfully integrate into society and find a suitable job.

Interesting fact:

Belgium has one of the highest minimum wages in Europe, making it attractive to foreign workers.

Conditions for employment

Working in Belgium for Ukrainians opens up many opportunities in various industries. However, in order to successfully find a job, it is necessary to take into account certain conditions. It is important to know what documents are needed for legal employment and what requirements employers have for Ukrainian candidates. The following conditions will help you better prepare for your job search in Belgium.

Conditions for citizens of Ukraine:

• Possession of a valid visa or work permit.
• Knowledge of one of the official languages of Belgium (Dutch, French, German).
• Availability of medical insurance valid in Belgium.
• Proof of qualifications and work experience (if required).
• Willingness to undergo an interview and provide references from previous employers.

In general, working in Belgium for Ukrainians requires compliance with several important conditions, but with the right preparation and knowledge, the employment process can be significantly simplified. It is important to take into account the requirements of local legislation and be prepared for competition in the labor market. Support from local organizations and the Ukrainian diaspora can also play a significant role in a successful job search.

Advice:

Research local employment agencies to find out about job openings and working conditions in Belgium.

Required documents and visa requirements

Working in Belgium for Ukrainians requires compliance with certain visa conditions and the availability of necessary documents. The situation in the country requires applicants to take a careful approach to preparation in order to avoid problems with employment. In this section, we will consider in detail what documents and visas are required for Ukrainian citizens to legally work in Belgium.

List of required documents and visa conditions:

1. Passport of a citizen of Ukraine. The main document that must be valid for the entire period of work in Belgium.
2. Entry visa. Depending on the purpose of the trip and the length of stay, a visa may be required. For example, for short-term trips up to 90 days, a Schengen visa is suitable.
3. Work permit. Most categories of work require a work permit, which can be obtained by either the employee or the employer.
4. Documents confirming employment. This may be a contract with an employer or a job offer that confirm the purpose of your visit.
5. Health insurance. Mandatory requirement to obtain a visa and to cover medical expenses during your stay in Belgium.
6. Financial documents: Documents proving that you have the means to live in Belgium, such as bank statements.
7. Certificate of no criminal record. Sometimes you may need to provide a certificate of no criminal record, which confirms that you have no criminal cases.
8. Required for visa and work permit applications.
9. Language certificates: In some cases, proof of basic knowledge of one of the official languages of Belgium (Dutch, French or German) may be required.

Working in Belgium for Ukrainians requires serious preparation and understanding of visa conditions. Compliance with all the above requirements will significantly simplify the employment process and help avoid unnecessary complications. Do not forget about the need to submit documents on time and seek help from professionals if you have any difficulties.

Advice:

Remember that careful preparation of documents is the key to successful employment and comfortable living in Belgium.

Rights and obligations of foreign workers in Belgium

Working in Belgium for Ukrainians requires an understanding of local laws and labor regulations. Belgium sets clear rights for foreign workers, including regarding wages, workplace safety, and vacation. However, to work successfully here, it is important to know not only your rights but also your responsibilities to avoid problems with labor authorities.

Rights:

• The right to safe and healthy working conditions.
• Receiving fair and timely payment for work according to the contract.
• Access to health insurance and social benefits.
• The right to annual leave and sick leave.
• Protection from discrimination based on nationality or citizenship.

Responsibilities:

• Compliance with established norms and rules in the workplace.
• Performing work efficiently and on time in accordance with job descriptions.
• Notifying the employer of any changes that affect job duties.
• Completion of mandatory safety briefings.
• Timely submission of documents for extension of work permit.

Working in Belgium for Ukrainians becomes safer and more profitable when you know your rights and responsibilities. Following the rules helps avoid misunderstandings and protects against potential labor disputes. Local trade unions and government organizations also provide support to make the experience of working in Belgium more secure and effective.

Tip:
Always clarify the details of the employment contract before starting work to avoid possible misunderstandings in the future.

Popular Employment Sectors

Work in Belgium for Ukrainians attracts attention due to the many vacancies in various sectors. Among the most popular areas, you can find both seasonal and long-term options that help Ukrainians effectively adapt to life abroad. Below, we will consider what professions are most often offered by employers in Belgium, and what skills may be required in popular sectors.

Popular sectors:

• Agriculture. Offers many seasonal jobs, such as fruit and vegetable picking and farm work. Ukrainians are often attracted to work in this sector, especially during the seasonal months.
• Logistics and warehousing. There is a constant demand for workers to pack, load and sort goods in warehouses and distribution centers. This work requires attention to detail and basic skills in operating warehouse equipment.
• Production lines. There are many vacancies in factories that require workers to assemble and pack products. You can often find offers from companies that produce food products, electronics, and consumer goods.
• In Belgium, workers in construction professions are in demand: masons, carpenters, plumbers and electricians. This work is suitable for those who already have experience and qualifications.
• Hotel business and cleaning. This includes work in the service sector: cleaning, reception support, help in the kitchen in restaurants and cafes. Suitable for those who are ready to work with clients and are ready for physically active work.
• Elderly care and social services. In recent years, there has been a growing demand for workers who care for the elderly and people with disabilities. Jobs for social workers and caregivers typically require experience and basic language skills to communicate with patients.

The employment sector in Belgium offers Ukrainians a lot of opportunities. It is important to consider that work in these areas may require adaptation, but every year the conditions and support for foreign employees are improving. From agriculture to social services – almost everyone can choose the right direction.

Advice:

Consider learning the basics of a language to improve your chances of finding a job in a suitable sector and speed up your adaptation.

Step-by-step guide to finding a job

For Ukrainians planning to work in Belgium, the employment path may seem complicated, but following a simple step-by-step process can simplify the entire process. Work in Belgium for Ukrainians is in demand in a variety of fields, including both highly skilled and blue-collar jobs. Knowing how to prepare a quality resume, where to look for vacancies, and how to prepare for an interview can significantly increase your chances of successful employment.

Recommendations for creating a resume and cover letter
To attract the attention of employers, the resume should be concise and structured. Include your work experience, key skills, education, as well as personal qualities that can distinguish you from other candidates. The cover letter is also important – it allows you to demonstrate your interest in the vacancy and motivation. It is important to adapt the cover letter to the specific position and the company you are applying to.

Where to look for vacancies: websites, agencies, social networks
The most popular websites for job search in Belgium include Indeed, LinkedIn and local platforms such as VDAB. It is also useful to contact professional employment agencies that work with foreigners. Being active on social networks such as LinkedIn and communicating directly with employers can also help.

There are major job search platforms and agencies available in Belgium:

1. Actiris is the public employment service for Brussels, with vacancies for all qualifications.
   • Website: www.actiris.brussels
   • Phone: +32 2 800 42 42
2. Forem is an agency for the Walloon region, providing employment opportunities for local and foreign workers.
   • Website: www.leforem.be
   • Phone: +32 800 93 947
3. VDAB is the Flemish employment service that supports the posting of CVs and job search assistance.
   • Website: www.vdab.be
   • Phone: +32 2 506 11 11
4. Randstad and Adecco are international recruiting companies that offer support in finding vacancies in the logistics, manufacturing and services sectors.
   • Randstad: www.randstad.be
   • Adecco: www.adecco.be
5. EURES is a pan-European job portal with offers from all over Europe, including Belgium, searchable in different languages.
   • Website: eures.europa.eu

Some jobs are not posted on public sites, so connecting with potential employers on social media can expand your options.

How to prepare for an interview and communication with employers
Before the interview, it is important to conduct research on the company and familiarize yourself with its activities. Prepare a brief description of your achievements and experience that will be interesting for this position. Practice answers to possible questions and pay attention to the company culture. Knowing basic phrases in Dutch or French will also add points to your interview and show your motivation to adapt.

Following these recommendations, job search in Belgium for Ukrainians will become more structured and effective. Confidence, a well-thought-out resume and a targeted search for vacancies will help you on the way to successful employment. Also keep in mind that employers in Belgium highly value honesty and openness, which can play into your hands in the communication process.

Advice:

Update your resume and social media profile regularly, even if you’re already employed, so you’ll always be prepared for new opportunities.

Average salary level for Ukrainians

Ukrainians coming to work in Belgium can expect decent salaries, although income depends on the profession, level of qualification and experience. On average, salaries for foreigners in unskilled positions are lower than for Belgian specialists, but this may vary depending on the sector and region. The table below shows the difference in salaries between Ukrainians and local specialists, reflecting data on the most in-demand professions.

Profession	Average salary for Ukrainians (€)	Average salary for Belgians (€)
Cleaner	1,800 – 2,000	2,000 – 2,200
Farm worker	1,900 – 2,100	2,100 – 2,500
Cook	2,100 – 2,300	2,500 – 3,000
Cashier	1,800 – 2,000	2,000 – 2,200
Warehouse worker	2,000 – 2,200	2,300 – 2,600
Plumber	2,300 – 2,500	2,800 – 3,200
Truck driver	2,000 – 2,200	2,500 – 3,000
Electrician	2,300 – 2,500	3,000 – 3,300
Waiter	1,800 – 2,000	2,100 – 2,300
Salesman	1,900 – 2,100	2,200 – 2,400

Average salaries in Belgium for Ukrainians, especially in unskilled positions, remain competitive, given social guarantees and working conditions. At the same time, foreign specialists can count on support from a number of agencies and programs, which contributes to more comfortable employment.

Advice:

Learning a language and gaining experience will help you reach higher-paying positions.

Peculiarities of integration of Ukrainians in Belgium

Ukrainians who come to work or permanently live in Belgium face a number of peculiarities in the integration process, which include cultural, linguistic and administrative aspects. Belgium is a country with three official languages (Dutch, French and German), and knowledge of one of them significantly facilitates adaptation, especially in the professional and social spheres. Local authorities and public organizations also provide support, including language courses, assistance with employment and legal advice, which greatly facilitates this process.

Key integration features:

• Language barrier: Most vacancies require basic knowledge of the local language, but for Ukrainians working in international companies or in areas with high employment of foreigners, English may be sufficient.
• Support from NGOs: Many Ukrainian and Belgian organizations provide language courses, cultural adaptation, and legal assistance. For example, organizations such as the Humanitarian Center for Ukrainians help with integration through adaptation programs.
• Cultural differences and socialization. Belgian culture is characterized by its calm, respect for personal space and formality in the professional environment. To integrate, Ukrainians are encouraged to participate in local cultural events and activities.
• Social protection system: Ukrainians may be entitled to social assistance, including benefits and health care, depending on their residency and employment status.

Integration in Belgium requires active participation and readiness to adapt to new conditions from Ukrainians, but access to resources and support greatly simplifies this process. It is important to note that knowledge of the language and active interaction with local residents significantly accelerate adaptation and open up more opportunities for professional growth.

Advice:

Participating in local cultural and social events will help you quickly settle in and make useful connections.

Prospects and trends for 2025

Belgium offers promising prospects for job seekers, especially in a growing labour market that is adapting to new demands and challenges. In 2025, automation and digitalisation are expected to be key trends. These processes will affect a wide range of industries, creating demand for both highly skilled and unskilled workers. This is particularly noticeable in the hospitality, agricultural and healthcare sectors, where there is a growing need for skilled workers and those willing to undergo on-site training.

Prospects and trends for 2025:

• Development of hybrid workplaces: office and remote work will increasingly be combined, opening up additional opportunities for migrants and Ukrainians.
• Growing demand in the social sector: The need for staff to care for the elderly and in healthcare is only increasing given the ageing population.
• Environmental Initiatives: Green economy, sustainable agricultural practices and environmental projects will become popular areas, opening up job opportunities in environmentally oriented industries.
• Demographic growth and the labour market: Growing demand for labour is creating opportunities for migrants in the construction, service and IT sectors.

Belgium remains a promising employment destination in 2025 thanks to the development of digitalization, ecology, and the increase in hybrid vacancies. This gives Ukrainians and other immigrants additional opportunities for labor integration and professional growth.